'Stop Trans Pathologization' campaign kicks off Oct. 17

The Trans Depathologization Network, a group committed to the removal of 'gender identity disorder' from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders and the World Health Organization's International Classification of Diseases, has been joined by seven international networks and 161 trans groups in the two weeks leading up to its campaign kick-off on Oct. 17.

The groups hail from 37 countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, and North and South America. The 'Stop Trans Pathologization' campaign kick-off will be held 30 cities in 18 countries around the world.

Three demands have been adopted in addition to the campaign's principal demand, 'the removal of gender identity disorder from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders and the World Health Organization's International Classification of Diseases':

"1. The creation of an alternative non-pathologizing category in the International Classification of Diseases, recognizing that our gender identities are not mental health disorders, while still enabling hormonal and surgical medical assistance to be provided for those trans people who seek such assistance,

2. The funding of hormonal and surgical medical assistance for trans people by national health insurance, and

3. The creation of processes for changing legal name and gender without compulsory treatment or any form of diagnosis."

To contribute to the campaign, visit http://stp2012.wordpress.com.