Does anybody know who is running WPATH? I'm not talking a list of names that you can find on their website, but who are they? Where is WPATH getting its standards of care? What is the research they are using to make their decisions? I don't know about you, but since the work of these people directly impacts my life, I'm kind of nervous that so little information is available about them. I would like to know who these people are, besides just a random list of names and titles. Who are these people making the decisions that determines my care?
From what I could find on how they conduct reviews, and how they were formed it seems they're a solid organization. I think we would need to do a much deeper dive on who they are individually to answer these questions. Which I would be happy to help with. I've looked through some things on how they conduct their research from their website. But generally research is heavily peer reviewed as a standard of research. It takes quite a lot to get this information approved and out. It seems that from what I can see, these individuals are invested in the betterment of trans individuals, but I do need to do more research before drawing a final conclusion.
I found their research methods on their site, and then I researched their wikki page. It has some really useful information on it.
If you copy and paste their names into google, you will be directed to their social media pages, and from there should be able to find other resources on them. If you'd like some help in compiling this knowledge - again happy to help.
Thanks. I was trying to give the heart emoji, but my phone had other ideas. I do hope to learn more about who they are. I work for the state, so I am also hoping to get something I can give as a resource to help people find good doctors. I've had a tremendously hard time finding doctors who were accepting and friendly. I've found that even some doctors who claim to be accepting and friendly are anything but, so I'm learning that you have to be very careful with who you look to for information and care.
@cyndigrrl I would highly recommend utilizing reddit. They will be locals from your community that will be trans and can help you too. We are in this together. If you want me to find more info around them, I can do so. Let me know. I love learning and sharing knowledge.
@cyndigrrl Cynthia, one of my go to resources for LGBTQ friendly doctors is OutCarehealth..... Many times i have found doctors in various members location to help them get pointed in the right direction. I hope this helps you as well. Hugs
Hey, Cynthia.
You ask a very probing question, one that is highly applicable in today’s environment of instant publication on the worldwide stage. The very question you ask is relevant to all of us, regardless of whether we are speaking about transgender healthcare issues, or looking to purchase a new kitchen blender.
Are our “experts” really experts?! Let me give the short answer regarding these subject matter experts serving on the WPATH board and researchers. Yes, this group is a very selective and exquisite assembly of physicians, surgeons, therapists, and scientists. The (very long) list of authors that you read on the published Standards of Care literally have, collectively, well north of a thousand, yes thousand, years of experience in their fields as they relate to medicine and specifically transgender healthcare issues, from pediatric to old agers.
I have personally known and worked with several of these experts, some for 10-30 years! For my part, I’ve been working in transgender care for 39 years. I am literally humbled when I speak with, consult with, or refer my patients to them. Many of them have forgotten more about medicine than I am ever going to know as a practitioner!
Let me also invest this answer with a personal anecdote. I have been working with the WPATH Standards of Care (SOC) since their first publication in 1979. Initially I was unable to receive hormone therapy because I did not meet the definition of “gender dysphoria” since I didn’t have the then required “clinical depression” to meet the SOC for hormone therapy. Our research verified knowledge base, science, and clinical experience have evolved greatly over the past 46 years since the first Standards were published. These publications represent and summarize the best of what we know today.
Emit offered some good advice on how to get to know something about the authors of the WPATH SOC. Please let me know if there is anything else I can do to help you as you wrestle with your outstanding question and concerns.
Dee (Dianna M Haggerty, MD, PhD)
Thank you. I was trying to give the heart emoji in appreciation for your reply, but my phone seems to have other ideas. I will do some research on them. Especially these days, information and sources need to be vetted, and I guess I'm just one of those people who likes accurate information. I appreciate your presentations.
