Earlier this month, the American Psychiatric Association decided to remove 
Gender Identity Disorder (GID) from the latest version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual’s (DSM) list of mental disorders. GID was defined as a condition in which the person experiences dissatisfaction with the sex they were assigned at birth and with the gender stereotypes associated with that sex, often leading to dysphoria, or intense feelings of discontent.
This is welcome news, since GID is being replaced by the term “Gender Dysphoria,” which is less pathologizing since it does not signify a mental disorder or that something is “wrong” with the person who identifies as a trans man or a trans woman. Instead, the focus is placed on the distress experienced by the person undergoing the transition.
The importance recognizing gay rights in regards to parenting cannot be under stated. There are foster children that deserve loving homes and potential LGBT parents that have the love and resources to provide those children homes. Also, many custody issues arise when LGBT non-biological parents aren’t given legal parental status. These issues cost taxpayers’ money and emotionally strain parents, potential guardians and children.
