Transgender and Nonbinary Youths & Gender-Affirming Care
Transgender and Nonbinary Youths & Gender-Affirming Care
Another landmark study provides scientific proof of what we already know to be true.
Another landmark study provides scientific proof of what we already know to be true.
Explorations of gender identity and gender transitions are often difficult journeys for individuals, and their loved ones. It has become even more daunting as recent, dangerous anti-LGBTQ legislation is being enacted in several states like Florida and Texas, among others.
However, there is another side to where we are at this point in time. And, it is one that we feel is full of hope. Beyond the unmistakable rise in recognition by — and representation in — popular culture, studies by major institutions and notable researchers have recently been published that provide scientific proof about the benefits of gender-affirming care.
Congruent with the Stanford-led study that we’ve previously reported about, the findings of another landmark study were released just over a month ago: “Mental Health Outcomes in Transgender and Nonbinary Youths Receiving Gender-Affirming Care.” In identifying the top-line finding of this study, Gender Wellness of Los Angeles (GWLA) clinician Grace O’Connor, MA, LMFT sums it up succinctly: “Research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA)** shows that puberty blockers and gender-affirming hormones for transgender and nonbinary youth lower the risk of depression by over 60% and suicidality by over 70%.”
The results of this study are not surprising for us, based on the experience and care that GWLA continues to provide. Grace continues, “We’re committed to gender-affirming care and we’re in full support of organizations that provide this care to transgender and nonbinary youth as part of their development towards becoming happy, healthy and whole adults.”
[ **JAMA is an international peer-reviewed general medical journal, the most widely circulated medical journal in the world. ]
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Associate Jordyn Serwin, MA, AMFT also chimes in:
“The study authors appear to highlight a correlation I have observed anecdotally with regard to the essential role of puberty blockers and/or gender-affirming hormones. These medical interventions help to improve mental health outcomes for gender-expansive individuals, including transgender and non-binary youth. It follows accordingly that either pausing the onset of gender-incongruent physical changes, or promoting more-affirming physical changes, would correspond with observable decreases in risk for depression, suicidality, and other conditions. Per the authors’ findings, this does indeed seem to be the case.”
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After decades of working with clients — and, in some cases, with their families — to address rapid onset gender dysphoria, our belief in the benefits of gender-affirming medical interventions, like puberty blockers and HRT, is consistent with the certainty that is reflected in this study. That said, it is not an automatic recommendation for every client and consideration is given on a case-by-case basis, after a thorough assessment is completed from a clinical and family systems perspective. Ultimately, this care is administered under the close supervision of a endocrinologist or other physician — and GWLA therapists consult closely with all relevant medical professionals.
Explorations of gender identity and gender transitions are often difficult journeys for individuals, and their loved ones. It has become even more daunting as recent, dangerous anti-LGBTQ legislation is being enacted in several states like Florida and Texas, among others.
However, there is another side to where we are at this point in time. And, it is one that we feel is full of hope. Beyond the unmistakable rise in recognition by — and representation in — popular culture, studies by major institutions and notable researchers have recently been published that provide scientific proof about the benefits of gender-affirming care.
Congruent with the Stanford-led study that we’ve previously reported about, the findings of another landmark study were released just over a month ago: “Mental Health Outcomes in Transgender and Nonbinary Youths Receiving Gender-Affirming Care.” In identifying the top-line finding of this study, Gender Wellness of Los Angeles (GWLA) clinician Grace O’Connor, MA, LMFT sums it up succinctly: “Research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA)** shows that puberty blockers and gender-affirming hormones for transgender and nonbinary youth lower the risk of depression by over 60% and suicidality by over 70%.”
The results of this study are not surprising for us, based on the experience and care that GWLA continues to provide. Grace continues, “We’re committed to gender-affirming care and we’re in full support of organizations that provide this care to transgender and nonbinary youth as part of their development towards becoming happy, healthy and whole adults.”
[ **JAMA is an international peer-reviewed general medical journal, the most widely circulated medical journal in the world. ]
– – –
Associate Jordyn Serwin, MA, AMFT also chimes in:
“The study authors appear to highlight a correlation I have observed anecdotally with regard to the essential role of puberty blockers and/or gender-affirming hormones. These medical interventions help to improve mental health outcomes for gender-expansive individuals, including transgender and non-binary youth. It follows accordingly that either pausing the onset of gender-incongruent physical changes, or promoting more-affirming physical changes, would correspond with observable decreases in risk for depression, suicidality, and other conditions. Per the authors’ findings, this does indeed seem to be the case.”
– – –
After decades of working with clients — and, in some cases, with their families — to address rapid onset gender dysphoria, our belief in the benefits of gender-affirming medical interventions, like puberty blockers and HRT, is consistent with the certainty that is reflected in this study. That said, it is not an automatic recommendation for every client and consideration is given on a case-by-case basis, after a thorough assessment is completed from a clinical and family systems perspective. Ultimately, this care is administered under the close supervision of a endocrinologist or other physician — and GWLA therapists consult closely with all relevant medical professionals.