NHS England has updated the guidelines it uses around ‘puberty blockers’ for under 16s. It follows a High Court case in late 2020 which effectively stopped trans young people getting vital access to medication without having to go to court first. Then, a High Court case in March, 2021, ruled that young people could get access to puberty blockers as long as they had the support of their parents/guardians and practitioners. Now, after almost three weeks, NHS England has updated its guidelines to fall into line with the law. Let’s take a look at what’s changed and what it means…
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This blog post is now out of date. Please see this link for the latest information. It is now two weeks since the High Court ruled that parents could consent on their child’s behalf to Puberty Blockers, but still NHSE hasn’t changed its guidance to reflect the law. It is an extraordinary state of affairs for NHS England to be out of kilter with a High Court ruling for such a period of time, especially when we’re dealing with young people already suffering the impact of previous harmful decisions. Decisions which were, if you recall, enacted with blistering rapidity. On…
Following World Rugby’s publication of new transgender guidelines in October 2020, the Rugby Football Union (RFU) has also conducted a review of its transgender policy and eligibility criteria for playing contact rugby union in England. The national governing body for rugby union in England, the RFU’s transgender inclusion policy can be read here. HAVE YOUR SAY! The RFU has now opened an external consultation period which will run until 5pm on 16 April 2021. Our Trans Inclusion in Sports Youth Worker, Verity Smith (he/him) has taken a look at the policy and consultation, which has been launched on Trans Day…
This blog post is now out of date. Please see this link for the latest information. We welcome today’s High Court Family Division ruling that parents can consent to their children being prescribed puberty blockers without needing to go to court, and that puberty blockers are not a special category of treatment which has to be authorised by a court order. This is welcome news for those fearing the Keira Bell ruling would prevent them from accessing ‘puberty blockers’. “We feel a huge amount of relief having heard this news. My youngest is 12 and we were told just before…
When I was 8 my family moved to Wales and most weekends we’d go for walks over the mountains, or scenic bike rides. I think I’ve always been a sporty person and I always loved being outside, taking the dogs for a walk or going down to the beach to go body boarding. I’m 20 now but when I was 10 I really wasn’t very good at sport in school, it was always rugby and football and I never clicked with them. Those were the sports that were forced on me, the stereotypically masculine ones. I know sports aren’t gendered,…
We have been following the developing situation regarding allegations of racism at Pride in London with growing concern. The resignation of Pride in London’s Director of Communications, Rhammel Afflick, followed by the entire Community Advisory Board, raises important questions for those who claim issues of discrimination at Pride in London are a thing of the past. The departure of staff and volunteers reflects broader issues around structural racism within society, and as a charity currently working hard to confront our own challenges around the meaningful inclusion of Black, Asian and racialised trans people, we call on Pride in London to…
Today was an important day, as MPs in Parliament continue to search for the facts around trans lives, amidst ongoing misinformation and discrimination in society, in the media and – in some quarters – at Westminster. Primarily, the Women and Equalities Select Committee was gathering evidence around reform of the Gender Recognition Act. Lui Asquith, (they/them) Mermaids Director of Legal and Policy, gave evidence to the committee, representing trans children, young people and families. The two-hour session covered a wide range of issues related to gender identity, many of which have no connection to the Act itself. However, we’re pleased…
As you will no doubt be aware, the census is live in the United Kingdom and must be filled out before 21 March 2021. The ONS has now clarified that sex should be recorded as that which is stated on an individual’s birth certificate. Millions of people across the UK have already completed the census, and we understand that the answers provided will be included by the ONS. It is not mandatory to read the ONS guidance before completing the census. Individuals must answer to the best of their knowledge and belief. You should not feel pressured to give an…
Update – Feb 26th Yesterday, the Government accepted a proposed amendment to the Bill. The Bill was expected to return to the House of Commons for the Lords’ proposed changes to be debated, with the potential for them to be refused by MPs. This decision means that the Government will likely tell their MPs to vote for the new wording to just include ‘mother or expectant mother’. This action was unexpected and is the first time in many years that a government has deliberately excluded a minority by changing accepted inclusive language to be exclusionary. We welcomed the original inclusive wording of the bill, and this amendment constitutes a…
Susie Green, CEO of Mermaids said: “Mermaids is delighted to learn that Gendered Intelligence, Brook and The Endocrine Society have been given permission to intervene in this important case. “Caring for young people means listening to them when they share their needs and experiences. The court must now reflect that it has the best interests of young people at heart by listening to what they have to say. “No other child is subject to court proceedings when they, their parents and their doctor agree on what care is needed. “As one of the UK’s leading charities for transgender youth, Mermaids…