Based on the provided research, the increasing rates of people identifying as transgender are not due to a new social trend, but rather reflect greater societal acceptance and access to information, allowing individuals who have always existed to live openly and authentically. Here are the key themes that explain this phenomenon:

Greater Societal Acceptance and Reduced Stigma
Increased visibility and reduced discrimination have made it safer for people to explore and express their gender identity. As one user explains, "I'm sure the percentage of trans people is the same as it always has been but it's only in the last 20 years or so that it's been publicly acceptable to transition without being one of an almost universally hated minority of 'freaks.'" — countvonruckus source [citation:5aa2d63c-c115-4201-8a4c-7c56be756d67]

Historical Parallels, Like Left-Handedness
The rise in trans identification mirrors historical patterns, such as the increase in left-handed people once forced conformity ended. "Did you know that when society stopped trying to force all children to be right handed at school, the rate of left handed kids went up? It's not because they were following a trend, it's because they always existed in the population and we just stopped demonising them." — Original-Resolve8154 source [citation:b9cbb750-9fb2-4ca2-9ebd-2f3e7818e63b]

Role of the Internet and Information Access
Online resources and media attention have enabled people, especially younger generations, to understand themselves earlier. "If the Internet and all this information had been around when I was young, I'd have transitioned at 13. In 1984. They've drawn so much attention to the fact that trans people exist they have inadvertently opened the flood gates." — KUTTR- source [citation:788e23fb-bb35-489d-91ad-5866cb375280]

Underreporting in the Past Due to Fear
Many trans people historically hid their identities due to persecution, leading to inaccurate past statistics. "I do have to wonder if the numbers are accurate, given how much hate and persecution we face. Personally, I'd never tell a survey, even from a reputable source, that I was trans." — randomtransgirl93 source [citation:d5c82fb5-7fee-44c6-b8ac-1b31f369db3a]

Broader Understanding of Gender Identity
Increased awareness of diverse gender identities has allowed more people to find language that fits their experience. "Tons of labels gained popularity, so there are far more than I even know what they mean now." — admseven source [citation:58039c1b-7691-4df1-b2ee-9f2f77f2a4e1]

In summary, the rising number of people identifying as transgender reflects a long-existing population finally able to live truthfully, thanks to reduced stigma, greater awareness, and improved access to information—not a sudden increase in the number of trans people. This shift represents progress toward a more inclusive and understanding society.