Transsexuality will no longer be classified mental illness in France
Published on Saturday 16 May 2009 at 20H07

http://ai.eecs.umich.edu/people/conway/TS/News/FR/Transsexuality_will_no_longer_be_classified_mental_illness_in_France.html

Transsexuality will no longer be classified in France as a mental illness, a government decision Saturday qualified as "historic" by the associations, on the eve of World Day against homophobia and transphobia.

Health Minister, Roselyne Bachelot, has taken "these days" High health authority for a decree transsexuality leaving the category of psychiatric disorders, "said a spokesperson of the ministry.

So far, transsexuals enjoyed an exemption from user fees for medical care under a long-term ALD23 classified for "persistent or recurrent disorders.

For the Department of Health, it is a "strong signal to the whole community", transsexuals feeling "this admission ALD23 as stigmatizing.

Hmmmm, I guess I don't really understand the French system.  Does this really mean anything more than increase in the fees paid by the transsexual community?

Kristi

Zythyra,

I do feel that TG can be combined with valid mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety.  In fact suppressing your feelings can play havoc on your mind.

In France, also in Germany,the Nederlands and several other European Countries, The medication and the surgery (even brest or penis) will be paid full by the insurance company. Germany would maybe be the next country which would follow the french decission.

So if its not a mental illness, then what is it to them now?

"Transsexuals enjoyed an exemption from user fees for medical care under a long-term ALD23 classified for "persistent or recurrent disorders".

Sounds like they are losing out now??

I think this is good news.....but it sounds like they won't be covered anymore.

http://transgriot.blogspot.com/2009/05/transsexuality-declassified-as-mental.html