Professor Zucker’s invitation as a keynote speaker to the Division of Clinical Psychology Annual Conference: A response

Abstract

The British Psychological Society’s Division of Clinical Psychology invited Professor Zucker as a keynote speaker at their Annual Conference (1–3 December 2010). Professor Zucker is considered an authoritative figure in the controversial diagnosis and ‘treatment’ of children with Gender Identity Disorder (GID). He is also the Chair for the American Psychiatric Association’s Sexual and Gender Identity Disorders Work Group for the DSM-5, which has proposed contentious revisions such as the inclusion of Paraphilic Coercive Disorder (PCD).Professor Zucker considers a diagnosis of GID when a child displays ‘gender incongruence’ such as rejecting toys or clothes considered to be associated with their gender (e.g. a girl’s rejection of feminine clothes).PCD is proposed as an addition, the diagnosis being suggested when an individual has ‘sought sexual stimulation from forcing sex on three or more non-consenting persons on separate occasions’. There are concerns that this pathologises rape, as well as the potential for misuse in the legal system.Professor Zucker’s invitation as a keynote speaker has presented concerns regarding the DCP and the Society’s position on GID and the other issues raised.Below is a copy of a joint statement by the Society’s Psychology of Women and Psychology of Sexualities Sections.