Having gender variance classified as a mental disorder and relying on that for health insurance coverage is a bit of false logic. Most insurance companies in the U.S. exclude treatments for Gender Identity Disorder, but there hormonal imbalances are covered for all kinds of conditions that are not related to GID. People who need to have medical support to manage their gender variance can and should be able to access competent medical care through health insurance, but for the most part right now a GID diagnosis must be avoided if coverage is expected. There are transgender health advocates working to address this issue systemically, both from the activist side as well as from the health care provider side. Thanks, by the way, for your generally excellent responses to the questions raised about this sorely neglected and unfortunately too long obscured topic.
It's Not as Simple as Pink or Blue
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Suwanee, GA: Where does a sister of a transgender (MtoF) go for a support group? I'm desperate and so sad and confused. Please—are there any counselors who are NOT transgendered and can help family members understand why their family is suddenly "fractured"—never to be the same...?
Debra Rosenberg: When a family member announces they are transgender, it can be difficult for the whole family. Fortuately, there are lots of resources out there. You might start with www.transfamily.org or www.genderodysseyfamily.com. If you feel uncomfortable working with someone connected to the transgender community, ask your primary care doctor for a referral to a counselor. At the very least, a therapist could help you deal with your feelings about the situation.
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Anonymous: Why is it that under 1 percent of people who believe that they were born the wrong gender have all the rights in the world to protect themselves with hate crime laws? It is a small want that will fuel a very large problem.
Debra Rosenberg: Many people of different races and genders will be protected under the new hate crimes law if it passes the Senate and President Bush signs it. Why shouldn't people be protected from hate crimes?
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