What is gender dysphoria?
Gender dysphoria is a term that describes the sense of discomfort experienced by people who don’t identify with the gender they were assigned at birth. The discomfort may be constant or sporadic and it may vary in terms of severity.
How and when to start
How do I know if my child is ready to begin gender-affirming hormone treatment?
Starting gender-affirming hormones is a big step. When your child is settled in their gender identity, able to understand the effects of hormones, and ready to start the puberty associated with their gender identity, then they are eligible to start gender-affirming hormones.
When should my trans child start hormones?
We consider that any cisgender child who hasn’t started puberty by 14 is a late developer and they should have their puberty kick-started with hormones. The same rules apply to trans children. We want them to develop normally, at the same time as the kids at school, along with their friends and classmates. If your trans child is telling you that they’re ready to start puberty, then support them, listen to them, and believe them.
Prescriptions
How can I get my prescription for my trans child?
If you don’t have a doctor that will prescribe for you on the recommendations created by our systems then we can refer you to one of our independent prescribers. They’re experts in gender care, and they’re up to date with current clinical guidelines and best practice from across the world. They can issue you a paper prescription or an electronically-signed and delivered prescription.
Is there an age limit on accessing hormones?
International guidelines and best practice confirm that hormones should be started when the child is ready to go through puberty associated with their gender. When they understand the effects of the hormones and are happy that the changes will eventually be irreversible.
What options are there for transgender girls to block puberty, in the absence of GnRHa puberty blockers?
See this article for more information.
If I can’t get blockers, should we just start hormones?
You should only start hormones when your child is ready to embark on the journey of puberty. While the effects of blockers are completely reversible, the changes hormones bring are not. Don't rush into it, and make sure you are ready.
See this article for more information.
Why has the government banned puberty blockers?
We are shocked that they have done so and are heavily against such a ban. To interfere with medicine and healthcare will be immensely harmful. However, a lack of knowledge, fear and discrimination has led to unusual steps being taken.
See this article for more information.
Can children still get gender-affirming medication?
Yes, they most certainly can. If you’re in the UK and can no longer get GnRha puberty blockers because of the government ban, you can rest assured that there are other options (like spironolactone and cyproterone for transfeminine and SERMS for transmasculine) available to prevent pubertal changes.
See this article for more information.
We have a supply of puberty blockers, is it illegal for my child to continue to use them?
Absolutely not.
Services
Do you offer counselling for parents through GenderGP providers?
Yes! Experience has shown us that while many parents may be accepting and supportive of their child, whatever their age, helping their child to safely navigate their gender journey can be challenging at times.
Being able to talk through their thoughts, fears, and even prejudices, in a non-judgmental environment, can be a hugely positive step for everyone involved.
Does a young person’s parent need to be present with them for the Information Gathering Session (IGS)?
If a young person has the capacity and ability to ask their own questions and make their own decisions, they’re quite able to have their IGS session themselves.
If their parents aren’t supportive or helpful, a young person may feel better on their own.
Please note that adolescents under 16 will need to have a special Capacity to Consent Session. The session will be carried out by an expert advisor who will establish whether the young person fully understands what they’re doing and has the capacity to give informed consent to treatment.
Family Concerns
Is it real, is it a phase, and will it go away?
Listen to your child. If they're really telling you that they're actually trans, then they are. Your belief and understanding is crucial to them. It may be hard at first but it gets easier. Being trans is very real and here to stay, and your child will need your support more than ever.
Is it a “social contagion”?
Like-minded people stick together, so you’ll find that LGBT groups have lots of LGBT people in them, but this doesn’t mean that a non-LGBT person who enters an LGBT group will be turned LGBT. It just doesn’t work like that.
Once we put fear aside and start to understand identity, we see that it is just innate. It’s a part of us, it’s who we are. Many families have more than one child; they have the same home, the same internet, and the same school – but one might be gay, one might be trans, one might be straight, and one might be cis. They’re all themselves, and they’re all individuals
Does a family member have to be involved in my treatment plan?
We want everyone to be supported in their gender journey, some have more support than others. If you don’t have someone close to you to help then we will be there to support you. Not having someone who understands this is not a reason why we would not give you care.
Can I persuade my child that they aren’t trans?
No! You can try but that will only harm your relationship. Trans kids need to be believed and they need your unwavering love and support, as they always do in everything they do.
What if my trans child changes their mind?
Transgender children will always be trans, they don’t change their mind, and transition regret rates are very low. Some people do regret transitioning, but the reason is not because they are no longer trans. They either were not trans in the first place, or life is just too unaccepting of them as a trans person.
If your child is trans then believe them, support them, and help them adjust.
Can you talk me – or my child – out of being trans?
No, we can’t and we would never try to talk you out of accepting your gender identity. We can, however, help you to come to terms with it. Our gender identity isn't a choice, it's inherent in who we are.
Good counsellors, who understand gender, are only there to help you to discover your true identity, not to convince you to be something you are not. If you have questions, our team of specialist gender counsellors can help you to find the answers.
The counselling team acts as a professional sounding board. They're a completely unbiased and impartial resource with whom you can share your deepest darkest secrets without judgment.
How can I be sure they are trans?
How is anyone sure of their gender identity? And how do you know you are a woman? How do you know you are a man? Is your gender created by your genitals, or is it just who you are on the inside? Listen to your child, try and understand them, and work it out together.
Do my Mum or Dad have to know?
We encourage you to share your transition with important people in your life. At the end of the day, though, it's your body, your identity, your journey, and it's up to you with whom you share information.
Do I need to have my parents’ consent?
In many countries, young people can consent to their medical treatment on their own, as long as they understand the risks and benefits and the effects that the treatment will have.
If your parents are not supportive of your actions, you’re welcome to give your own consent. If they’re supportive, we would love to have them along. If you feel they would benefit from talking to a specialist about their fears and concerns, they can do so through our GenderGP counselling portal.
I'm a parent and I'm really struggling with this. What should I do?
It can be hard, but your child needs you.
Find a shoulder to cry on, let it all out, and then come back with renewed vigour to help support your trans child. Lean on people who will truly help and support you, and lean away from those who can’t or aren’t able to. Seek out professional help if you’re able to, and ask to be part of true support groups. You may feel alone but you are not, believe me.
What about binding and tucking?
Binding and tucking practices can cause immense relief. Try and help your trans child access the right size for them, and educate yourselves about the right techniques.