Fact Check: The idea of transgenderism roots from mental illness and there is only two proper genders, ie male and female.

Fact Check: "The idea of transgenderism roots from mental illness and there is only two proper genders, ie male and female."

What We Know

The claim suggests that transgender identities stem from mental illness and asserts a strict binary view of gender. Historically, the classification of transgender identities has evolved significantly. Initially, terms like "gender identity disorder" were used in psychiatric contexts, but more recent classifications, such as "gender dysphoria" in the DSM-5 and "gender incongruence" in the ICD-11, aim to address the distress associated with incongruence between one's experienced gender and assigned sex at birth, rather than labeling transgender identities as mental illnesses (source-1, source-2).

Furthermore, while studies indicate that transgender individuals experience higher rates of mental health issues compared to their cisgender counterparts, these issues are often linked to societal stigma, discrimination, and lack of support rather than being inherent to transgender identities themselves (source-3, source-4).

The notion of only two genders—male and female—reflects a traditional binary understanding of gender. However, contemporary discussions in gender studies recognize a spectrum of gender identities beyond this binary, as reflected in evolving medical and psychological frameworks (source-6, source-8).

Analysis

The claim that transgenderism is rooted in mental illness is misleading. While historical classifications did label transgender identities as disorders, the current understanding has shifted significantly. The introduction of gender dysphoria as a diagnosis is intended to facilitate access to necessary medical care rather than to pathologize transgender identities (source-1).

Critically, the increased prevalence of mental health issues among transgender individuals is largely attributed to external factors such as discrimination, social rejection, and violence, rather than an intrinsic aspect of being transgender (source-3, source-4). This indicates that the mental health challenges faced by transgender individuals are often a response to societal conditions rather than a reflection of their gender identity itself.

The assertion of only two genders is also increasingly challenged by both scientific and sociocultural perspectives. Many cultures recognize non-binary or gender-fluid identities, and contemporary psychological frameworks support the understanding of gender as a spectrum (source-6, source-5).

Conclusion

The claim is Partially True. While it is accurate that historical classifications of transgender identities included mental illness, the current understanding has evolved to view gender dysphoria as a condition that requires support rather than a pathology. Additionally, the assertion of only two genders is increasingly seen as overly simplistic in light of contemporary understandings of gender diversity. Therefore, while there are elements of truth in the claim, it fails to capture the complexity and nuance of gender identity as understood in modern psychology and sociology.

Sources

1. How gender dysphoria and incongruence became medical diagnoses - a historical review
2. Gender Dysphoria - StatPearls
3. Mental health in transgender individuals: a systematic review
4. An Assessment of the Mental Health History of Patients in a Transgender Population
5. Gender dysphoria
6. History and Epidemiology
7. What is Gender Dysphoria?
8. History of gender identity and mental health