XVII Harry Benjamin International Gender Dysphoria Association Symposium
31 October - 4 November 2001, Galveston, Texas, U.S.A.

The Construction, De-construction, and Re-construction of Gender Identity Mergers and the Power of Language

BLUMENSTEIN, ROSALYNE U.S.A
Co-author: Barbra Ann Perina (U.S.A)
E-mail: RMBlumenstein@aol.com

Goal: To develop more appropriate culturally sensitive language, understanding and interaction between the populations we are serving and the scientific/medical professions.

Synopsis: Within the 16 years since the inception of HBIGDA language describing the patients we serve has varied. HBIGDA has utilized terms like transsexual/transvestite depending on the strength of the pathology or uncomfortability to one’s medically perceived actual identity. In the DSMIII gender dysphoria was used. In the DSMIV the nomenclature became gender identity disorder. GID is now a current term used as well as transgender or "transgendered." When we utilize terms as cohorts, are we using these terms in effect to empower and/or support the communities we are serving, or are we using these terms for the sake of convenient categories? Self identity vs. referenced identity is the question of concern for this presentation. Transgender is now practical shorthand in describing non-normative genders (Valentine, Dissertation, NYC Department of Health DOH, Center for Disease Control CDC, Prevention Planning Group NYC PPG, Gender Working Group NYC Presbyterian Hospital, et al). The word transgender, be it noun or adjective, is now utilized to describe the populations we serve. However, the true complexity of gender and sex challenges us and the term "transgender", in itself, boxes people in. This does not support the diversity of the populations we are serving.