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‘Washington Monthly’ and transgender people

Washington Monthly is an American media organization. Its transgender coverage is generally fair and accurate, although they have featured anti-trans articles by Sally Satel and others.

Background

Washington Monthly is an American political magazine founded in 1969 by Charles Peters, a former aide to Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan. Washington Monthly focuses on public policy, governance, and institutional performance, with an emphasis on practical outcomes rather than partisan alignment.

The magazine became known for its long-form, analytical reporting and for evaluating how well government agencies, Congress, the media, and other institutions functioned in practice. During the 1970s and 1980s, Washington Monthly gained influence in policy circles for its investigative articles and detailed examinations of bureaucratic effectiveness. Its coverage expanded to include education, economics, and regulatory policy through a lens of accountability and evidence-based reform.

In the 2000s, Washington Monthly increased its online presence while continuing to publish a print edition. Ownership and editorial leadership changed after Peters stepped down in 2001.

Contributors

Contributors who have covered or mentioned trans topics include:

Trans coverage

In 2025, Washington Monthly profiled trans YouTuber Natalie Wynn.

Anti-trans coverage

In 2024, Washington Monthly published a piece by anti-trans activist Sally Satel criticizing the book Gender-Affirming Psychiatric Care published by the American Psychiatric Association.

Selected publications

Kim, Anne; Martin,  Gillen Tener (November 5, 2025). A One-Woman Stand Against Conspiracists. YouTuber Natalie Wynn spent a year immersing herself in the conspiracy theories wrecking our politics. Now, she’s sharing what she’s learned. Washington Monthly https://washingtonmonthly.com/2025/11/05/natalie-wynn-contrapoints-one-woman-stand-against-conspiracists/

Satel, Sally (February 13, 2024). A Textbook Case of Social Justice Medicine Run Amok. Washington Monthly https://washingtonmonthly.com/2024/02/13/gender-affirming-care-a-textbook-case-of-social-justice-run-amok/

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