Kristina Olson, Ph.D.
Professor of Psychology
University of Washington

Childhood Gender Diversity: Latest Findings and Current Controversies

Abstract: Upon birth, doctors, midwives, and parents around the world declare, “It’s a boy,” or “It’s a girl.” Today, more and more children are defying these declarations, identifying as a gender that did not align with this pronouncement at their birth. Dr. Olson will present work exploring the gender development and well-being of this generation of transgender and gender-nonconforming children, suggesting ways in which their lives are both remarkably unique and surprisingly similar to their more gender-conforming peers. She will address questions about the continuity and discontinuity of identity, examine researcher biases in assessing gender, and discuss the implications of social support and transitioning on well-being in transgender and gender-diverse youth.