Gender and Transgender Identity

Gender and Transgender Identity is a 3-hour online continuing education (CE) course that reviews issues in the formation of gender and transgender identity. After viewing oneself as a human being, the most important aspect of our self-concept is that we are a male person or a female person. That is the very essence of our humanness and the most basic sense of who we are. To experience a conflict between our physical body and our concept of maleness or femaleness is the most fundamental existential distress imaginable.

This course will discuss the ongoing distinction between sex and gender, causes and prevalence of transgender identity, harassment of transgender children, DSM-5 diagnostic criteria, theories of gender development, conversion therapy, modern medical and socio-psychological treatment of transgender patients, passing, and postsurgical relationships and therapy. Certain prominent transgender people are discussed, and several autobiographies are referenced to further our understanding of the complex transgender life experiences. Finally, some examples of positive changes are presented, which increase the knowledge base for the professionals who see transgender patients in their practices, along with other nascent societal changes, which, in turn, can improve these patient’s lives.

NOTE: We are aware that terminology regarding transgender issues changes over time and varies from community to community. We recognize the need to be respectful of all individuals and sensitive to usage within particular communities. Both the National Center for Gender Equality and the American Psychological Association currently recommend using use the term “transgender” as an adjective, but not as a noun, which some consider offensive. Within this course, we use the term transgender, with the intention of being as broadly inclusive as possible, and recognizing that some transgender people do not ascribe to this term. Our purpose is to offer health professionals training in the provision of care that is respectful, aware, and supportive of the identities and life experiences of transgender people.

Course #31-15 | 2018 | 46 pages | 20 posttest questions