Facts About Gender-Affirming Care
Understanding Gender-Affirming Care: Dispelling Myths and Embracing Individuality
Gender-affirming care is a broad term that refers to the various forms of care designed to help individuals align with their gender identity. Unfortunately, there are many misconceptions about what gender-affirming care entails. In this post, we aim to clarify these misconceptions and provide a better understanding of this vital aspect of healthcare.
The Three Types of Transition: Social, Medical, and Legal
When discussing gender-affirming care, it's important to distinguish between the three categories of transition: social, medical, and legal.
1. Social Transition
A social transition involves changes in how a person expresses their gender identity in their everyday life. This might include adopting a new name and/or pronouns, as well as altering one’s appearance through changes in clothing, hairstyle, or jewelry.
Generally, a social transition does not require the intervention of a medical or mental health professional. However, some individuals may choose to work with a mental health professional to process the emotional aspects of this transition. In any case, social transition is a crucial part of gender-affirming care.
2. Medical Transition
Medical transition includes gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT), surgeries, and other medical procedures designed to align a person’s body with their gender identity. These can include procedures like top surgery, vaginoplasty, phalloplasty, and laser hair removal, among others.
Some effects of GAHT may be partially reversible, while others are permanent. This is why it is essential for individuals to discuss their options in detail with a qualified medical provider, who can guide them through the process and help them make informed decisions.
Another aspect of medical transition for youth is the use of puberty blockers. Puberty blockers are typically prescribed to adolescents who have reached Tanner stage 2 in puberty. These medications give youth more time to explore their gender identity before undergoing the physical changes associated with puberty. Puberty blockers are fully reversible if discontinued and have been used in cisgender children with early onset puberty since the 1990s. It is recommended that puberty blockers not be used for more than two years due to potential health risks, particularly related to bone density.
3. Legal Transition
A legal transition involves changing one’s legal name and/or gender marker on official documents. The process and requirements for legal transition vary from state to state, so it's essential to research the specific regulations where you live. This often involves legal fees and, in some cases, a court appearance. In Pennsylvania, for example, the Eastern PA Trans Equity Project offers resources and assistance with legal name changes in some areas of the state.
Individualized Care: One Size Does Not Fit All
One of the most beautiful aspects of gender-affirming care is its flexibility—it can be tailored to meet the unique needs of each person. Not everyone chooses to pursue all three types of transition. For example, some individuals may opt for hormone therapy but choose not to pursue any surgical procedures. Others may want to undergo multiple surgeries but feel no need for a legal name change. The possibilities are as diverse as the individuals who seek care.
Addressing Common Misconceptions: Gender-Affirming Care is Safe and Effective
One of the most prevalent misconceptions about gender-affirming care is that it is dangerous or harmful. In fact, research shows that gender-affirming procedures have a less than 2% regret rate, meaning that at least 98% of individuals who undergo gender-affirming care report being satisfied with the results. This makes gender-affirming care one of the most successful forms of medical care, with outcomes that are consistently positive.
Gender-affirming hormone therapy is closely monitored through regular blood tests to ensure safety and effectiveness, and surgeries are performed by highly trained medical professionals. The idea that gender-affirming care is inherently harmful is not supported by medical evidence.
It’s also worth noting that cisgender individuals have access to similar types of care without facing the same barriers. For example, cisgender men with low testosterone can access hormone therapy, and cisgender women can pursue breast augmentation without needing approval from a mental health professional. The difference is that transgender individuals often face additional obstacles, including societal stigma and healthcare barriers, which can complicate access to necessary care.
Why Gender-Affirming Care Matters
Ultimately, gender-affirming care is a safe, individualized, and effective way to help people live in alignment with their gender identity. It is essential to ensure that this care is accessible to all who need it. That’s why at First Brick Counseling, we offer gender-affirming letter evaluations without the requirement of ongoing sessions for adults ages 18 and older. This helps individuals navigate the process with greater ease and confidence, knowing they have support every step of the way.
By dispelling myths and providing accurate information, we hope to empower individuals to make informed choices about their gender journey—whatever that may look like for them.