Childhood Development of Sexual Minorities

Paper Summary:

This paper explores how children with gender dysphoria, who will, as adolescents and adults, form what is known as the sexual minority group, represent a particularly needy segment of the minority population. It explains that, unlike many other minorities, this one is partly defined by problems with the developmental process. It argues that, in itself, this might not be such a problem if the surrounding society did not heap additional baggage upon the young, who are just beginning to express themselves and their place within this minority group.

From the Paper:

"One might originally think it odd to approach a question about the experienced childhood development of minorities by opening a discussion of the children who will grow to be sexual and gender-identity minorities. Unlike most other minorities, these children are not generally being raised in a minority culture and family, and do not have the immediate support of their own race or culture about them to help prepare them for life as a minority. So in some ways, this is actually the ideal place to start such a discussion, because in this area one has unmitigated access to the experience of being a minority on the child's development, without the sheltering environment that surrounds other minorities. These children will, a majority of the time, emerge from the crucible of childhood as homosexual or possibly bisexual adults. A few more will go on to actually have their gender physically altered. (Ceglie) Gender Dysphoric children experience many of the developmental difficulties of other minorities, in addition to (obviously) specific developmental problems regarding gender roles and body image, they also experience setbacks in other areas: attachment and social development, aggression and victimization, unique problems with their parents, and general social dysfunctions."

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