DSM-IV Classification of Gender Nonconforming Children The DSM-IV lists the following diagnostic criteria for the currently listed diagnosis of Gender Identity Disorder or GID (PsychNet-UK, n.d.): I.     A strong persistent cross-gender identification (not merely a desire for any perceived cultural advantages of being the other sex). In children, the disturbance is manifested by four (or more) of the following: Repeatedly stated desire to be, or insistence that he or she is, the other sex. In boys, preference for cross-dressing or simulating female attire; In girls, insistence on wearing only stereotypical masculine clothing. Strong and persistent preferences for cross-sex roles in [...]

Trans identity is about bodies. Before you rant/run away, hear me out. Gender identity is located in the brain, spirit, soul.  Gender expression is about phenotype — what we look like — both stuff we can change easily, like clothes and hairstyle, and stuff we can’t, like body parts.  And trans identity is about the body.  Because trans (across) implies that we’re crossing over something, that we’re at cross purposes with something.  Trans is about being different from the body we started with.  Trans is about crossing the tracks, crossing the lines, crossing over/into/away from. Imagine for a moment a [...]

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Introduction The first question any expectant parent is asked is, is it a boy or a girl. This question speaks to the socially accepted binary gender system deeply ingrained into American culture, which goes unquestioned by a majority of those living within its borders. And yet, recent studies have found that the prevalence of affirmed female (MTF) trans/gender variant identified individuals alone is between 1:500 and 1:250 (TransActive, n.d.). When you include FTM identified individuals and all those who identity as genderqueer and non-gendered that would indicate that while still in the minority, gender nonconforming individuals are not uncommon. This [...]