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Categorizing certain gender identities as mental illness or disorder undermines human rights. The diagnosis of Gender Identity Disorder has contributed to stigma and bias against gender-variant people and to the restriction of their human and civil rights; however, in some cases, it has also facilitated validation and availability of necessary treatment. Although there was some disagreement within the work group about the underlying rationale, the Human Rights Work Group of the consensus process held by the World Professional Association for Transgender Health recommends a medical diagnosis for those who seek sex affirmation treatment without experiencing confusion about their gender identity, the continued availability of mental health support for those who require it, and the creation of a pathway enabling gender-variant people to be migrated from a mental health diagnosis to a medical one as life circumstances change. It is essential to ensure that Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, does not pathologize conditions of diversity in sex/gender identity formation and expression. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The article offers information on identity recognition statement of the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH). Topics discussed include opposition to surgery or sterilization as requirements to change legal gender; express gender identity for optimal physical and mental health; and medical and other barriers to gender recognition for transgender individuals.