22.06.2021 Trans young people should have the same rights to bodily autonomy as any other young people  We have seen the distress and further delay to accessing treatment that the High Court’s decision in Bell v Tavistock has created for our service users. The decision has put a further strain on the already marginalised transgender and non-binary community and their families in this country. We believe strongly that trans and non-binary children should have the same rights over their healthcare decisions as anyone else, in line with their evolving understanding. This is in line with the UN Convention on the…

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…

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…

Susie Green, CEO of Mermaids said: “We’re absolutely delighted to see that the appeal of the Bell v Tavistock case will involve interventions from four fantastic organisations.  “These organisations aim to give the children impacted a voice during the appeal hearing, something that was shamefully missing from the first instance ruling.  “As one of the UK’s leading charities working with transgender children, we are proud to join together with many other organisations to support this important legal intervention, and of the unity and consensus behind it.  “We stand together in the hope that we can speak up for young people…

Susie Green, CEO of Mermaids said: “For years, parents, young people and medical professionals have been saying that the GIDS needs more support. The waiting times are absolutely unacceptable, no other child is expected to wait years for expert healthcare and wellbeing support and nor should they.  “The CQC report shows that the NHS is failing in its responsibility to provide the best care for all children.  “When a child goes to their doctor asking for help, they should be seen by the right specialist as soon as possible. We expect this NHS trust to treat the CQC report as…