[Updated overview of transgender issues in France and beyond our borders]

Transgender identity, defined as a lack of identification with the gender assigned at birth, has always existed, across different cultures and throughout history. While greater acceptance has led to an increase in the number of people identifying as transgender, training for healthcare professionals has not kept pace with this societal change. Our review aims to answer the main questions asked by healthcare professionals who have to care for trans and/or non-binary people.

We conducted a critical analysis of data from international literature, focusing mainly on the last five years. Based on the 55 publications selected, we sought to answer the six most frequently asked questions by healthcare professionals about transgender identity.

We reviewed 1) the essential definitions of biological sex, gender, sexual orientation, and different gender identities, 2) the evolution of the recognition of transgender people and their depathologization in the International Classification of Diseases, 3) the evolution of comprehensive care (including the introduction of ALD 31) and legislative changes, 4) geographical and temporal variations in transgender identities, 5) possible medical and surgical treatments (gender-affirming hormone therapy, various surgical treatments, fertility preservation, psychological support), 6) the need to address the lack of training for healthcare professionals on the subject of transgender identities.

A good understanding of transgender identities and their epidemiological, legislative, medical, and psychological developments is essential to improve the quality of their care. Providing information to specialized healthcare professionals, gynecologists, and midwives on the reception and care of transgender people should lead to less discrimination and more appropriate and widespread therapies and preventive measures than are currently available.