diff --git a/code/datums/traits/negative.dm b/code/datums/traits/negative.dm
index da9b36cf25..364151f2a1 100644
--- a/code/datums/traits/negative.dm
+++ b/code/datums/traits/negative.dm
@@ -464,6 +464,7 @@ GLOBAL_LIST_EMPTY(family_heirlooms)
 
 /datum/quirk/monophobia/post_add()
 	var/mob/living/carbon/human/H = quirk_holder
+	monophobia = new
 	H.gain_trauma(monophobia, TRAUMA_RESILIENCE_ABSOLUTE)
 
 /datum/quirk/monophobia/remove()