"Trans* ist Plural" - Reflexionen aus der klinischen Arbeit

Reflecting on their work in a specialized consultation service for gender dysphoria at the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, the authors address questions regarding the complexity and heterogeneity of transgender identifications – especially in early adolescence. The authors discuss the tense balancing act between the professional´s necessity to encourage a reflected process of understanding regarding the patient’s individual gender dysphoria and/or trans identity, and the patients’ often central wish for a swift indication with regard to medical interventions. The authors plead for a neutral, open attitude towards the adolescents’ multi-layered conflicts, burdens and complex symptoms in order to be able to make a responsible decision on transition steps.