As mentioned, this article relates to the "workgroup" (essentially committee) that developed the new diagnosis "Gender Dysphoria" in the DSM5 that came out in 2013. In the DSM-4, it was called Gender Identity Disorder and the criteria were slightly different. There was quite a movement at the time amongst the trans community of removing entirely from the psychiatric diagnostic manual all references to gender "issues" or nonconformity being a psychiatric disorder. Eventually, Gender Dysphoria was left in largely on the argument that if it were not considered a "disorder" requiring treatment insurance including Vet's benefits, would not be required to provide treatment--including psychotherapy, hrt, or gas.
Should it be considered a mental disorder? Is it? Or is it a physical disorder? I believe that it leads to mental disorders--like anxiety, depression, and substance abuse. I believe that I would have less stigma if gender variance was understood and accepted and I could be Nancy without fear.
