#178: What is Gender Dysphoria? Ken Zucker, Clinical Psychologist

Open Minds with Christopher Balkaran

Watch this episode: https://youtu.be/H8kJFn23MWA
I've always been interested in the topic of Gender Dysphoria (GD) and Conversion Therapy. I am noticing many are making sweeping statements on GD and what the implications for youth are. I wanted to explore the topic more with one of the most well-renowned researchers and Clinical Psychologists on the topic: Ken Zucker.

Who is Ken Zucker?

Kenneth Zucker is a Canadian psychologist and researcher who has studied and treated gender identity issues, including gender dysphoria, for many years. He is known for his work in the field of gender identity development in children and adolescents, and his approach to treatment has been controversial.

Zucker is the former head of the Gender Identity Service at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) in Toronto, Canada, and has published numerous articles and books on gender identity development and treatment. His approach to treatment has been criticized by some in the transgender community who feel that his methods, which included encouraging children to conform to their assigned gender, were harmful and outdated.

In 2015, an external review of the CAMH gender identity clinic found that some of Zucker's practices were not in line with current standards of care for transgender people, and he was subsequently dismissed from his position at the clinic. Since then, Zucker has continued to publish and speak on the topic of gender identity development and treatment, but his work remains controversial and continues to be the subject of debate in the scientific and transgender communities.

What is Gender Dysphoria?

Gender dysphoria is a medical term used to describe the distress or discomfort that some people experience when the gender they were assigned at birth does not match their gender identity. In other words, a person with gender dysphoria may feel that their biological sex (male or female) does not correspond to the gender they feel they are (male, female, or non-binary).

Gender dysphoria can manifest itself in a variety of ways, including feeling uncomfortable with one's body, experiencing anxiety or depression related to gender identity, and feeling a strong desire to live as a gender different from the one assigned at birth.

It is important to note that gender dysphoria is not the same as being transgender. While many transgender people experience gender dysphoria, not all do, and experiencing gender dysphoria does not necessarily mean that someone is transgender. Gender dysphoria is considered a medical co

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1. [Ad] Just Access Podcast (00:22:05)

2. (Cont.) #178: What is Gender Dysphoria? Ken Zucker, Clinical Psychologist (00:22:06)

3. [Ad] High Street Matters: Accessibility - Unlocking the High Street (00:33:25)

4. (Cont.) #178: What is Gender Dysphoria? Ken Zucker, Clinical Psychologist (00:33:26)