La disforia de género en menores trans: nicho ecológico

Background and objective

The objective of the present study is to investigate the contextual characteristics of the onset of gender dysphoria (GD) in trans minors.

Materials and method

All minors who requested consultation in the Gender Identity Treatment Unit from March 2007 to June 2019 participated. Clinical histories were reviewed to obtain the information. Confidentiality was guaranteed.

Results

Sixty-four minors required care, 39.1% were trans women (TW) and 60.9% trans men (TM). The age range was between 6-17 years, with a mean of 14.98. Seventy-five percent of the trans minors located the onset of DG in childhood and 25% in adolescence. Parental reaction was suspicious in 55.6% of cases and surprise in 36.5%; 55.6% presented significant psychological distress before going to the unit.

Family support was present in 57.1%. The role of social networks and the Internet was relevant for 39.7% of the sample. Of the minors, 44.4% had membership or contact with peer groups or LGTBIQ associations. Results were analysed according to sense of gender.

Conclusions

Minors continue to require care in the units, especially TW. Although GD onset in both groups is mainly in childhood, in adolescence it is more frequent in TM. Trans minors are born, develop and build their identity in a specific context, which is in interaction.