When Kids Want to Transition to Another Gender

52:31
at 9:00 AM
Save ArticleSave Article

Failed to save article

Please try again

This article is more than 5 years old.
SF.Funcheap.com provides lists of free and inexpensive events around San Francisco. (Photo: Sandra Collins)

According to the American Psychiatric Association, children as young as two can present with gender dysphoria, defined as a conflict between a person's assigned gender and that with which they identify. To many clinicians, and to parents of kids who persistently identify with the nonconforming gender, social transition -- which can include changing a child's name, preferred pronoun, or dress -- is the best way to ensure happiness and emotional well-being. But other experts worry that kids who socially transition too young may suffer adverse effects should they later change their minds about their gender identity. We'll explore the issues.

Related Links:

UCSF's Diane Ehrensaft on 'The Gender Creative Child'

Guests:

Jon Brooks, editor, KQED Science's "Future of You"

Diane Ehrensaft, developmental and clinical psychologist; author, "The Gender Creative Child: Pathways for Nurturing and Supporting Children who Live Outside Gender Boxes"

Jack Drescher, clinical professor of psychiatry, Columbia University; former member, American Psychiatric Association's DSM-5 Workgroup on Sexual and Gender Identity Disorders

Sponsored