Overview
Issues related to gender and gender identity can be sensitive subjects. Parents, as well as youth, may be hesitant to talk openly about gender identity and maybe even more hesitant to raise such topics with healthcare providers. When children or teens raise questions about their gender or tell a parent that they think they might be transgender, parents may respond a number of different ways, often feeling uncomfortable, possibly even trying to avoid the topic.
As uncomfortable as it may seem, we know that children and teens who are transgender or gender diverse, as well as those who are gay, lesbian, or bisexual are at much greater risk of:
- Engaging in unhealthy behaviors.
- Being bullied or victimized.
- Experiencing anxiety, depression, and others concerning emotional symptoms.
- Engaging in self-harm (including suicide).
For these and other reasons, addressing issues of gender is an important aspect of parenting. Gender identity develops differently in every child and gender differences can present at almost any age, sometimes in early childhood, sometimes much later. Often youth have been “thinking about” gender differences long before they openly share their thoughts and feelings. “Gender non-conforming,” “gender non-binary” and “transgender” are some of the terms used to describe individuals whose gender expression or gender identity do not conform to that typically associated with the gender they were assigned at birth.
Being transgender or gender non-conforming is not a disorder, but many youths who demonstrate a consistent and persistent pattern over time that they wish to be (or “are”) a gender other than that given at birth may experience very significant distress living with the body that they have. The Gender Understanding, IDentity and Expression (GUIDE) Program is dedicated to helping youth and families struggling with these issues regarding gender.
Why Choose Cleveland Clinic?
The Gender Understanding, IDentity and Expression (GUIDE) Program provides a wide range of support and intervention for youth who are gender questioning, gender non-conforming, gender fluid, or transgender, or who are struggling with any other issues around gender. Sometimes they are trying to figure out gender identity, or how they want to express gender; sometimes they may just feel like their gender assigned at birth doesn’t fit quite right.
For patients transitioning into adult care, Cleveland Clinic’s Center for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Care offers medical healthcare services at the Lakewood Family Health Center. Embedded in a primary care practice, the Center for LGBT Care provides care for all patients in a safe and welcoming environment. It includes providers who understand the health needs of LGBTQ+ patients, and access to specialists with expertise in LGBTQ+ care.
For transgender and non-binary patients transitioning into adult care, Cleveland Clinic's Transgender Medicine and Surgery Program offers routine medical care tailored specifically to patients’ needs, as well as transition-specific services including mental health support and therapy, gender-affirming hormone therapy and surveillance, and gender-affirming surgery.
Services
Cleveland Clinic Children's GUIDE (Gender Understanding, IDentity and Expression) program supports transgender youth and their families as they explore their options.
In compliance with Ohio law, services we offer include:
- Caring pediatric providers who understand LGBTQ+ youth
- Supportive mental health services
- Education and support for families on LGBTQ+ issues
- Gender-affirming care from experts in primary care, adolescent medicine and pediatric endocrinology.
Families of new patients can call 216.444.1917 to speak with our patient navigator about your child’s needs so that we can ensure they're scheduled with the appropriate provider.
Please note: Cleveland Clinic does not perform gender-affirming surgeries on patients prior to their 19th birthday.
