"The report, whilst important is not entirely accurate, and overlooks several established connections. For instance, it erroneously suggests that social transitioning is unsupported by evidence, despite clear data indicating reduced depression and suicidal ideation among young trans individuals when this social transition is respected, for example, respectful use of pronouns.

Moreover, it fails to acknowledge the strong link between mental health and the ability to transition.

There is an assumption that mental health issues mean that these should be solved, to ‘cure’ or ‘treat’ the desire to transition, instead of acknowledging these very same mental health issues as a symptom of being unable to transition. The idea that delaying transition would be beneficial is concerning, given that re-transition rates are minimal and support services for young trans individuals are insufficient, leading some to tragic outcomes due to lengthy waiting lists.

The report also neglects the resilience of the UK trans community, which often fills gaps left by institutional support. Despite this, accessing transition-related care as a child is hindered by extensive waiting times, leading to dire consequences for some, as evidenced by recent tragic events.

The report's failure to connect the mental health struggles of young trans people with barriers to transitioning perpetuates a harmful narrative. It disregards the agency young people should have over their bodies and treatments, framing the issue in a needlessly restrictive manner and has alarming consequences for other forms of care, both for young people and for those who require medical access to treatments such as hormone therapy."


- Nick Cherryman (they/them), PhD researcher in Gender