Childhood gender nonconformity is a phenomenon in which pre-pubescent children do not conform to expected gender-related sociological or psychological patterns, and/or identify with the opposite gender. Typical behaviour 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 non-conformity with eventual gay/bisexual and transgender outcomes. In some studies, a majority of those who identify as gay or lesbian self-report being gender non-conforming as children. However, the accuracy of these studies has been questioned from within the academic community. The therapeutic community is currently divided on the proper response to childhood gender non-conformity. One study suggested that childhood gender non-conformity is heritable.
Read more about Childhood Gender Nonconformity: Manifestations of Gender Non-conformity in Children, Social and Developmental Theories of Gender, Influences of Androgens On Childhood Gender Non-conformity, Childhood Gender Non-conformity and Sexual Orientation, Report Biases in Retrospective Studies, Gender Identity Disorder, Clinical Treatments For Gender Identity Disorder
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