Below is a policy statement with regards to the various sections contained on the GIDI website.
Policy Statement on Terminology:
Due to the confusion, misperception, stigma and prejudice that results from terms such as Transsexualism/Transsexuals, and Transgenderism/Transgendered and their close associations with transvestism, crossdressing and drag queens, it is the policy of GIDI NOT to use these terms when referring to the clinical condition known as Gender Identity Disorder/Gender Dysphoria.
It is our policy to strictly adhere to the correct medical terminology as used in the DSM-IV - Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th. Edition ; and the term Transsexualism was replaced with GID as far back as 1980 ( IMJ - - Irish Medical Journal., May 2006).
This policy statement should be borne in mind by users accessing links which still use the older terminology. Such links are included here because they contain some useful information on GID and its impact on the lives of those born with the condition. Some of these sites may contain links to other sites which contain material not relevant to GID and we recommend that such links should be ignored in order to avoid any confusion.
Links that have an obvious and strong affiliation with Transvestism, Crossdressing and fetish lifestyles shall be excluded from this website. We would request that users of the links page contact us in the event of finding such material. Users should also be aware that we have no control over content or information that is presented on websites outside of this one. If you do happen to find something which you find offensive or at the very least should have a warning please let us know and we will remedy the situation to the best of our ability.
Policy Statement on Gender Identity Disorder and the Gay, Lesbian & Bi-sexual and Trans Communities
It is part of GIDI’s policy to create a clear and distinct separation from the GLBT communities. We have a number of reasons for pursuing this policy:
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Avoids confusion – There is a common misconception that being GID means you are gay. However, this is not correct. Being GID goes to the very root of who a person is, who they identify as, either male or female. While being straight/gay/lesbian/bi has to do with someone’s sexuality. Gender and sexuality are two completely separate facets of our nature. It is for this reason that GIDI seeks to make these necessary distinctions.
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Apprehension - Some individuals who are GID may be apprehensive with regards to being associated with, or members of, an organisation which is part of the GLBT community. As an organisation for GID individuals GIDI’s goal is to serve the interests of GID individuals only, regardless of their sexuality.
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Distrust - Some members of the GLBT community itself may feel that GID should in no way be associated with the GLB community anyway. Past experience has shown that attempts to ‘tack-on’ GID as a subset of GLBT usually ends in misunderstanding and animosity between both groups.
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Objectives - Both communities have separate and mismatched objectives. GIDI’s main objective is to help put in place a treatment path for individuals who have been diagnosed as GID. This treatment path will allow for individuals to seek treatment and help in completing their transition.
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Funding – If both organisations are separate and distinct, both can apply for funding as individual organisations. However, if GID is aligned as a subset of GLBT, as has happened in the past, as one complete organisation any funding received would have to be “divvied-up” amongst the individual groups. This could again lead to misunderstanding, mistrust and accusations among the various parties.
Policy Statement on Medical and Surgical Issues:
The purpose of the information contained within the Medical and Surgical pages is to make the reader aware of the very serious issues and possible implications that may arise from the use of hormones, other medications and surgical procedures used in the treatment of Gender Disorder.
It is the unequivocal stated policy of GIDI NOT to offer advice of any kind whatsoever relating to the prescribing and use of any medications or any surgical interventions used in the treatment of Gender Disorder. Therefore, the information contained herein should NEVER be interpreted as advice or recommendations by either GIDI or its officers.
GIDI strongly recommends that all those who believe they may have a Gender Identity Conflict, should seek medical intervention at the earliest opportunity, and that they adhere to the advice and medical treatments as provided by such qualified medical service providers.
Policy Statement on Psychological & Counselling Issues:
The purpose of the information contained within the Psychological pages is to raise awareness of the various and serious issues that arise out of Gender Identity Disorder, its diagnosis and treatment. The material included herein is purely for information purposes alone and should NOT be taken as a form of advice, recommendation, suggestion or counselling of any kind and therefore should not be interpreted as such.
GIDI strongly recommends that that all those concerned with issues surrounding their Gender Identity should seek the help of qualified psychologists, psychiatrists, therapists and counsellors. GIDI or its officers do not provide, nor do we purport to provide such services.
Listed within these pages are details of those qualified to provide diagnosis and appropriate treatment, through the various stages of transition. We welcome hearing from those who may also have contact details which we will be happy to include here.
Policy Statement on Legal Issues:
The purpose of the information contained within the Legal pages is to make the reader aware of the very serious legal issues and possible implications that may arise from any decision to transition as part of the treatment for Gender Disorder.
It is the unequivocal stated policy of GIDI NOT to offer advice of any kind whatsoever relating to any legal issues or their implications for those transitioning, or their families etc. Therefore, the information contained herein should NEVER be interpreted as advice or recommendations by either GIDI or its officers.
GIDI strongly recommends that all those who believe they may have a Gender Identity Conflict and have opted for full Gender Reassignment, should seek legal advice at the earliest opportunity from those qualified to provide such advice.
In presenting this policy statement we wish to make it clear that GIDI is an all-inclusive organisation which welcomes anyone who is affected by a gender identity conflict, who has been diagnosed with GID or, who is currently undergoing or has completed their Gender Reassignment.
These policies are in strict accordance with GIDI’s policies as set out under its Memorandum and Articles of Association.
Sara-Jane Cromwell
CEO
GID Ireland
