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Gender and Sexuality Psychosocial Programs

Children's offers two inter-related programs for children with questions about gender and/or sexuality development. If you have questions about your child's gender behavior download our Guide for Parents, which answers most frequently asked questions. Click on the booklet image to the right.
Gender and Sexuality Development Program

The Gender/Sexuality Development Program (GSDP), directed by Edgardo Menvielle, MD, MSHS provides outpatient psychosocial evaluations and therapeutic services for children, adolescents and their families.

The program works with children (and their families) on these issues:
  • Behaviors considered at variance with generally-accepted gender roles
  • Sexual identity issues
  • Gender identity issues
  • Psychosocial aspects of Disorders of Sex Development (DSD), also known as instersex conditions (congenital genital variations)
  • Co-occurring mental health disorders among children and teens in the above categories
The program is directed by Edgardo Menvielle, MD, M.S.H.S.

We are located at Children's National Medical Center - Sheikh Zayed Campus for Advanced Children's Medicine (111 Michigan Ave, NW, Suite 1200, Washington, DC 20010) in the Outpatient Psychiatry Department. For more information visit our Frequently Asked Questions page.

Children's Gender and Sexuality Advocacy and Education Program

This program provides outreach to families and education to professionals in order to support and affirm children who do not fit society's definition of idealized masculinity/femininity or sexual orientation. The goal of the program is to strengthen the social conditions that allow these children to thrive and to develop a strong and positive sense of themselves and their own talents and capacities. It also engages them in constructive and rewarding social participation. The program builds on the resiliency of children and families and advocates for children who are different or unique by virtue of their gender-typed behaviors, their developing gender and sexual identity, how they are perceived along gender lines, or any combination of these.

Since parents, educators and service professionals play key roles in advocating for these often-misunderstood children, we target all of these groups, and reach out nationwide to educate and engage. We offer parents and family members the forums and resources in which to create a safe and supportive environment.

This program was formerly titled The Outreach Program for Children with Gender Variant Behaviors and their families

This program offers:

  • A group for families in the Washington, DC area
  • On-line groups for parents FAQ about the parent list-serves
  • Play and social activities group for children (Washington, DC area)
  • A summer camp program for families of young children
  • Educational activities and consultations to schools and other Child/Family-focused service organizations
  • Child art program in collaboration with CNMC's 'New Horizions'
The program is directed by Edgardo Menvielle, MD, M.S.H.S. and Catherine Tuerk, MA, RN, CS

Children's Gender and Sexuality Advocacy and Education Program has been honored with several national awards, including:

  • The 2005 Ma Vie en Rose - Children's Advocate Award, the Skylight Project, San Francisco, CA
  • D.C. Youth Pride Alliance's 10 year Anniversary Award (2006)
  • 2008: Stuart Nichols Award for outstanding achievements in GLBT Community Mental Health.
The program has received grants and funds from:
  • The Scissor Sisters
  • The Child Health Center Board, Children's National Medical Center
  • Freddie Mac
  • Brother Help Thyself
  • Individual Donors

You can also find out more by reading selected quotes from Members of our Parent List-serve discussions (CGSAEP).

The Gender and Sexuality Advocacy and Education Program's administrative office is located at Children's National Medical Center - Sheikh Zayed Campus for Advanced Children's Medicine (111 Michigan Ave, NW, Washington, DC 20010).

Disclaimer: No medical or psychological advice provided

Children's Gender and Sexuality Advocacy and Education Program does not answer specific health or mental health questions online. Information about the program and other resources may be provided by email and on the phone. The information on this website is provided as general opinions and may not be applicable to your child's particular condition, it should not be considered as medical or psychological advice, and is not intended to replace consultation with a qualified physician or mental health professional. Neither Children's National Medical Center nor any of its affiliates, nor any contributors, shall have any liability for the content or any errors or omissions in the information provided by this website.

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