It can feel really hard to wait for treatment when it feels urgent. Many parents, and sometimes healthcare systems, ask youth to wait until 16 or older for gender-affirming care. This is often because they believe older teens can make decisions with more maturity and certainty.
Why Parents Might Say to Wait
Legal/Medical rules: Some treatments require a minimum age or parental consent.
Parental concerns: Parents may hope waiting helps you feel more certain and confident in your decision.
Coping While You Wait
Learn and share: Read about gender identity and gender-affirming care, and share resources with your parents.
Build support: Connect with friends, support groups, or counsellors who understand what you're going through.
Professional help: A therapist or doctor familiar with gender identity can support you and help explain things to your parents.
Non-medical steps: Explore ways to express your gender now (like clothes, hairstyle, or pronouns).
Talking With Your Parents
Keep communicating: Share how you feel in calm, ongoing conversations.
Bring in professionals: Sometimes parents listen more when a doctor or therapist explains things.
Set check-ins: Agree to revisit the conversation as you get closer to 16.
Remember
Waiting can be frustrating, but your identity is valid right now. Focus on caring for your mental health, finding supportive people, and taking the steps you can. You are not alone – many others are walking this path too.