In November 2020 three high court judges ruled that children aged under 16 will need court approval in England and Wales to access puberty blockers. In September 2021 the ruling was overturned when the Tavistock and Portman NHS foundation trust, which runs NHS England’s only gender identity development service (GIDS) for children, successfully challenged the case. In July 2022 the NHS announced it was shutting down its gender identity clinic for young people because it has been “rushing children into life-altering treatment.”
Narrow down which types of responses you would like to see.
Narrow down the conversation to these participants:
Political party:
Borough:
@ISIDEWITH4yrs4Y
No
@9LSTGVR 11mos11MO
Men and women are built differently. Men are men, women are women.
You can dress how you like and live life how you feel happiest, but at the end of the day you are what you are. As long as you are a good person who is kind to others is all that matters.
Under 18's should be protected from any influence so they can come to their own decision about what's right for them.
@9M2JPRN11mos11MO
Children struggle to decide what film they want to watch and they change their minds almost everyday. It is not right that we allow children who at that age are heavily influenced by their peers and are not even fully grown humans to make such a fundamental change to their bodies with or without the consent of their parents.
@9G4S76W1yr1Y
Children struggle to decide what film they want to watch and they change their minds almost everyday. It is not right that we allow children who at that age are heavily influenced by their peers and are not even fully grown humans to make such a fundamental change to their bodies with or without the consent of their parents.
@9NPY43S10mos10MO
Gender confusion all stems from mental change primarily due to teenagers changing and developing so it is completely natural to be confused about who you are or what you look like, body dismorphia, another study shows that nearing the end of civilisations the people of said civilisations always get confused about gender, it happened with the romans, the Egyptians etc. Another thing that creates this confusion and change is social media young kids and immature adults get hooked into, trends and how to be different through manipulation and the simple fact they truly don't know what to do with themselves because their life is so easy living in a HIC.
@ISIDEWITH4yrs4Y
Yes
@9G9D7B5 1yr1Y
Primarily, Gender Transition is a pretence which masks the reality of the castration of the mentally ill. Gender dysphoria is a psychological phenomenon of confusion, which creates a delusion that ought not be conflated with reality. It is debatable whether this should even be done to over-18s given the obvious mental confusion and feeling of ostracism that is experienced by these individuals. But beyond that, ignoring the fact that these people are vulnerable and obviously need psychological help, under-18s - especially those under the age of consent - can certainty not meaningfully consent… Read more
@9GFTDLM1yr1Y
the gender you are born with is your gender anything else is a case of delusion and mental health issue.
@9GZY9H7Conservative1yr1Y
If you are born with male genitals you are a male, if you are born with female genitals, you are a female, that's it and that's all.
@9FQL2PW1yr1Y
You cannot change your gender. You can feel a nation of it, but it is exposure to left wing propeganda. You are born with an assigned gender and nothing can change that.
@ISIDEWITH4yrs4Y
No, children should not be allowed to make irreversible life decisions
@9FXWRH61yr1Y
It can, and often does, lead to severe mental health issues and suicide if refused treatment if a child realises they need it at a young age.
@97N7T6P2yrs2Y
If children don't have the right to vote or serve in the military, why should they get the right to make this decisions. In some cases, the child may not even be mentally stable.
@9FWPYHV1yr1Y
Most changes put into affect during gender transition for under 18s are reversible, such as puberty blockers. Additionally, children are expected to make much more serious and irreversible life decisions before the age of 18 than their gender presentation. In order to begin any such treatment, the patient has to demonstrate that they have fully understood what it entails and thus give informed consent. No such caveat is required for any other decisions under 18s make at that time, such as entering a three year contract to go to university and incur mass amounts of debt or join the military… Read more
@9FXB2CP1yr1Y
Puberty in and of itself is an irreversible medical outcome, and if the child already knows which type of puberty is right for them, denying them and claiming to know the child better than they know themselves is abusive. Forcing the child to go through a puberty that they know they will regret for the rest of their life should be taken just as seriously for transgender children as it already is for cisgender children.
@ISIDEWITH4yrs4Y
Yes, but only for non-surgical treatments such as puberty blockers and hormone therapy
@9GGH7WS 1yr1Y
At that age the brain isn’t fully developed and outside environmental factors are likely the cause for a human to want to change genders. Look at studies that compare the amount of kids that have LGBTQ+ parents that become transgender compared to 2 heterosexual parents. It’s clear the decision, at the very least, has a little to do with the parents.
