Following the publication of the final Cass Review, the NHS has committed to implementing its recommendations. Despite this commitment, waiting times continue to grow, with some young people having waited more than 6 years for a first appointment. This is unacceptable. We know there have been many reports and announcements in recent weeks about the future of gender-affirming healthcare for young people so we have provided a short update to help you understand. What’s happening with the opening of new NHS Youth Gender services? The NHS has committed to opening up to 8 young people’s gender services, with 3 currently…
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Over the weekend, the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) published an “interim update” following the Supreme Court judgment. This update isn’t statutory, which means that it’s not the law, and can’t be enforced. It is likely that providers following this update are at risk of unlawful discrimination. We are deeply concerned about this interim update, which will have significant negative impacts for trans, non-binary and intersex children, young people and adults, from where they get changed for PE, to which toilets they use at school or in public and even which youth organisations and clubs they can join. No…
Last Saturday, I had the privilege of attending Mermaids’ third TRANS(CEND) event, an interactive day for trans youth with workshops, guest speakers, and most importantly, community. I was blown away by the positivity, intelligence and laughter in the room. What really stuck out for me though was the strength of the young trans adults in the room. In the face of adversity, they stood firm, speaking their truth and imagining a better future. Yet despite this strength, I know they needed to rest too. Today, within minutes of the Supreme Court’s ruling, my phone was abuzz with messages of…
At Mermaids, we believe that everyone should feel supported at work, cared for at school, and taken seriously at the doctors. Yet we know, this is too often not the case for many trans people across the UK.To create a world where trans people can thrive, we must support the people who provide support to our community.At a time where trans people are facing growing hostility just for being themselves, it’s so important that employers, educators and other professionals stand up for inclusion.Recent research by TUC revealed that just one in three trans people shared that they are trans with…
Every person, no matter their gender or their background, has the right to be referred to in a way that allows them to access public services safely and without fear. When we collect data about people’s gender and sex, we need systems that respect how individuals wish to be described, recognising that not everyone’s bodies – both those who are trans and those who are not – fit neatly within a sex or gender binary. We are concerned that, if the Sullivan Review’s recommendations are implemented, public data collection would become less reliable – denying trans people the right…
Hi, my name’s John and I work on Mermaids’ support line. I’m a non-binary trans man living in Staffordshire with my fiancée. I love reading and listening to podcasts, especially if they are about history and folklore! My co-workers know me as the one with lots of Oodies (a type of wearable, hooded blanket) they joke that I have one for every day of the week! I remember when I was eighteen someone asked me what my dream job was. I said it would be working for an LGBTQ+ organisation but that it would probably never happen. Around Christmas 2020…
We are devastated for young people in the USA following the executive order that seeks to ban gender affirming care for under 19s. Right across the globe, extremist politicians are trying to deny trans youth the right to freely express themselves, despite clear evidence of the benefits of gender affirming care. We stand in full solidarity with the young people and their loved ones affected by these measures. This order reminds us that the right to healthcare is hard won but easily taken away. We will support our international partners who stand resolutely against the global anti-gender movement and continue…
This week, research was published into the experiences of nearly 4000 trans young people who spoke to their GP about wanting transition between 2011 and 2021. The study looked at everyone under 18 years old where their GP had recorded that they were experiencing gender dysphoria or gender incongruence. Long waiting lists meant that many young people who wanted to transition were never seen by the now-closed specialist Gender Identity Development Service (GIDS). This research is so important because previous studies on trans young people have not captured outcomes for all trans young people who had approached their GP…
As LGBTQ+ sector organisations, we are deeply disappointed that the UK Government has decided to continue criminalising the prescription of puberty suppressing medicines for trans children and young people outside of a proposed NHS research study Every single child and young person, across all nations of the UK, should be able to get the care that they need to grow up happy and healthy. To be supported by well trained, knowledgeable professionals who can make the right decisions with them, and who have access to appropriate medical treatments. To not have to wait too long or travel too far. And…
Statement from our Chair of Trustees, Kathryn Downs We are relieved that the Charity Commission Inquiry which began nearly two years ago is finally over. The report states, as we anticipated, that there is no finding of misconduct at Mermaids. The Commission has also confirmed, as we have repeatedly asserted, that we have not provided medical advice or acted improperly in our work with children, young people and their families. We want to thank all our staff, volunteers and generous supporters who have ensured we have continued to provide high quality support and advocacy to trans young people, maintaining our…