Gender Transition: A process that requires support and understanding

Gender transition is a complex process that involves a change in a person's gender identity, whether from male to female or female to male. This process can be challenging for both the person undergoing the transition and their parents and caregivers. It is crucial to provide adequate support to parents and caregivers, providing them with accurate and complete information about the different therapies, diagnostic tools and the physical and mental health consequences of different therapeutic approaches.

First of all, it is important to highlight that gender transition is an individual and personal process. Each person has their own path and time to explore their gender identity. Therefore, it is essential to respect and support the decisions of the person who is going through this process. One of the alternative therapies used in the gender transition process is affirmative therapy. This therapy focuses on supporting and validating the person's gender identity, providing them with tools to face challenges that may arise during the transition. Affirmative therapy may include the use of hormones to bring about physical changes, as well as psychological therapy to address the emotional and mental aspects of the transition.

Another therapeutic approach used is exploratory therapy. This therapy focuses on helping the person explore their gender identity and better understand their feelings and emotions. Through exploratory therapy, the person can examine and question their gender identity, which can help them make informed decisions about their transition. It is important to note that each therapeutic approach has its own advantages and disadvantages, and what works for one person may not work for another. Therefore, it is essential that parents and caregivers are well informed about the different options available and work collaboratively with health professionals to determine the most appropriate approach for their son or daughter.

In addition to alternative therapies, it is also essential to consider the diagnostic tools available. These tools may include psychological assessments, interviews, and questionnaires designed to help determine a person's gender identity. These tools can be useful in providing a deeper understanding of the person's gender identity and assisting in the transition process when appropriate, avoiding irreversible choices due to misinformation or misdiagnosis.

It is important to mention that gender transition can have consequences on a person's physical and mental health. Some of these consequences may include hormonal changes, side effects of hormone therapy, emotional stress, and difficulties adapting to social changes. It is essential that parents and caregivers are prepared to provide the necessary support during this process and seek advice from health professionals when necessary.

Recently, new evidence has emerged that has led to a reevaluation of the different clinical approaches used in gender transition. The CASS report has provided valuable information on the results of different therapeutic approaches and has highlighted the importance of an individualized and person-centred approach and with respect to the person's development times.

Gender transition is a process that requires support and understanding. Parents and caregivers play a crucial role in this process by providing accurate and complete information about different alternative therapies, diagnostic tools, and the physical and mental health consequences of different therapeutic approaches. It is important to respect and support the decisions of the person undergoing the transition with the best evidence and information available, and to work collaboratively with health professionals to determine the most appropriate approach for your son or daughter.

New evidence, such as that reviewed in the CASS report, invites us to reevaluate clinical approaches and adopt an approach consistent with the findings and that appropriately affects the benefits, regulations, guidelines and instruments that regulate State services in these matters.