Gender Care

Although gender was once thought to be synonymous with sex, it is now recognized to be a complex entity, independent of hormones, genitalia, and the chromosomes and genes which define sex. As recognition and acceptance of the transgender population increases, more individuals have begun to take steps at a younger age to facilitate alignment of their role in society with their gender identity. Caring for a gender diverse youth involves a multidisciplinary approach with mental health providers and medical providers as well as social workers, family involvement if relevant, and community engagement. A key feature of gender care is its highly individualized nature. Although two people may have a similar gender identity on paper, they may have dramatically different goals and they may seek different combinations of social transition, medical transition, and surgical transition.