Childhood gender nonconformity

Childhood gender nonconformity (CGN) is a phenomenon in which prepubescent children do not conform to expected gender-related sociological or psychological patterns, or identify with the opposite sex/gender. Typical behavior among those who exhibit the phenomenon includes but is not limited to a propensity to cross-dress, refusal to take part in activities conventionally thought suitable for the gender and the exclusive choice of play-mates of the opposite sex. Multiple studies have correlated childhood gender nonconformity with eventual homosexuality; in these studies, a majority of those who identify as gay or lesbian self-report being gender nonconforming as children. The therapeutic community is currently divided on the proper response to childhood gender nonconformity. Gender nonconforming children face gender policing from both adults and peers, including bullying and violence based on their gender nonconformity. Gender policing at a young age can increase the risk of alcoholism, anxiety, and depression in adulthood. Gender nonconformity in children can have many forms, reflecting various ways in which a child relates to their gender. In literature, gender variance and gender atypicality are used synonymously with gender nonconformity. Cross-gender clothing preferences; Playing with toys generally associated with the opposite sex; Preference for playmates of the opposite sex; Identification with characters of the opposite sex in stories, cartoons or films; Affirmation of the desire to be a member of the opposite sex; Strong verbal affirmation of a cross-gender identity. The concept of childhood gender nonconformity assumes that there is a correct way to be a girl or a boy. There are a number of social and developmental perspectives that explore how children come to identify with a particular gender and engage in activities that are associated with this gender role. Psychoanalytic theories of gender emphasize that children begin to identify with the parent, and that girls tend to identify with their mothers and boys with their fathers.