Delving into the question on which effects gender corrective treatment has in Denmark, this thesis has aimed to answer what gender theoretical assumptions does the system make, and what effects does it cause? Dismissing theories which invalidates gender corrective treatment for transgender people altogether, the thesis has split the relevant gender theories into three camps. The essentialist, the performative and the trans-medical theory of gender, which each have their separate reasons to provide treatment, as well as which requirements must be met to achieve treatment. Analyzing Sundhedsstyrelsen’s paper of instructions, the thesis finds that it follows an inclusive essentialist methodology. While an essentialist approach has its benefits, the system itself runs into a case of discriminatory treatment when it relates to how gender corrective treatment is being offered to cis people compared to the extra requirements and wait times trans people experience.
In order to understand why gender corrective treatment can be necessary, and to give us a language to understand the lived experiences of those who need it, the thesis has chosen to use Honneth’s philosophical theory of recognition. Along with the empirical data from national as well as international studies, it is evident that gender corrective treatment is necessary in order to reduce anxiety, depression and the suicide attempt rate of anyone who may need it. While the current process of treatment is much better than the previous system, it still has its faults. The discriminatory way in which treatment is offered, as well as the extra wait times, categorically violates trans people’s recognition from society. A discriminatory practice that is anchored in the very categorization of trans and cis. However, a solution to this discriminatory practice cannot simply be to end it. If we were to treat trans people the same, we’d be ignoring the gender confusion, which is either inherent to the trans condition or forced upon them through the heteronormative society in which they are raised. A confusion that the extra requirements, like the introductory conversations with various specialists, likely have a positive effect on. Furthermore, it is likely that these mandated conversations are a big factor in reducing the amount of people who detransition after treatment. There seems to be few problems in this discriminatory practice that we can end, without creating new ones. It may be that the underlying cause of these problems is not within the power of the healthcare system to fix, but rather society itself. Nevertheless, it is likely that the current solution, while an improvement on previous methods, still contribute to the higher rates of anxiety, depression and suicide among gender non-conforming people.