The psychological diagnosis gender identity disorder (GID) is used to describe a male or female who feels a strong identification with the opposite sex and experiences considerable distress because of his or her actual sex.

Gender identity disorder can affect children, adolescents and adults. Individuals with gender identity disorder have strong cross-gender identification. They believe that they are, or should be, the opposite sex. They are uncomfortable with their sexual role and organs and may express a desire to alter their bodies.

While not all persons with GID are labeled as transsexuals, some are determined to undergo sex change procedures or to pass socially as the opposite sex. Transsexuals alter their physical appearance cosmetically and hormonally, and may eventually undergo a sex-change operation.

Children with gender identity disorder refuse to dress and act in sex-stereotypical ways. It is important to remember that many emotionally...