Gender Identity Disorder

Gender Identity Disorder (also called Gender Dysphoria) is a medical diagnosis used to describe transgender people. It is described as a marked difference between a person's gender identity and the gender they are assigned by others which lasts for at least six months. It also often includes a strong desire to change one's gender expression and sex characteristics to match gender identity, and to be perceived as that gender by others.

Gender Identity Disorder is treated by supporting the patient as they transition, particularly by granting access to medical transition procedures. The purpose of the diagnosis is in part to ensure that medical transition is accessible to transgender people who require it, although it can be considered a medicalization of transgender identities.

Although most standards of care encourage that the patient's desires be supported, some doctors require the patient to "prove" their diagnosis by socially transitioning for some period and/or demonstrating adherence to gender roles before granting access to medical transition. This can be considered a form of gatekeeping, particularly as it often excludes non-binary people whose identities are less recognised by those around them.