Introduction to the Transgender Community

Gender identity is our internal understanding of our own gender. We all have a gender identity. The term “transgender” is used to describe people whose gender identity does not correspond to their birth-assigned sex and/or the stereotypes associated with that sex. A transgender woman is a woman who was assigned male at birth and has a female gender identity. A transgender man is a man who was assigned female at birth and has a male gender identity. A gender non-binary person is someone who's gender identity does not fit within the binary of male and female.

Resources for Health Care and Mental Health Professionals

• WPATH – World Professional Association for Transgender Health

  • Standards of Care

• Center of Excellence for Transgender Health – increasing access to comprehensive, effective, and affirming healthcare services for trans communities

  • Primary Care Guidelines

  • Transgender Health Learning Center

• Gender Spectrum – helps to create gender sensitive and inclusive environments for all children and teens

  • Resources for Physicians and Nurses

  • Resources for Mental Health Professionals

• Transline – transgender medical consultation services from Project Health

• National LGBT Health Education Center – provides educational programs, resources, and consultation to health care organizations

  • Transgender Health Resources

  • Publications

• Fenway Trans Health Program - providing medical care, mental health care and supportive services for people on the trans spectrum

  • Transmasculine Health Program

• Rad Remedy – dedicated to connecting trans, gender non-conforming, intersex, and queer folks to accurate, safe, respectful, and comprehensive care