Gender identity issues in youth: opportunities, terminologies, histories, and advancements.

An expanding number of mental health professionals evaluate, advocate for, treat, and refer gender variant children and transgender youth.Official recognition of these persons and their needs as well as support for improvement and change come from several different national surveys and professional policy and accreditation organizations. Being informed about these and other available resources can help with patient advocacy. The author provides a reading list for youth and families, definitions of terms, a history of youth gender variance, history and policies of professional organizations, and recent reports and initiatives. An appendix with a patient's first-hand story is included.