Complexities Of Gender Identity Essay

The complexities of gender identity extend far beyond its definition—gender refers to the socially constructed roles assigned to biological sex. Non-binary gender identity, also referred to as being transgender, is a complex and highly misunderstood concept. Transgender people are typically born with male or female anatomy but from a young age feel born in the incorrect body. Someone who was born of the female sex may identify as a man, and therefore they consider themselves of a transgender. Aside for experts in the academic fields of gender and sexuality, few professionals who encounter cases of complex gender identities are prepared for what it entails. Specifically, cases of young transgender children are often deemed illegitimate simply

In America, Evangelical religious groups have promoted methods of corrective behavioral therapy, however, scientific data proves that transgender children are more psychologically balanced “after transition.” Still, supporters of corrective therapy identify the process as a helpful method for children to avoid the painful futures that being transgender might introduce them to. Psychologist and sexologist Dr. Kenneth Zucker is one proponent of corrective therapy, citing that it can help prevent suicide, the expense of medical treatments, and social rejection (Skougard, 2011, p. 1178-9). One issue with Dr. Zucker’s theory is the ambiguity in the term phrase after transition: is medical transition necessary for one to be considered transgender? In terms of physiology, yes. However, it is still reported that the majority of transgender people do not have the fiscal means to clinically treat their gender dysphoria (Virupaksha, 2016, p. 21). Then, options such as pronoun reassignment for individuals experiencing gender dysphoria become more realistic ways to avoid the unwilling participation in conversion or corrective