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Mermaids Press

Levi’s story: How I am challenging the lack of trans representation on screen

Levi, a young trans person, on why telling our stories is more important than ever I always knew that I wanted to make a film about being trans, since I came out almost six years ago.  My love for documentaries started when I was 12 years old. I sat in front of my TV and turned on a short programme called I am Leo. Unknowingly, this documentary about a trans boy seeking hormone blockers helped me realise that there was something beyond a “tomboy.” It was the first time that I related to somebody, and ever since viewing that show,…

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Mermaids Press

Statement on EDI at Mermaids

In 2022, Mermaids decided to carry out a frank and honest appraisal of our internal culture and how we measure up in terms of equity, diversity and inclusion and to understand oppression which our staff experienced. We thank our staff for their honesty and bravery throughout this process. An independent external report which we commissioned has highlighted a number of significant challenges for us. Today we are sharing the recommendations from this report and the next steps which the team are already taking.  We know we must do better and we are absolutely committed to doing so, and are implementing…

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Mermaids Press

Census 2021: What does it mean for young people?

For the first time, we have census data on gender identity, with over 250,000 people in Wales and England declaring their gender identity as different from sex registered as birth in the 2021 census, published this month.  This means that at least 0.5% of people in England and Wales are likely to be trans (which we are using as an umbrella term), with over 1% of those aged between 16 and 24 identifying as trans.  This new data on gender identity is an important step in recognising the long neglected and overlooked reality of the trans community. From three to…

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Mermaids Press

What’s going on with Gender Recognition? A Mermaids Explainer

There’s been a lot going on with legal gender recognition reform over the past weeks. We know this has left many trans young people and their families feeling worried about the implications of the recent statement made by Kemi Badenoch, Minister for Women and Equalities, as well as reports that the UK Government may block Scottish gender recognition reform.  Here we answer some of the most pressing questions raised by our community:  What changes have been announced to the UK’s Gender Recognition Act (2004)? The UK Government has announced its intention to update the list of countries whose Gender Recognition…

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Mermaids Press

Mermaids 2022: Year in review

2022 was a particularly difficult year for the trans community, but amongst the challenges, there has been cause for celebration too.  From the courage of Members of the Scottish Parliament who stood strong in the face of intense opposition and voted for gender recognition reform, to Mermaids being selected as a charity partner for the world’s largest streaming event and the formation of our first-ever Youth Advisory Panel, here are just a few of the more positive things we’ll remember 2022 for.  Support services To the end of November 2022, we answered 3,593 support line calls and 4,186 web chats, made…

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Mermaids Press

Scotland leads the way on Gender Recognition Reform in the UK

In a huge win for trans people, the Scottish Parliament has passed a landmark Bill removing barriers to legal recognition We are delighted by the news that the Scottish Parliament has passed the Gender Recognition Reform Bill by 86 votes to 39. At a time when trans people in the UK are facing growing hostility, Scottish MSPs have shown bravery and a commitment to equality in supporting this long-overdue legislation, and we send our gratitude and admiration to the Scottish campaigners who have tirelessly fought for reform for over six years.  The reforms mean a trans person can more easily…

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Mermaids Press

Mermaids appoints interim CEO

Mermaids has appointed an interim CEO, who will be joining the charity this week.  Lauren Stoner (she/her) has spent most of her career working in health and social care with a focus on person-centred support, rights, and voice. Her career to date has focused on fundraising and policy change, ensuring that disabled people and abuse survivors have the right support. Lauren has also been involved in developing and supporting partnerships with providers, commissioners and others across the statutory, voluntary, and community sector. She lives in Nottingham with her partner and their pet rats. In a letter to staff, supporters and…

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Mermaids Press

Statement on Charity Commission inquiry

Earlier this year Mermaids decided to carry out a frank and honest appraisal of our internal culture and how we measure up in terms of equity, diversity and inclusion. As part of this process, we commissioned an independent external report which highlighted a number of significant challenges for us. We know we must do better and we are absolutely committed to doing so, and will be implementing the report’s recommendations as a priority. The charity has an unwavering commitment to safeguarding which is, and always will be, our top priority. We will continue to cooperate fully, openly and with complete…

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Mermaids Press

Shaping the future of healthcare: why reflecting on Bell v Tavistock still matters

Two years on from the Bell v Tavistock judgement, Mermaids has produced a report reflecting on its impact for trans young people and their families In October 2019, a judicial review (or complaint) was made in the UK on whether people under 18 years of age could consent to puberty blockers (‘Bell v Tavistock’) and on 1 December 2020, the court ruled in Bell’s favour. Immediately NHS England froze access to new puberty blocker prescriptions, leaving young people in limbo.  Two years on from that judgement, the impact continues to be felt, highlighted in a new report, published today (1…

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Mermaids Press

“I’m worried about the future of healthcare for trans youth” – a parent’s view

A paediatric doctor and parent of a trans child shares her view on the future of healthcare for gender diverse young people in England. I have been a paediatric doctor for 10 years. I also have a primary-school age transgender child. When my child first raised questions about their gender identity (“Mum, how do people know if they are a girl or a boy? Because I think I’m a boy”) I went looking for evidence to help me decide how to respond.  After about six months of being supportive and non-judgemental while they continued to express their questions, my child…

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