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The Mystery of Gender Identity: What is Gender Incongruence and How Does It Affect You?
As society's understanding of gender identity and gender nonconformity grows, providing appropriate medical care becomes a life-threatening issue. Gender incongruence, the discrepancy between an individual's gender identity and their biological sex, can lead to a range of physical and mental health problems. Therefore, providing gender-affirming care is not only a challenge for the medical industry, but also an expression of social justice.
"Gender identity is not just a psychological state, it also involves social, cultural and even legal recognition."
The history of gender identity
Since the 1920s, the medical community has gradually deepened its discussion on gender identity. Many researchers have tried to break away from traditional gender frameworks, such as physician Magnus Hirschfeld's early work on gender incongruence, which opened the door to understanding gender fluidity. Unfortunately, under the shadow of Nazi Germany, his research results were suppressed, and many transgender people were persecuted as a result.
"The opening of Johns Hopkins Medical Center in 1966 marked an important milestone in the provision of transgender care."
The clinic closed in 1979 due to the change of new director. However, the pursuit of medical treatment for transgender people did not stop. It was not until 2010 that the restart of transgender medical treatment brought gender-affirming medical attention back to attention, and society's understanding and tolerance of gender identity was gradually deepening.
Gender variability in the medical community
Traditionally, gender incongruence was regarded as a medical condition until 2018 when the World Health Organization switched to the term "gender incongruence" in the International Classification of Diseases to describe gender-related mental health problems. . This change marks an advancement in the medical community’s understanding of gender diversity.
"While many people still face social discrimination and health risks associated with gender variation, gender-affirming medical treatment offers them a new hope."
Medical needs of transgender people
Gender-affirming medicine includes a range of medical services, such as hormone replacement therapy and gender-affirming surgery. The purpose of these services is to help transgender people achieve the physiological changes necessary for their gender identity. Standard medical procedures emphasize patient informed consent and recommend psychological evaluation before treatment.
"Although standard procedures are designed to provide safe medical services, many patients still face challenges during the process."
Effects of hormonal therapy
Hormonal therapy is critical for patients with gender non-conformity. For transgender women, the use of estrogen is key to promoting the development of female characteristics; while for transgender men, the use of androgens is required to promote the development of male characteristics. Although such treatments can significantly improve patients' quality of life, self-medication is still common and a lack of professional medical support can lead to health risks.
Considerations about Gender Affirmation Surgery
Gender affirmation surgery is a critical step in helping patients align their physical characteristics with their gender identity. Although surgery brings physical comfort to many transgender people, the needs and conditions for surgery are often fluid, and many patients may not meet all criteria.
“Research shows that transgender people who receive hormone therapy and gender-affirming surgery experience significant improvements in their mental health and quality of life.”
HIV risks faced by transgender people
The transgender community faces additional challenges when it comes to sexual health. According to research, the HIV infection rate among transgender women is several times higher than that among transgender men. This phenomenon reflects deeper social problems and health inequalities. Therefore, timely HIV screening and targeted prevention measures are very necessary.
Advocacy and support for transgender medical care
As awareness of the health needs of transgender people increases, more and more organizations are beginning to advocate and provide resources and support to help improve the medical and social environment for transgender people. This ranges from policy promotion to social awareness-raising, such as the efforts of the Transgender Law Center.
The phenomenon of gender inconsistency makes us rethink the traditional concept of gender. The needs of transgender people are not only related to personal health and happiness, but also an important indicator of social equity. As we face these issues, are you ready to change the way you think about gender identity and explore a more inclusive future?
