March 13, 2025

Since CSWA published the Statement on Gender Executive Order on February 9, 2025, and the Retraction of the Statement on February 14, 2025, we have received multiple emails from members in response. We would like to give some context for where CSWA stands now on this important issue.

The blanket rejection of transgender treatment by the current administration is harmful to our patients and other individuals who are navigating their gender identity journeys. CSWA continues to stand by its beliefs that LCSWs have a fundamental ethical responsibility to honor and support individuals’ rights to self-determination. We also continue to affirm the right of transgender individuals to express their gender identity in a manner that promotes their mental health.

The responses have identified two major issues that led to the retraction of the original statements that require clarification. First, we used a term that is clearly out of date and should not be used when referring to gender identity. CSWA apologizes for the use of this language, and will not be using the term in the future. We are committed to ongoing professional development.

The second issue was much more controversial: the reference to the Cass Review in the original statement. The many comments on this study were quite divided, as were the comments on the retraction. There is a split in the field about whether the Cass Review is a valid document. Some members felt it was inappropriate to include it, some felt it was a major study that has some good points.

CSWA will continue to monitor the most current data that supports the mental health of the trans community in the hopes that a consensus emerges that aligns with our core social work value focused on the dignity and worth of the individual.

Thanks to all who took the time to educate CSWA on the state of current knowledge about treatment of transgender individuals.

 

Laura Groshong, LICSW, CSWA Director of Policy and Practice

Stephanie Payne, LCSW, CSWA President

CSWA Board of Directors