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

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

What We Know

The claim that "the idea of transgenderism routes from mental illness" is rooted in historical classifications of gender dysphoria, which was previously categorized as a mental disorder. According to a historical review, gender dysphoria (GD) became a psychiatric diagnosis in the DSM-5, published in 2013, and was previously included in earlier versions of the DSM as a mental health issue (source-1). However, it is important to note that the classification of GD was intended to facilitate medical treatment rather than to stigmatize individuals. The World Health Organization's ICD-11, which includes "gender incongruence," has moved this classification out of the mental health section, indicating a shift in understanding (source-1).

The assertion that there are only two proper genders—male and female—reflects a binary understanding of gender that is increasingly challenged by contemporary research and societal views. The DSM-5 recognizes that gender identity can be non-binary and that individuals may identify outside the traditional male-female dichotomy (source-1). Furthermore, a systematic review indicates that transgender individuals experience a higher prevalence of mental health disorders compared to their cisgender counterparts, largely due to societal stigma and discrimination rather than an inherent aspect of their identity (source-3).

Analysis

The claim's foundation in historical psychiatric classifications is accurate; however, it fails to recognize the evolving understanding of gender identity. While gender dysphoria was classified as a mental disorder, the current medical consensus acknowledges that being transgender is not a mental illness. The shift in the ICD-11 to categorize gender incongruence under sexual health rather than mental health reflects this change (source-1).

Moreover, the assertion of a strict male-female binary overlooks the existence of non-binary and gender-fluid identities, which are increasingly recognized in both medical literature and societal discourse. The DSM-5's criteria for gender dysphoria explicitly allow for a range of gender identities beyond male and female (source-1).

The sources used in this analysis are credible, including peer-reviewed articles and official medical guidelines. However, the historical context provided may be interpreted differently depending on the reader's perspective on gender identity and mental health.

Conclusion

Verdict: Partially True

The claim that transgenderism has historical roots in mental illness is partially true, as gender dysphoria was once classified as a mental disorder. However, this perspective is outdated and does not reflect current medical understanding, which recognizes gender identity as a spectrum rather than a binary construct. The assertion that there are only two proper genders is increasingly challenged by contemporary research and societal acceptance of diverse gender identities.

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. Stigmatization and Mental Health in a Diverse Sample of Transgender Individuals
5. Transgender Associations and Possible Etiology: A Literature Review
6. Gender dysphoria
7. Psychiatry.org - History and Epidemiology
8. What is Gender Dysphoria?