The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) is speaking out in support of children and youth and the importance of creating safe environments for them to explore their sexual orientation and gender identity.
Gender identity is a health issue, and every step should be taken to ensure that all children and youth can achieve optimal health. Exploring and determining one’s sexual orientation and gender is part of normal childhood and adolescent development. This should be encouraged by creating safe environments in which children and youth can express themselves, absent of barriers, prejudice and restrictive conditions that can lead to harm and stigma.
The CMA joins physicians, health professionals and organizations who recognize the need to support the healthy expression of sexual orientation and gender as a fundamental right of all children and youth.
Dr. Kathleen Ross
CMA President