Childhood gender nonconformity

Childhood gender nonconformity (CGN) is a phenomenon in which prepubescent children do not conform to expected gender-related sociological or psychological patterns, or identify with the opposite sex/gender.^[1] Typical behavior among those who exhibit the phenomenon includes but is not limited to a propensity to cross-dress, refusal to take part in activities conventionally thought suitable for the gender and the exclusive choice of play-mates of the opposite sex.

Multiple studies have correlated childhood gender nonconformity with eventual homosexuality. In these studies, a majority of those who identify as gay or lesbian self-report being gender nonconforming as children.^[2]^[3]^[4] The therapeutic community is divided over the proper response to childhood gender nonconformity.

Gender nonconforming children face gender policing from both adults and peers, including bullying and violence based on their gender nonconformity. Gender policing at a young age can increase the risk of alcoholism, anxiety, and depression in adulthood.^[5]^[6]^[7]

^ Kathleen Y.; Anthony I.; Ritter, Terndrup (2002). Handbook of Affirmative Psychotherapy with Lesbians and Gay Men. Guilford Press. pp. 58. ISBN 978-1-57230-714-8.
^ Baumeister, Roy F. (2001). Social Psychology and Human Sexuality: Essential Readings. Psychology Press. pp. 201–2. ISBN 978-1-84169-018-6.
^ Carolyn S. Schroeder; Betty N. Gordon (2002). Assessment and Treatment of Childhood Problems, Second Edition: A Clinician's Guide. Guilford Press. p. 229. ISBN 1606234226. Retrieved January 29, 2015.
^ Friedman, RC (2008). Sexual Orientation and Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Sexual Science and Clinical Practice. Columbia University Press. pp. 53–7. ISBN 978-0-231-12057-9.
^ Bauermeister, José A.; Connochie, Daniel; Jadwin-Cakmak, Laura; Meanley, Steven (May 2017). "Gender Policing During Childhood and the Psychological Well-Being of Young Adult Sexual Minority Men in the United States". American Journal of Men's Health. 11 (3): 693–701. doi:10.1177/1557988316680938. ISSN 1557-9883. PMC 5393921. PMID 27903954.
^ Payne E., Smith M. J. Gender policing // Critical concepts in queer studies and education. — Palgrave Macmillan, New York, 2016. — P. 127—136.
^ Sergio Domínguez Jr. and Stephanie L. Budge. Gender nonconformity // The SAGE encyclopedia of trans studies. – Sage Publications, 2021.

[1] Kathleen Y.; Anthony I.; Ritter, Terndrup (2002). Handbook of Affirmative Psychotherapy with Lesbians and Gay Men. Guilford Press. pp. 58. ISBN 978-1-57230-714-8.

[Baumeister-2] Baumeister, Roy F. (2001). Social Psychology and Human Sexuality: Essential Readings. Psychology Press. pp. 201–2. ISBN 978-1-84169-018-6.

[Schroeder-3] Carolyn S. Schroeder; Betty N. Gordon (2002). Assessment and Treatment of Childhood Problems, Second Edition: A Clinician's Guide. Guilford Press. p. 229. ISBN 1606234226. Retrieved January 29, 2015.

[Friedman_2008-4] Friedman, RC (2008). Sexual Orientation and Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Sexual Science and Clinical Practice. Columbia University Press. pp. 53–7. ISBN 978-0-231-12057-9.

[5] Bauermeister, José A.; Connochie, Daniel; Jadwin-Cakmak, Laura; Meanley, Steven (May 2017). "Gender Policing During Childhood and the Psychological Well-Being of Young Adult Sexual Minority Men in the United States". American Journal of Men's Health. 11 (3): 693–701. doi:10.1177/1557988316680938. ISSN 1557-9883. PMC 5393921. PMID 27903954.

[Payne-6] Payne E., Smith M. J. Gender policing // Critical concepts in queer studies and education. — Palgrave Macmillan, New York, 2016. — P. 127—136.

[GNC-7] Sergio Domínguez Jr. and Stephanie L. Budge. Gender nonconformity // The SAGE encyclopedia of trans studies. – Sage Publications, 2021.

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