Navigating new norms: Essay and personal reflections on gender identity and affirming care

Abstract

Gender-affirming care saves lives. Research indicates that social interventions such as name/pronoun changes and medical interventions such as hormone therapy directly benefit youth and adolescents and can be a protective factor for the maladaptive effects of gender dysphoria and the all-too-common associated depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. This piece takes personal experiences supporting a sibling through their transition as well as the professional experiences garnered to comment on the impact of gender-affirming care on a more personal level.