Gender is an important aspect of human existence that has been studied extensively in various fields of study. Gender care involves providing services to individuals who do not identify with their assigned gender at birth, such as transgender people, intersex individuals, non-binary people, etc., so they can live more comfortably and safely in society.
It is essential for these individuals to have autonomy over their bodies and identities without interference from societal norms. This paper will explore how medical models coexist with self-determination and personal identity in gender care. The first section examines how some individuals perceive themselves to be male/female regardless of physical characteristics, while others are born with ambiguous genitalia or chromosomal abnormalities. The second section discusses how traditional medicine often focuses on physical changes instead of psychological wellbeing. The third section looks into the history of LGBTQ+ rights movements and how they have influenced medical practices regarding gender care.
The fourth section outlines steps taken towards creating a safe environment for individuals seeking gender care services.
Section One: Sexual Differentiation and Personal Identity
Sexual differentiation refers to the process by which humans develop male or female characteristics during gestation. It begins around the sixth week after conception when sex hormones start developing. Genetic makeup determines whether an individual becomes male or female, while environmental factors play a role in secondary sexual development (Sax 2014). At birth, infants may present with ambiguous genitalia due to incomplete development or other factors. These individuals face challenges navigating life because they may feel pressure to conform to societal expectations based on their external appearance (Riley et al. 2021).
Section Two: Traditional Medicine's Focus on Physical Changes
Traditional medicine has focused on changing one's physical features rather than addressing mental health concerns associated with gender dysphoria. Hormone therapy is commonly prescribed to transgender people who want to transition from one gender to another. Surgery may also be necessary if an individual wants to change certain body parts that do not match their desired identity (Ehrbar & Baumle 2017).
These procedures carry risks such as infection, scarring, and complications from anesthesia. They are costly, too, which means not everyone can afford them (Klein 2016). This approach does not consider an individual's psychological wellbeing but instead focuses on meeting societal norms for what it means to be masculine/feminine.
Section Three: LGBTQ+ Rights Movements and Medical Practices
LGBTQ+ rights movements have influenced medical practices regarding gender care by pushing for greater inclusion and acceptance of diverse identities.
Intersex activists campaigned against forced genital surgeries performed on infants born with atypical sex characteristics without consent. Their efforts led to laws banning such operations in several countries (Wallis et al. 2019). Transgender individuals advocated for access to hormonal treatments, which helped them feel more comfortable in their bodies. Gender-affirming surgeries became available, allowing them to align their appearance with their internal feelings (Riley et al. 2021). These developments show how patient autonomy has become a priority over traditional medicine's physical changes emphasis.
Section Four: Creating a Safe Environment for Individuals Seeking Gender Care Services
To create a safe environment for individuals seeking gender care services, healthcare providers must respect their privacy and confidentiality. They should avoid using nonbinary pronouns or misgendering patients when referring to them (Sax 2014). Providers must also understand each person's unique needs and preferences rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach. Providing counseling and support groups can help individuals navigate the transition process while affirming their identity through hormone therapy or surgery (Ehrbar & Baumle 2017). It is essential that providers educate themselves on LGBTQ+ issues to better serve this vulnerable population (Riley et al. 2021).
This paper examined medical models coexisting with self-determination and personal identity in gender care. The first section explored sexual differentiation and personal identity, highlighting how some people do not conform to societal expectations of what it means to be male/female. The second section discussed how traditional medicine focuses solely on physical changes instead of psychological wellbeing. The third section outlined how LGBTQ+ rights movements influenced medical practices regarding gender care by prioritizing patient autonomy.
The fourth section looked into creating a safe environment for individuals seeking gender care services by respecting their privacy and understanding their individual needs. These efforts are necessary for providing quality care without compromising an individual's freedom to live authentically.
Can medical models coexist with self-determination and personal identity in gender care?
The medical model of gender care focuses on physical changes through hormone therapy and surgery, while self-determination and personal identity emphasizes mental and emotional wellbeing. This creates an apparent tension between the two approaches, but they can be reconciled by recognizing that both are important factors in achieving optimal outcomes for individuals seeking gender care.