Standards of Care for the Health of Transsexual, Transgender, and Gender Nonconforming People

The Standards of Care for the Health of Transsexual, Transgender, and Gender Nonconforming People, first published in 1979 by the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH), are clinical guidelines for treating gender dysphoria. Initially developed by Dr. Harry Benjamin and later updated by WPATH, these standards aim to improve understanding and treatment for transgender and gender-nonconforming individuals. The 2011 version, Standards of Care for the Health of Transsexual, Transgender, and Gender Nonconforming People, addressed concerns about previous standards being too restrictive. It advocated for greater access to care and shifted focus from viewing gender nonconformity as a disorder to promoting health and well-being. These guidelines are crucial for individuals seeking gender-affirming care, including medical procedures to align physical characteristics with gender identity.123