“Grow with Pride” Program: Interventions in gender identity and their adaptation to international guidelines

Abstract

In the face of recent national and international questions about the application of the gender-affirming model in transgender and gender-diverse children and adolescents, this study analyzes the “Grow with Pride” Gender Identity Support Program (PAIG in Spanish), implemented in Chile since 2023 and aimed at children and adolescents from 3 to 17 years old.

Objective: To analyze the approach and interventions of the PAIG in relation to international governmental clinical guidelines.

Methodology: Narrative review through a search in non-conventional literature, selecting five international guidelines, contrasted with the PAIG regulatory documents published by the Ministry of Health in 2021 and 2023 . An analysis matrix was developed with three thematic axes: theoretical approach to accompaniment, interventions offered, and entry and informed consent requirements.

Results: The PAIG is mainly based on psychosocial interventions, establishing only an age criterion and the signing of informed consent by the child or adolescent (without the need for approval by a responsible adult), enforcing the principle of progressive autonomy as a requirement for entry into the program. It includes pubertal suppression as a possibility in adolescence, without defining technical criteria, minimum age, evaluation protocols, or standardized clinical follow-up.

Conclusion: The PAIG requires a critical review of its foundations, especially in relation to informed consent and the possible incorporation of medical interventions. It is proposed to strengthen family support, guarantee clear clinical criteria, and promote continuous evaluation mechanisms, ensuring the well-being of the population served.