The revelation of sexual preferences is becoming more open and accepted, leading to a broader understanding of gender diversity beyond just male and female. The SX TALK SERIES #4, under the theme HEALTHY PRIDE “Healthy Diversity,” featured four expert doctors from King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Thai Red Cross Society, discussing attitudes towards the LGBTQ+ community and social acceptance and equality at C asean SAMYAN CO-OP, 2nd floor, Samyan Mitrtown, recently.
The relaxed conversation began with ‘Gender Health Clinic at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital: A Model of Equal Sexual Health Services’ by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Krasean Panyakhamlerd. He explained that the Gender Health Clinic at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Thai Red Cross Society, has been providing services since 2018 to enhance comprehensive and equitable sexual health services. This is under the care of a multidisciplinary medical team and follows the standards of The World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH). The World Health Organization has also set a goal for 2030 to achieve global justice and sustainable health equity across gender diversity, ensuring no one faces health and mental challenges alone. Interested individuals can visit the Gender Health Clinic every Monday and Thursday from 13:00 to 16:00 or the BKK Pride Clinic, which has 20 locations across Bangkok.
‘Diversity Is Not an Abnormality’
Dr. Thanapob Bumphenkiatikul from the Gender Health Clinic at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital shared that sexual orientation, thoughts, and gender identity, whether aligned with one’s feelings or not, are forms of diversity and not abnormalities. Historical data shows that conversion therapy aimed at changing one's sexual orientation or identity to match their physical body was unsuccessful and caused more stress. Currently, the concept of Gender Affirming Care, which aligns the body with the mind, is practised. This approach has improved the quality of life and success rates among gender-diverse individuals. However, not everyone needs to undergo every step to become a complete transgender person. Everyone is complete as they are, and medical processes help individuals become the version of themselves that they are comfortable with, through various external and internal methods. Consulting with a doctor ensures these methods are safe and effective.
‘Changing Mindsets: Birth Control Pills ≠ Hormones’
Asst. Prof. Dr. Amarin Suwan from the Gender Health Clinic at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital stated that many people purchase birth control pills from pharmacies believing they help with gender transition. However, these should not be used for transitioning due to the high risk of blood clots. Natural oestrogen is the best option, and it's important to preserve reproductive cells before hormone use, as hormones can harm these cells. In children, hormones are not used; instead, family and school support is crucial. Adolescents may start hormone injections to suppress breast and testicular development. For adults, those with heart disease or certain cancers cannot use hormones. Not everyone needs hormones or surgery to be transgender. The Gender Health Clinic provides personalised guidance for individuals.
‘Understanding and Preparing for Safe Gender Transition’
Asst. Prof. Dr. Poonpissamai Suwajo, a plastic surgery expert from King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, noted that what was once called gender reassignment surgery is now referred to as gender confirmation surgery. This change reflects evolving times and appropriateness. Thailand's first gender reassignment surgery was in 1975. Preparation for genital surgery requires at least six months of hormone therapy and living full-time in the desired gender role for at least 12 consecutive months to ensure no regrets post-surgery, as it is irreversible. Pre-surgery care includes stopping hormone use, quitting smoking, and overall readiness. Understanding the process, surgery, and self-care ensures safe gender confirmation surgery.
SX TALK SERIES offers more than knowledge exchange, and the sixth session will be held on 27 July 2024 at C asean SAMYAN CO-OP, 2nd floor, Samyan Mitrtown. Follow news and activities for sustainability at www.sustainabilityexpo.com, Facebook: Sustainability Expo, and the SX app.
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