Gender Dysphoria: A Medical and Ethical Perplexity as Distinct from Reality and the Rational Approach for Muslim Young People

Abstract

Gender dysphoria (GD), a conflict between one's self-perceived gender identity and the biological sex has been a wholly enigma and a source of contention between experts of various disciplines since long. This is a narrative review of the medical literature utilizing PubMed, Scopus, and Web of science databases, on the social status of GD patients, their therapeutic options, as well as the medical and ethical debate on GD that are of especial interest to the Muslim readers. Gender dysphoric patients or transgender people have a long history of social discrimination, marginalization, abuse, and neglect all around the world. Currently, large scale social developments supporting of transgender rights are rapidly underway in the west. Clinical evidence-based guidelines have also been published and are available for the management of GD, albeit with some medical and ethical concerns. On the other hand, the transgender community is continued to suffer profoundly in the developing and majority of Muslim nations, due to generalized unawareness, neglect, cultural and religious boundaries on this issue. Currently, Muslim youth or young adults are showing passionate interest in GD and are actively seeking information to comprehend its complexities, but they face more dilemma on this matter than the people in the West. This article addresses and discusses key transgender issues and controversies and provides a logical explanation that demonstrates that GD is real medical condition needing attention and that its treatment guidelines are justified. We hope this article will stimulate a new and broader perspective in minds of young Muslims and will urge them to take pragmatic steps in alleviating the travails of long-suffering and neglected transgender community.