Kudos to the AMA

Yesterday the American Medical Association (AMA) passed Resolution 122 calling for the removal of financial barriers imposed by insurance companies on transgender people. Insurance companies often arbitrarily call care for transgender people “cosmetic” or “experimental” or “not a medical necessity”. The AMA rejected those “myths” (their term) and affirmed the necessity and effectiveness of a combination of mental health care, hormonal prescriptions, and surgical interventions that provides “safe and effective treatment for a serious health condition.”

The AMA noted that, left untreated, Gender Identity Disorder (GID) can cause “serious psychological distress, dysfunction” and even “suicidality and death”. In contrast the AMA noted that the treatments recommended by health experts in GID can help persons with GID achieve genuine and lasting comfort. In discussing this “serious medical condition”, the AMA referenced the “established body of medical research” and the “sound scientific evidence” behind the internationally recognized standards of care. They further stated that delaying treatment can “cause and/or aggravate serious and expensive health problems.”

So what is it that causes so many people to react with rejection, disdain, and even violence toward transgender people? I think there are three main reasons for the willfully retained ignorance and discrimination. First, some people are very insecure about their own sense of gender identity. For them, people with gender identity conflicts only intensify their own questioning . . . and they don’t want to do that. Second, some people presume that the Bible condemns transgender people. In reality, like many other medical conditions, the Bible is silent about GID. Third, some people just do not want others to be happy. It’s a perverse twist on the adage that “misery loves company”; no one else should be happy if I’m not.

The AMA is right on target on this one. Even though I lost my job, had to change churches, and lost some friends in my transition (transitioning is part of the medical standards of care), I would do it again. I did not know it was possible to be this happy. Hopefully, the AMA’s action will change some hearts and minds and open up care for others trying to deal with this serious medical condition. AMA, you rock!