Supporting transgender children: new legal, social, and medical approaches

J Homosex. 2012;59(3):422-33. doi: 10.1080/00918369.2012.653311.

Abstract

The author, a lawyer who advocates for transgender children and youth, explores how clinical approaches to transgender children and youth are keeping pace with social and legal changes affecting these young people and with recent evidence suggesting that children are harmed by family and societal rejection as well as by attempts to change their gender identity or gender expression. The author urges providers and legal advocates to work with policymakers and the families of transgender children and youth to create a future in which these young people can reach their full potential and be embraced as fully equal, respected, and participating members of society.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Female
  • Gender Identity
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Patient Rights / legislation & jurisprudence
  • Prejudice
  • Self Concept
  • Social Justice
  • Social Support
  • Transsexualism* / psychology
  • Transsexualism* / therapy