Gender‐Affirming Care for Cisgender People

Abstract

Gender‐affirming care is almost exclusively discussed in connection with transgender medicine. However, this article argues that such care predominates among cisgender patients, people whose gender identity matches their sex assigned at birth. To advance this argument, we trace historical shifts in transgender medicine since the 1950s to identify central components of “gender‐affirming care” that distinguish it from previous therapeutic models, such as “sex reassignment.” Next, we sketch two historical cases—reconstructive mammoplasty and testicular implants—to show how cisgender patients offered justifications grounded in authenticity and gender affirmation that closely mirror rationales supporting gender‐affirming care for transgender people. The comparison exposes significant disparities in contemporary health policy regarding care for cis and trans patients. We consider two possible objections to the analogy we draw, but ultimately argue that these disparities are rooted in “trans exceptionalism” that produces demonstrable harm..

Prevalence of Gender-Affirming Surgical Procedures Among Minors and Adults in the US

“…Therefore, using a national dataset, we evaluated the extent to which TGD minors and adults received gender-affirming surgical procedures in 2019. Additionally, in line with a recent publication from bioethicists to acknowledge that gender-affirming care is used by people of all genders, we provide a novel characterization of the relative use of 1 gender-affirming surgery—breast reductions—by TGD and cisgender populations.…”

Exploring men’s health in medium and high complexity care in Brazil: A deductive thematic analysis of social determinants

“…In light of this, cisgender identity needs to be better understood so that nursing professionals can recognize that individuals born with male anatomy and identifying as men may shape attributes considered essential and unique to their gender constructions towards masculinities (Schall & Moses, 2023 ). This includes how they perceive self-care, health, coping with illness, exposure to risk-prone behaviors, and vulnerability.…”