Sexual Identity Issues

Gender identity issues, (also referred to as “gender dysphoria”) relate to a person’s thoughts and feelings that the gender they were assigned at birth is not consistent with their desired gender or genders. This often results in distress and difficulties around their identity. A person may feel uncomfortable with their birth gender and may identify with the opposite gender, dressing and acting in a manner consistent with their preferred gender.

They may feel uncomfortable with their given physical characteristics (facial appearance, voice, genitals) and may seek medical treatment to alter their gender, using hormone therapies, cosmetic procedures and/or surgery. Some persons may identify with both genders, alternating their dress and act to coincide with either gender or both at the same time. They may refer to themselves as “non-binary.” Gender identity issues may interrelate with sexual identity issues such as sexual preferences and actions.