gender dysphoria

[jen-der dis-fawr-ee-uh]

noun

1. a psychological condition marked by significant emotional distress and impairment in life functioning, caused by a lack of congruence between gender identity and sex assigned at birth.

gender dysphoria

noun

1. a condition in which a person feels uncertainty or anxiety about his or her birth gender

Sensitive Note

Some transgender individuals and their advocates object to the use of the word "disorder" to describe this condition and therefore reject use of the variant term gender identity disorder, which was once used more widely. However, others feel that classifying it as a disorder may facilitate access to medical care related to the condition.

Word History and Origins

Origin of gender dysphoria¹

First recorded in 1970–75

Example Sentences

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., for example, described “gender dysphoria” as a “mental illness” in a post on X. In a separate post, she urged Congress to pass legislation that she had introduced, which would make it illegal to provide medical care to transgender minors.

From Salon

The majority is quick to dismiss the impact of Arkansas’ ban on doctors who wish to support patients with gender dysphoria.

From Slate

The Belfast Health Trust runs the Brackenburn Clinic, based in south Belfast, which has a service for adults experiencing gender dysphoria.

From BBC

Mainstream U.S. medical associations have supported gender-affirming care for minors experiencing gender dysphoria for years.

From Los Angeles Times

Last year, the court opted to rule first in a Tennessee case to decide if states may prohibit puberty blockers, hormones and other medical treatments for young teens who are diagnosed with gender dysphoria.

From Los Angeles Times