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

Trends in the Evolving FTM Community: Challenges for Clinical Providers

RACHLIN, KATHERINE U.S.A.
E-mail: KRachlin@aol.com

Individuals in the FTM community are a diverse group. Some members of the community are transsexual men. Other experience transgendered identities and may express their genders in unique and nontraditional ways. Existing published research and practice may not reflect current nontraditional FTM gender identities, gender expression, and goals for transition. This paper will address the ethical implications of two major trends in the evolving Transmasculine community. The first is that individuals are transitioning, or expressing trans identities, at younger ages. And the second is that individuals are requesting medical, social and legal services to fulfill nontraditional gender identities. If these trends continue, care providers will see younger people asking for surgery, hormones and privileges for a gender that is not rigidly or traditionally male or female. This circumstance requires proactive response from professionals who work with this population. This paper will review relevant guidelines in the Standards of Care and the Ethical Guidelines of HBIGDA. How do these existing guidelines support us in this work? What kind of research should we be initiating in order to answer the questions that arise from these circumstances? We must ensure that our professional standards evolve so that we will be responsive to clients while ensuring quality care and ethical practice.