Childhood Cross-Gender Identification

Case histories of adult transsexuals reveal that their cross-gender identification and behavior dates back to childhood. There is considerable evidence from several sources, in particular research on anatomically intersexed children, that gender identity is established early in life. As some cross-gender behavior may be seen in many children, the recognition of a significant disorder of gender identity is a complex diagnostic task. Diagnosis takes into consideration qualitative and quantitative factors and considers such behavioral variables as clothing, playmates, activity preferences and aversions, mannerisms, statements, and relationships to parents. Case history data are given for nine boys, each 8 years of age or younger when first diagnosed as manifesting anomalous gender role development. In six cases, parents were able to clearly identify cross-gender behavior at the age of 3 years or younger. When initially evaluated, these boys were behaving in the way adult male transsexuals report having behaved at a comparable age.