The Gender Affirming Model

The Gender Affirming Model is an approach to supporting transgender and gender-diverse individuals that emphasizes respecting and validating their gender identity. It involves providing emotional support, using preferred names and pronouns, and offering medical options like hormone therapy or surgeries when appropriate. This model recognizes gender identity as a core aspect of a person’s well-being and seeks to reduce distress by aligning their external appearance and life experiences with how they identify internally. Its goal is to promote dignity, authenticity, and overall mental health through affirmation and personalized care.