Forum for responses to the weekly readings/ asynchronous learning assignments. This is Assignment #1 for the course. This first forum is for Sessions #1 and #2 (06/24 & 06/27)- other forums below.

The article “Affirmative Practice With Transgender and Gender Nonconforming Youth: Expanding the Model” introduced the concept of affirmative care as a model for mental health clinicians working with transgender and gender nonconforming children/adolescents. This approach takes the diversity of gender expressions and identities into context and examines their relationship within society. It encourages individuals to establish their individualized paths to emotional well-being. I appreciated the authors' highlighting that there is a limitation to evidence-based practice due to restrictions on the understanding of gender development in this population, and the political turmoil they face. In addition, I thought that the concept and framework including multidisciplinary fields or supports such as medical, emotional/developmental, and social approaches were important to ensure that individuals seeking treatment are provided care in all necessary areas. For example, pubertal suppression requires medical care in addition to receiving therapeutic support, and support from peers and other social aspects.