1980s
In the early 1980s, the next Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders was published. The DSM-III separated “Gender Identity Disorder of Childhood” and “Atypical Gender Identity Disorder” (Reicherzer 2008, p 335-336). Harry Benjamin held the MIND Conference to promote care standards in the treatment of transsexuals (Transgender History, 1980).
At this time, the ratio of MTFs to FTMs was estimated to be between 8:1 and 2:1 (Reicherzer 2008, 336).
Harry Benjamin, founder of the World Professional Association of Transgender Health, passed away in 1987 (Transgender History, 1987), followed two years later by Christine Jorgensen, the American GI who transitioned in the 1950s. Also in 1989, a famous jazz musician by the name of Billy Tipton died, and it was revealed that he was a woman. He had lived for fifty-six years as a man (Transgender History, 1989).
The DSM-III-R was published in 1987 reclassified Gender Identity Disorders in “four subtypes: ‘Gender Identity Disorder of Childhood,’ ‘Transsexualism,’ ‘Gender Identity Disorder of Adolescence or Adulthood,’ and ‘Gender Identity Disorder Not Otherwise Specified’.” (Reicherzer, p. 337) This was only one of several re-defining moments in the ever-changing Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
At this time, the ratio of MTFs to FTMs was estimated to be between 8:1 and 2:1 (Reicherzer 2008, 336).
Harry Benjamin, founder of the World Professional Association of Transgender Health, passed away in 1987 (Transgender History, 1987), followed two years later by Christine Jorgensen, the American GI who transitioned in the 1950s. Also in 1989, a famous jazz musician by the name of Billy Tipton died, and it was revealed that he was a woman. He had lived for fifty-six years as a man (Transgender History, 1989).
The DSM-III-R was published in 1987 reclassified Gender Identity Disorders in “four subtypes: ‘Gender Identity Disorder of Childhood,’ ‘Transsexualism,’ ‘Gender Identity Disorder of Adolescence or Adulthood,’ and ‘Gender Identity Disorder Not Otherwise Specified’.” (Reicherzer, p. 337) This was only one of several re-defining moments in the ever-changing Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
References
“Transgender History.” transgenderzone.com. 2011. Transgender Zone.
Reicherzer, Stacee. "Evolving Language And Understanding In The Historical Development Of The Gender Identity Disorder Diagnosis." Journal Of LGBT Issues In Counseling 2.4 (2008): 326-347.
Reicherzer, Stacee. "Evolving Language And Understanding In The Historical Development Of The Gender Identity Disorder Diagnosis." Journal Of LGBT Issues In Counseling 2.4 (2008): 326-347.
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