Resources for Providers
It is important, for the wellbeing of children and teens who are dealing with gender identity issues, to build and maintain a successful support system. That system includes the families, educators and professionals in their lives. These resources offer insight and information about your role in that system.
Health Professional Guidelines
World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH)
“The expression of gender characteristics, including identities, that are not stereotypically associated with one’s assigned sex at birth is a common and culturally-diverse human phenomenon which should not be judged as inherently pathological or negative.”
~ World Professional Association for Transgender Health
The World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) is the largest and longest running organization of professionals specializing in transgender health and development. The Standards of Care outlines the tasks and responsibilities of both doctors and clinicians (e.g., therapists or counselors) providing care to transgender and gender nonconforming individuals.
Endocrine Society
The Endocrine Society is the largest and longest running organization of endocrinologists involved in both research and clinical practice. Their guide to treatment includes sections on adolescents and adults.
Center of Excellence for Transgender
The Center of Excellence for Transgender Health developed the Primary Care Protocol as a comprehensive resource for doctors providing gender affirming medical care. This youth-focused section describes questions and concerns common to youth who present for care. Other sections provide information on other types of care such as hormones and surgical options.
Division of Adolescent Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center
In her Grand Rounds Presentation Katherine Blumoff Greenberg, M.D. discusses the current recommendations for medical and psychological interventions for youth and young adults with gender dysphoria.
Building Blocks for Trans and Gender Diverse Care
The Building Blocks for Trans and Gender Diverse Care series walks you through the knowledge and awareness needed to care for transgender and gender diverse (TGD) patients in the healthcare setting. Twelve short videos in the series will:
- Discuss foundational concepts, including terminology
- Review components of creating an affirming space and experience, from the first steps into a waiting room, to gathering a sensitive history and physical exam
- Simulate a telemedicine encounter, sharing both clinician and TGD patient perspectives
- Introduce gender affirming hormone prescribing
General
The University of Michigan Health System’s Adolescent Health Initiative (AHI) supports and trains healthcare professionals who work with teens to optimize their care, using a youth-friendly, adolescent-centered care model. This video offers perspectives from transgender and gender non-conforming youth about their experiences and what they want from a healthcare system.
Legal Rights & Concerns
Legal rights and protections for transgender and gender nonconforming individuals vary state by state, but have been growing steadily over the past several decades.
- The Empire State Pride Agenda Foundation provides information on how to change the gender marker on government documents in New York State (e.g., birth certificates, drivers licenses)
Know Your Rights: Changing Documentation
- The Transgender Legal Defense and Education Fund free name change services to individuals who live in Monroe County and meet income requirements.
The Name Change Project
Below are several additional resources to help transgender children, adolescents, and adults navigate legal-related rights and concerns.
Legal Organizations
For the most up-to-date information on legal rights and processes, contact one of the following organizations directly.