Discussing transgenderism in America

ABC will be airing Diane’s Sawyer’s exclusive interview with Olympic athlete Bruce Jenner Friday night to discuss rumors surrounding his transition from man to woman. 

47 ABC took a moment and spoke to a local psychologist to examine transgenderism in America.

The latest numbers from the Williams Institute at UCLA suggest about 700,000 people identify themselves as transgender. This means they associate themselves with a separate gender role than they were assigned with at birth.

Margaret Gaestel is a licensed clinical psychologist in Lewes and says the feeling of “not belonging” could start as early as grade school. Gaestal says there are often many misconceptions about transgender individuals.

“I think people that…oh, they’re going to change how they feel…like if a transgender person goes through the transition.” She says. “Research shows they have the same feelings for their partners that they had before. They have the same connections to their loved ones that they had before.”

Gaestal further explains that acceptance is one of the most important things a person needs, and there are a number of resources someone can seek if they’re going through this journey.

The interview with Bruce Jenner will air on Friday night at 9 p.m.