Impact of Depsychopathologization of Transgender and Gender Diverse Individuals in ICD-11 on Care Delivery: Looking at Trans Expertise through a Trans Lens

Abstract

Depsychopathologization of transgender and gender diverse (TGD) individuals in the eleventh revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) called for a shift in care delivery models, based on free and informed consent. Public health policies face epistemic and discriminatory challenges and consensus built on evidence-based data is needed. TGD communities were consulted but did not actively participate in ICD-11 and the following public health debates. There is a need for TGD perspective—both in research and practice. This study draws on a peer-led participatory approach and explores TGD participants’ recommendations based on unexploited French data from ICD-11, in which 72 TGD gave feedback on public policies. Lexicometric analyses were conducted using the ALCESTE method and resulted in a two-step double Descending Hierarchical Classification. Sex, gender, and health consumption were analyzed as secondary variables. The first classification highlighted five main topics: care pathways, training of professionals, access, literacy, and civil status change, developed into 12 targets in the second classification. While sex and gender appeared to have little impact on discourses, recommendations varied according to received care. This study supports the growing scientific consensus of a public health approach to face TGD health challenges and emphasizes TGD individuals’ expertise.