Trans, non-binary and disablism - a double whammy of hate...

Transgender_Conduit

Hi Everyone,

Just a heads up for people that should concern trans and non-binary people seeking treatment on the NHS in England and, probably, Wales.

NHS England has finally published its treatment guidelines

https://www.engage.england.nhs.uk/survey/gender-identity-services-for-adults/user_uploads/specialised-gender-dysphoria-service-specifications.pdfines.

However, it's worrying concerns I raised in regard to the treatment of people with disabilities have not been heeded meaning, effectively, people with serious disabilities can, justifiably, be refused reassignment treatment by a Gender Identity Clinic.

Neither was the consultation fair e.g. there was never and, I doubt very much will ever be, an easy read version of any consultative document or the guidelines itself. Therefore, immediately, there is an issue regarding accessiblity of consultative documents.

Also the guidelines themselves are unfair. A good example of this is someone unable to communicate their wishes effectively could be refused treatment - e.g. someone requiring a translator. As can be imagined, this is likely to be a potentially racist policy as well. NHSE will suggest they have ensured that this potential discrimination is covered within its equality policy but, as has been seen recently, I doubt very much indeed it is fully. 

Furthermore, someone who has co-morbid severe mental health issues could be denied treatment. This is, already, happening as many trans and non-binary people locked into the mental health system are denied treatment for their gender issues as mental health services are reluctant to refer them for specialist assessment, no matter treatment.

A good deal of us able to cut through NHSE's hype have tried to stop such harmful treatment guidelines seeing the light of day. But have failed as we were unable to gain support from those with influence, which has made us vulnerable to attack and discrediting by NHSE attempting to force through their harmful policies unimpeded.

Because of this, I would like to ask what are Scope doing about discrimination against trans and non-binary people as far too many charities leave us utterly unsupported and vulnerable to such attacks.

Geoark

Hello @Transgender_Conduit and welcome to the community.

The correct link is: https://www.engage.england.nhs.uk/survey/gender-identity-services-for-adults/user_uploads/specialised-gender-dysphoria-service-specifications.pdf

PSHEexpert

Hello @Transgender_Conduit and welcome from me too. Apologies for slow response from me but I have had to do a load of driving today and haven’t been online very much.  With regards what Scope does specifically, ie their formal stance/policy, I will refer the question to the community team if that’s okay? As I’m not actually employed by them so all my comments are just on my behalf.

I guess, indirectly, as a representative (albeit a volunteer), from a personal/professional end of things I work quite directly to try and support young disabled people with diverse gender issues through my day job and other voluntary work. I’m in a college for young adults with complex needs where we facilitate an inclusive LGBTQ+ alliance and are participating in a piece of wider research (https://www.thebritishacademy.ac.uk/blog/being-young-disabled-and-lgbt) focused on making marginalised voices heard. Having supported one former student for a large part of his transition and seen the prejudice and discrimination (and the seemingly never ending delays) he faced because of his autism it really opened my eyes to what I suspect is a fraction of how much of an issue this really is.  He did eventually go through the process successfully and ended up going on to be a vocal champion for his peers but it was gruelling, and has affected how we practice and put in support. 

One of the resources we have been using recently when we’ve been talking about the reforms to the GRA has been this, which is at least easy read so could support discussions but crikey it was hard to find (or at least I thought so!): 

https://consult.education.gov.uk/government-equalities-office/reform-of-the-gender-recognition-act/user_uploads/final-gra-consultation-easy-read-lo-res_v3.pdf

Sam_Alumni

Welcome to the community @Transgender_Conduit