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Gender dysphoria facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

Gender dysphoria is a term used by psychologists and physicians. It describes people who strongly feel they are not the gender they were born with. It used to be called "gender identity disorder." But it is not a mental illness. It is a condition accompanied by stress, anxiety, and depression. To be diagnosed with gender dysphoria now, patients must exhibit strong cross-gender feelings that persist over time. It is not just a desire to change sex for some advantage they might think exists.

Gender dysphoria may cause many to become socially isolated. Boys especially may be ostracized which can lead to low self-esteem. It often leads to avoiding or dropping out of school. Feminine speech patterns and mannerisms are common in boys with gender dysphoria.

Images for kids

  • Portrait of Virginia Prince

    In 1990, Virginia Prince ended an article wishing her readers "gender euphoria."

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Disforia de género para niños

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Gender dysphoria Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.