Transgender – Get Used to It Sharon O Love

Transgender Umbrella it is currently common to use the terms transgender people or trans people as an ‘umbrella’ to cover the many diverse ways in which people can find their personal experience of their gender differs from the assumptions and expectations of the society they live in

What is GENDER DYSPHORIA Incongruence with gender assigned birth Feeling of distress/discomfort caused by this incongruence Gender Dysphoria has no bearing on sexuality Desire to live a their life their as preferred gender Strong desire to be treated as preferred gender  Continued distress about having biological genitals

Gender Dysphoria & Mental Health Gender dysphoria is not a mental health illness but there can be co-existing conditions such as depression, social anxiety, eating disorders, OCD, personality disorders, mood disorders (bi-polar) Maladaptive behaviours such as self-harm and suicidal pre-occupation A recent study has shown that 15.4% of 7-12 year olds and 45.6% of 13-18 years presented with DSH and 15.4% of 7-12 year olds and 40.9% of 13-18 year old presented with suicidal ideation . it is currently common to use the terms transgender people or trans people as an ‘umbrella’ to cover the many diverse ways in which people can find their personal experience of their gender differs from the assumptions and expectations of the society they live in

Clinical Treatment Surgery is not offered before the age of 18 in the UK Before any surgery a ‘real life experience of preferred gender’ is expected (usually at least 2 years) – called social adjustment Surgery is reversible however fertility is not On-going psychotherapy Continued Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) for life Trans feminine – Facial/pubic hair removal Speech therapy Top/bottom surgery

Jacub’s Story from ‘In Different Shoes

NHS LATEST FIGURES Tavistock and Portman NHS Trust show an increase in referrals over the past five years, up from 240 in 2011, to 1419 2015 Adults undergoing gender reassignment procedures on the NHS has also risen sharply, with a 74% increase in the number of male to female procedures since 2002 330 gender reassignment procedures by NHS last year of which 17 cases were between 16-20 year old

Look what we have in Nottingham…. TRANS4ME This group offers a safe and supporting space for young people aged 13 – 21 years who identify as transgender. Every Wednesday – The Health Shop, Nottingham