I’ve always been interested in the topic of Gender Dysphoria (GD) and Conversion Therapy. I am noticing many are making sweeping statements on GD and what the implications for youth are. I wanted to explore the topic more with one of the most well-renowned researchers and Clinical Psychologists on the topic: Ken Zucker.
Who is Ken Zucker?
Kenneth Zucker is a Canadian psychologist and researcher who has studied and treated gender identity issues, including gender dysphoria, for many years. He is known for his work in the field of gender identity development in children and adolescents, and his approach to treatment has been controversial.
Zucker is the former head of the Gender Identity Service at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) in Toronto, Canada, and has published numerous articles and books on gender identity development and treatment. His approach to treatment has been criticized by some in the transgender community who feel that his methods, which included encouraging children to conform to their assigned gender, were harmful and outdated.
In 2015, an external review of the CAMH gender identity clinic found that some of Zucker’s practices were not in line with current standards of care for transgender people, and he was subsequently dismissed from his position at the clinic. Since then, Zucker has continued to publish and speak on the topic of gender identity development and treatment, but his work remains controversial and continues to be the subject of debate in the scientific and transgender communities.
What is Gender Dysphoria?
Gender dysphoria is a medical term used to describe the distress or discomfort that some people experience when the gender they were assigned at birth does not match their gender identity. In other words, a person with gender dysphoria may feel that their biological sex (male or female) does not correspond to the gender they feel they are (male, female, or non-binary).
Gender dysphoria can manifest itself in a variety of ways, including feeling uncomfortable with one’s body, experiencing anxiety or depression related to gender identity, and feeling a strong desire to live as a gender different from the one assigned at birth.
It is important to note that gender dysphoria is not the same as being transgender. While many transgender people experience gender dysphoria, not all do, and experiencing gender dysphoria does not necessarily mean that someone is transgender. Gender dysphoria is considered a medical condition and can be treated through a variety of means, including therapy, hormone therapy, and gender-affirming surgery.
What are Some of the Behaviours Children Exhibit that May Lead to a Diagnosis of Gender Dysphoria?
Children who experience gender dysphoria may display a range of characteristics that indicate their discomfort or distress with the gender they were assigned at birth. These characteristics may include:
- A persistent and strong desire to be of the opposite gender or a gender that is different from the one assigned at birth.
- Strong feelings of discomfort, anxiety, or distress about their assigned gender.
- Preference for clothing, toys, or activities typically associated with the opposite gender.
- Insistence on being addressed by a name or pronoun that matches their gender identity, rather than their assigned gender.
- Rejection of clothing, toys, or activities typically associated with their assigned gender.
- Distress or discomfort about their physical body, especially during puberty.
- Social isolation or difficulty fitting in with peers of their assigned gender.
How can Parents Assess if their Child Should be Diagnosed with GD?
It can be difficult for parents to determine whether a child’s desire to be another gender is a sign of gender dysphoria or if it is part of normal childhood exploration and development. However, there are some signs that may help parents distinguish between a passing phase and a more persistent gender identity issue.
One way parents can gauge whether a child’s desire to be another gender is persistent or obsessive is to observe whether the child’s feelings and behaviors remain consistent over time. Children with gender dysphoria typically show a persistent and consistent desire to be of the opposite gender or a gender different from the one assigned at birth, whereas children who are simply exploring gender roles or experimenting with different gender expressions may have more fleeting interests.
Another way parents can assess their child’s gender identity is to pay attention to the level of distress or discomfort their child is experiencing. Children with gender dysphoria often experience significant distress and discomfort related to their gender identity, which can affect their mental health and well-being. In contrast, children who are simply curious about gender or exploring their gender identity may not experience significant distress.
Do Children Exhibit other Mental Health Issues with Gender Dysphoria?
Research suggests that children with gender dysphoria may be at increased risk for experiencing other mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, and behavioral problems. This is not to say that all children with gender dysphoria will experience these issues, or that these issues are caused by gender dysphoria itself. Rather, there may be underlying factors that contribute to both gender dysphoria and other mental health issues.
One possible explanation for the link between gender dysphoria and other mental health issues is the stress and social isolation that can come with being transgender or gender nonconforming. Transgender children may face bullying, harassment, and discrimination at school and in other settings, which can lead to feelings of anxiety and depression. Additionally, transgender children may face challenges in accessing appropriate medical care and support, which can also contribute to mental health issues.
Several studies have found that individuals with ASD are more likely to experience gender dysphoria than those without ASD. For example, a study published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders found that individuals with ASD were nearly seven times more likely to report gender dysphoria than individuals without ASD.
The reasons for this association are not yet clear. Some researchers suggest that both ASD and gender dysphoria may be linked to differences in brain development and functioning, particularly in areas related to social perception and identity. Other researchers suggest that individuals with ASD may be more likely to experience gender dysphoria because they are more likely to challenge societal norms and expectations related to gender.
What is Rapid Onset Gender Dysphoria (ROGD)?
The concept of Rapid Onset Gender Dysphoria (ROGD) has been controversial, with some researchers and clinicians arguing that it is a distinct subtype of gender dysphoria. Here are some of the arguments that have been put forward in favor of ROGD:
- A sudden onset of symptoms: Some clinicians and parents have reported that their child, who previously showed no signs of gender dysphoria, suddenly became distressed about their gender identity after spending time online or with a peer group that is highly supportive of transgender identities. They argue that this sudden onset of symptoms is evidence of a distinct subtype of gender dysphoria.
- Peer group influence: Some parents have reported that their child’s symptoms of gender dysphoria appeared to be influenced by their peer group, who were also experiencing gender dysphoria. They argue that this suggests that social factors may play a role in the development of gender dysphoria.
- High rates of medical intervention: Some clinicians have reported that adolescents who identify as transgender and experience ROGD often express a strong desire to undergo medical intervention, such as hormone therapy or gender-affirming surgeries. They argue that this rapid desire for medical intervention is concerning, and may indicate that these individuals are not receiving adequate psychological support and exploration of other treatment options.
- The need for further research: Some researchers argue that more research is needed to understand the nature and prevalence of ROGD, and to identify the best ways to support individuals who experience these symptoms. They argue that dismissing the concept of ROGD without further investigation could lead to inadequate care for individuals who are experiencing distress related to their gender identity.
Some researchers and clinicians have suggested that ROGD may be a distinct subtype of gender dysphoria that is characterized by a rapid onset of symptoms and a clustering of cases among peer groups. These individuals may express a desire to undergo medical transition, such as hormone therapy or gender-affirming surgeries, soon after identifying as transgender.
However, there is still ongoing debate and discussion about the validity of the concept of ROGD. Some experts have argued that the available evidence does not support the notion of ROGD as a distinct clinical entity, and that other factors, such as social contagion or a need for peer approval, may be driving some cases of gender dysphoria in adolescence.
