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" can be traced back to the historical classification of gender dysphoria as a mental health disorder. According to the American Psychiatric Association, gender dysphoria is defined as the psychological distress that arises from a discrepancy between a person's gender identity and their assigned sex at birth. Historically, this condition was classified as a mental disorder in the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders), specifically in DSM-III in 1980, and later evolved into the current classification of gender dysphoria in DSM-5 (2013) (source-6).

Furthermore, the World Health Organization's ICD-11 (International Classification of Diseases), which was approved in 2019, reclassified gender incongruence, moving it from the mental health section to a new chapter on sexual health, indicating a shift in understanding that gender identity is not inherently a mental disorder (source-1).

Regarding the assertion that there are only two proper genders, the contemporary understanding of gender recognizes a spectrum beyond the binary classification of male and female. The DSM-5 acknowledges that gender identity can be female, male, in-between, or otherwise, reflecting a more nuanced understanding of gender (source-1).

Analysis

The claim that transgenderism is rooted in mental illness is partially supported by historical context, as gender dysphoria was classified as a mental disorder for many years. However, this classification has evolved significantly. The current medical consensus is that while transgender individuals may experience mental health challenges, these are often linked to societal stigma, discrimination, and lack of access to appropriate healthcare rather than being inherent to their gender identity (source-3).

Moreover, the assertion that there are only two genders is increasingly challenged by both scientific and sociocultural perspectives. Many reputable sources, including the American Psychological Association, recognize a spectrum of gender identities, which reflects the lived experiences of many individuals who do not fit neatly into the binary categories of male and female (source-7).

The reliability of sources discussing gender dysphoria and mental health is generally high, particularly those published in peer-reviewed journals or by established medical organizations. However, it is essential to consider the potential biases in historical texts that conflated gender identity with mental illness, which can skew contemporary interpretations of transgender experiences.

Conclusion

The claim that "the idea of transgenderism routes from mental illness and there is only two proper genders, ie male and female" is Partially True. While historical classifications of gender dysphoria as a mental illness provide some basis for the first part of the claim, contemporary understanding recognizes that gender identity is a complex spectrum rather than a binary construct. Additionally, the mental health issues faced by transgender individuals are largely influenced by external societal factors rather than being inherent to their identity.

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. Psychiatry.org - History and Epidemiology
7. What is Gender Dysphoria?