XVI Harry Benjamin International Gender Dysphoria Association Symposium
17 - 21 August 1999, London

Reflections on "Transsexualism and Sex Reassignment" 1969 -1999

The Changing Face of Gender in Support Systems for Sexual Minority Youth

Botzer, M., MA Ingersoll Gender Center 1812 East Madison, Suite 106; Seattle, WA 98122 USA

Health and social service providers serving urban populations are seeing more gender non-conforming clients and patients. In the particular area of outreach service to sexual minority youth, the number of individuals with variant gender presentations suggests changes in service planning and staff training. Gender identity experimentation among sexual minority youth includes Transsexual and Transgendered forms, but is not limited to these patterns. Support services can be offered alone, or in conjunction with psychotherapy; but are best proceeded by a survey of stakeholders. Direct access to service, such as support groups are accepting social activities, create conditions that help even in the absence of medical or therapeutic resources. Problems associated with class and income issues, homelessness and peer rejection require a number of responsive and low cost alternative services. Youth who remain in contact with services that offer help for gender concerns may show a higher level of comfort with other adolescent identity experimentation, but this observation requires more study.