World Health Organization (WHO): ICD Revision Process. Should Transsexuality still be classified as a disorder?

For starters, I would like to inform you that according to the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) by the World Health Organization (WHO), Transsexuality is a mental disorder. Yes, you read it right!!


Facts;
1. Homosexuality was removed from this list of disorders/diseases in 1990.
2. The 11th version of the ICD is scheduled to be presented to the World Health Assembly (WHO'sGoverning Body) in May 2015.
3. We have between now and 2015 to fight for the removal of transsexuality from the ICD.
4. Transsexuality and Transvestism can be removed from this list.


Details of the classification in the current 10th Edition of the ICD;
The big category in which we fall is: Mental and behavioural disorders

Sub category: Disorders of adult personality and behaviour
One of the disorders under this classification is (the Fs are just codes);

Gender Identity Disorders (GID)
Under this category, there is;

F64.0 Transsexualism A desire to live and be accepted as a member of the opposite sex, usually accompanied by a sense of discomfort with, or inappropriateness of, one's anatomic sex, and a wish to have surgery and hormonal treatment to make one's body as congruent as possible with one's preferred sex.

F64.1 Dual-role transvestism The wearing of clothes of the opposite sex for part of the individual's existence in order to enjoy the temporary experience of membership of the opposite sex, but without any desire for a more permanent sex change or associated surgical reassignment, and without sexual excitement accompanying the cross-dressing.

Gender identity disorder of adolescence or adulthood, nontranssexual type

Excludes: fetishistic transvestism ( F65.1 )

F64.2 Gender identity disorder of childhood
A disorder, usually first manifest during early childhood (and always well before puberty), characterized by a persistent and intense distress about assigned sex, together with a desire to be (or insistence that one is) of the other sex. There is a persistent preoccupation with the dress and activities of the opposite sex and repudiation of the individual's own sex. The diagnosis requires a profound disturbance of the normal gender identity; mere tomboyishness in girls or girlish behaviour in boys is not sufficient. Gender identity disorders in individuals who have reached or are entering puberty should not be classified here but in F66.-.
Excludes: egodystonic sexual orientation ( F66.1 )
sexual maturation disorder ( F66.0 )

F64.8 Other gender identity disorders

F64.9 Gender identity disorder, unspecified
Gender-role disorder NOS

In case of questions, please do not hesitate to ask before we move on.


I will be proposing in the next issue on how we could all possibly contribute to the process. You may do the same by sending me your suggestions (julie.mukasa@gmail.com) which I will definitely posted here. You could also post it as a comment.