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When news of political commentator Charlie Kirk’s death reached national headlines earlier this year, public conversation quickly expanded beyond the immediate details of his passing. In the weeks that followed, misinformation circulated widely online, eventually giving rise to a new and particularly harmful rumor involving both him and his wife, Erika Kirk.

At the center of this rumor is a term many people have never heard before: “transvestigating.” Though unfamiliar to most, it has quietly grown across fringe corners of social media. The term refers to an online conspiracy movement in which users claim — without evidence — that public figures are secretly transgender. These claims rely not on facts but on subjective interpretations of appearance, often rooted in outdated gender stereotypes. Over the years, figures such as Michelle Obama, Serena Williams, Lady Gaga, and Beyoncé have all been targeted in similar ways. These accusations have been repeatedly debunked and widely condemned as invasive, discriminatory, and entirely baseless.

Erika Kirk has recently become the latest target. Following her husband’s passing, her role at Turning Point USA placed her in a more visible public position. Increased visibility attracted increased scrutiny, and conspiracy-oriented accounts began circulating old pageant photos, using normal features — posture, shoulders, facial structure — as supposed “evidence” for unfounded claims. These accusations mirror the same pattern seen in earlier cases: cherry-picked images, exaggerated interpretations, and conclusions built on speculation rather than reality.

The “transvestigation” trend first gained traction around 2017, spreading through YouTube videos and anonymous forums. It thrives in online spaces where sensational content is rewarded, fact-checking is minimal, and communities build engagement through controversy. As a result, virtually any public figure can become a target.

Beyond personal harm, this trend contributes to a broader culture of misinformation, reinforcing stereotypes and encouraging harassment. Readers encountering such claims should remember: appearance is not evidence, unsourced accusations deserve skepticism, and sharing misinformation—even unintentionally—can cause real damage. Erika Kirk may be the latest target, but understanding how these narratives spread helps prevent their influence.