The revelation of sexual preferences is gaining traction in a more open and accepting society, leading to a broader understanding of gender diversity that transcends the traditional male and female binary. The SX TALK SERIES #4, themed HEALTHY PRIDE “Healthy Diversity,” recently hosted a fascinating discussion with four expert doctors from King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Thai Red Cross Society. The event, held at C asean SAMYAN CO-OP, 2nd floor, Samyan Mitrtown, centered on attitudes toward the LGBTQ+ community and the quest for social acceptance and equality.
The laid-back yet informative conversation kicked off with a presentation titled “Gender Health Clinic at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital: A Model of Equal Sexual Health Services,” by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Krasean Panyakhamlerd. He elaborated on how the Gender Health Clinic at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, under the Thai Red Cross Society, has been offering comprehensive and equitable sexual health services since 2018. This multidisciplinary medical team adheres to the standards set by The World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH). Furthermore, the World Health Organization (WHO) has set a goal for 2030 to achieve global justice and sustainable health equity across gender diversity, ensuring that no one navigates health and mental challenges in isolation. Those interested can visit the Gender Health Clinic every Monday and Thursday from 13:00 to 16:00 or the BKK Pride Clinic, which has 20 locations throughout Bangkok.
‘Diversity Is Not an Abnormality’
Dr. Thanapob Bumphenkiatikul from the Gender Health Clinic at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital brought an intriguing perspective by stating that sexual orientation, thoughts, and gender identity, whether aligned with one’s feelings or not, are forms of diversity rather than abnormalities. Historical data has shown that conversion therapy—aimed at forcing a change in one’s sexual orientation or identity to match their physical body—was not only ineffective but also exacerbated stress. Today, the focus is on Gender Affirming Care, which aims to align the body with the mind, significantly improving the quality of life and success rates for gender-diverse individuals. Importantly, not everyone needs to undergo every step to become a complete transgender person. Each individual is complete as they are, and medical processes help them become the version of themselves they are comfortable with through various external and internal methods. Consulting a doctor ensures these methods are safe and effective.
‘Changing Mindsets: Birth Control Pills ≠ Hormones’
Asst. Prof. Dr. Amarin Suwan from the Gender Health Clinic at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital put to rest some prevalent misconceptions. Many people purchase birth control pills from pharmacies believing they assist in gender transition. However, these pills pose a high risk of blood clots and should not be used for that purpose. Natural oestrogen is the best option, and it is crucial to preserve reproductive cells before hormone use, as hormones can harm these cells. For children, hormones are not used; instead, family and school support play a pivotal role. Adolescents may start hormone injections to suppress breast and testicular development. For adults, those with heart disease or certain cancers cannot use hormones. not everyone needs hormones or surgery to confirm their gender. The Gender Health Clinic offers personalized guidance to navigate these options safely.
‘Understanding and Preparing for Safe Gender Transition’
Asst. Prof. Dr. Poonpissamai Suwajo, a plastic surgery expert from King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, highlighted that what was once called gender reassignment surgery is now more appropriately referred to as gender confirmation surgery. This shift in terminology aligns with our evolving understanding of gender. Thailand’s first gender reassignment surgery was performed in 1975. Preparation for genital surgery requires at least six months of hormone therapy and living full-time in the desired gender role for at least 12 consecutive months. This ensures that there are no regrets post-surgery, as it is a permanent procedure. Pre-surgery care involves stopping hormone use, quitting smoking, and achieving overall readiness. Understanding the process, the surgery, and self-care ensures a safe and effective gender confirmation surgery.
SX TALK SERIES is more than just a knowledge exchange event; it’s a community-building experience. The sixth session will take place on 27 July 2024 at C asean SAMYAN CO-OP, 2nd floor, Samyan Mitrtown. Stay updated with news and activities by visiting www.sustainabilityexpo.com, following the Sustainability Expo on Facebook, or downloading the SX app.
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Finally, society is starting to understand that diversity is natural and not something to be ‘fixed’. conversion therapy never should have existed!
Absolutely, Joey. Conversion therapy has caused a lot of trauma for many people. It’s about time we recognized it as harmful.
Y’all are ignoring that some people actually want to change and feel trapped in their bodies. Therapy isn’t inherently bad, it’s about the approach.
Mark77, I get that, but forcing people into therapy against their will is not the way. People should be allowed to choose for themselves.
Using birth control pills for gender transition sounds risky. I’m glad professionals are debunking such dangerous practices.
Indeed, Karen. Misuse of birth control pills can lead to serious health issues like blood clots. Proper guidance is crucial.
Can’t believe people would take such risks without consulting a doctor. Ignorance can be so dangerous.
True, Ellie. Misinformation spreads fast. Education is key.
The shift from calling it ‘gender reassignment surgery’ to ‘gender confirmation surgery’ is so important. Words matter.
Agree! It acknowledges that the person’s gender identity was always valid, rather than something that needs to be fixed.
And it’s a small change but makes a huge difference in how we understand and respect each other.
I don’t get why it matters what it’s called. It’s the same surgery, isn’t it?
Words shape our perceptions, Bobby. The new terminology respects the individual’s experience and identity.
It’s good to see there’s now a clinic like this in Bangkok. It offers hope and support for many who need it.
Absolutely! Access to proper healthcare and support can be life-changing.
Educating people on proper hormone use is vital. It can prevent a lot of unnecessary health complications.
Indeed. Misuse can have long-term consequences which are often overlooked in the pursuit of quick results.
I love the idea of family and school support playing a critical role in a child’s gender journey. It normalizes diversity early on.
Does anyone else think that ‘Gender Affirming Care’ is just pandering to trends rather than genuine medical practice?
Maxine, it’s not pandering. It’s addressing real needs with evidence-based practices. People are healthier when they are validated and supported.
I still feel this is more about societal pressure than genuine care. But to each their own, I guess.
Amazing to see WHO supporting gender diversity on a global scale. Hopefully, it will encourage more countries to follow suit.
This woke stuff is getting out of hand. Let people be what they are born to be without all this confusion.
Kenneth, it’s not about confusion. It’s about letting people live authentically and support them in that journey.
Happy to see that gender health is being taken seriously. Too often, these issues are stigmatized and ignored.
I wish these kinds of clinics existed when I was younger. Life could have been so different for many of us.
We can only hope that future generations have it better. Social acceptance is slowly growing.
Honestly, some people take this gender stuff too far. Kids shouldn’t mess with hormones. They aren’t even fully developed yet!
Ensuring proper support from family and school environments during a child’s gender exploration is essential. Environment shapes our experiences.
It’s incredible to think about the societal shift that’s happening. Ten years ago, these conversations were almost non-existent.
People should wait until they are adults to make irreversible changes to their bodies. Children aren’t equipped to make those decisions.
While it’s great that we are discussing these matters openly, I’m worried about potential over-medicalization.
The discussion around gender diversity and health is long overdue. Personalizing healthcare to meet individual needs is a step in the right direction.
Agreed, Oliver. We need to treat people with care and respect and address their unique needs.
Isn’t this just another way to get more money from people? High-cost surgeries and hormones seem like a money grab.
Seeing initiatives like these clinics makes me hopeful for the future. Healthcare should be inclusive and equitable.