Gender Clinics

Gender-variant persons—that is, persons whose gender expression does not match the sex that was assigned at birth—may require or feel more comfortable with specialized health, social, and legal services that are tailored to their unique gender needs. In some countries and some U.S. states, a variety of services are offered together, such as in an integrated gender clinic. In other locations, services are separated by type, or are offered within other existing frameworks such as by a primary care provider or housing authority. This entry summarizes briefly the history of service provision for trans persons and describes the existing service structures internationally, as well as specifically within the United States.