Gender-Affirming Care
Updated:Gender-affirming care refers to a range of social, psychological, behavioral, and medical interventions designed to support and affirm an individual's gender identity when it differs from their sex assigned at birth. This type of care is primarily focused on transgender and gender non-conforming individuals, aiming to alleviate gender dysphoria and improve overall well-being.
Gender-affirming care is personalized and can include various elements depending on the individual's needs, age, and desires. It may involve social transitioning (such as changing name and pronouns), hormone therapy, voice therapy, hair removal, and in some cases, gender confirmation surgeries.
Additional Information
The World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) provides standards of care that guide medical professionals in providing gender-affirming care. This care is based on the understanding that gender identity is a fundamental aspect of human diversity and that affirming one's gender can significantly improve mental health and quality of life.
It's important to note that not all transgender or gender non-conforming individuals will want or need all forms of gender-affirming care. The process is highly individualized and should be guided by the person's own goals and comfort level.
Examples
A transgender woman receiving hormone therapy to develop feminine secondary sex characteristics
A non-binary individual working with a therapist to explore their gender identity and determine what forms of gender expression feel most authentic to them