@9GHGTQD 1yr1Y
I mostly agree with their view, that outside factors are likely to cause a human to want to transition, such as you said a more accepting environment. But it can be argued that it is only because they feel more comfortable coming out rather than they would not have been transgender if not for their LGBT parents. It's a major life decision, so though I don't question that some individuals at let's say the age of sixteen are in fact capable of making such decisions and are confident in what they think their identity is, for those who are not and may make a major decision they reg… Read more
@9GJ8NH6 1yr1Y
Whilst that may be a contributing factor. We should be more understanding and encourage education on the matter instead of outright abolishing transtition therapy. There could be other reasons as to why these people have not come out as transgender with heterosexual parents such as the parents showing hostility to LGBTQ+ ideologies.
@9GHKSQ31yr1Y
transgender doesn't mean sex transition. transsexual and transgender are different by nature. we give words the property of feminine despite them not having a vagina. its to do with social roles and aspects and if a person decides they would rather be trans male in terms of gender thats fine. its similar to religion what you might be believe and act because of your faith can change many years later and so can your personality and behaviors and thats not bad its learning and experiencing. transexuality is a different matter as its nature is different.
.
Being trans is not a “decision”, it’s something from birth which cannot be influenced or changed. Children know the gender they are are from a very young age.
@9GMSKD6 1yr1Y
those under 18 do not understand the gravity of those choices and it can leave permanent health issues.
they are unable to consent and gender dysphoria may be short term, allow only adults to make those choices. hormones destroy the pituitary system and is very harmful to those still developing.
@9GPBBFB1yr1Y
I completely agree with this statement. Let us wait until they are legal adults and then they can make their decision - if not they may live with regret for the rest of their life.
@9GPHJK21yr1Y
I agree, for many teenagers gender dysphoria is just a phase as many young people struggle to find their own identities at this age. However, once an individual turns 18, they should be free to seek a diagnosis of gender dysphoria and to undergo any procedures that they desire.
@9GNS6HM1yr1Y
Of course they don't understand. The drugs that 'transition' people cause untold side effects that they do not tell you about
@9FXWRH61yr1Y
If a child is absolutely sure, and has the say so from their parents, and doctors, and psycologists, then I believe that hormone blockers before 16, hormones after 16 should be allowed. There is no proven evidence for or against that hormones blockers cause permanent damage. And even if they did cause a risk of something, isn't that better than your child killing themselves? I don't think anyone should have gender surgery before 18, unless a serious situation has already occured (such as a suicide attempt)
@9FYKM4N1yr1Y
It is irreversible and there is no evidence to suggest that a child would kill themselves because of this. Children cannot give informed consent and parents and professionals should not be able to make this decision for them. They should be free to express themselves without the use of hormone blockers / gender reassignment until they are 18. You cannot tell me that, for example, a 10 year old is capable of making a decision that will impact their body for the rest of their life. I didn't know what anything was at that age. It's ludicrous.
@9FYL3QN1yr1Y
I follow the line that prior to 18, gender transition should not be available. Thereafter, the individual has the right to do what they will.
@9G3HWCP1yr1Y
Many of the options available to people of all ages regarding gender-affirming treatments are reversible. Children are given puberty blockers if they reach puberty physically before they're mentally ready. Once they stop taking them, puberty continues as normal. Equally, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is only effective while you're actually taking the hormone replacements. If you stop taking HRT, the body reverts back to how it was previously over time (which can also be supported by taking the hormones for your assigned gender at birth.)
When you speak to transgender people, you… Read more
@ISIDEWITH4yrs4Y
No, and ban all gender transitioning treatments
@9MXJX8G10mos10MO
This opinion kills people. Being Transgender is recognised by doctors worldwide, and banning treatment will directly lead to harm to transgender people. It is not a new phenomenon, and there is evidence that gender transition treatments have been around for thousands of years. Transgender people just want to live their lives as their desired gender.
@9NLD3SP10mos10MO
Not your body not your choice! How a person presents themselves have no impact on any other human being at all!
bodily autonomy should be protected. trans people are some of the most vulnerable in our society, they should be protected, not vilified.
@9NSCHJD10mos10MO
Why? Who does that help? What they do with thier bodies dosent effect you. Let other people make thier own decitions in life.
@ISIDEWITH4yrs4Y
Yes, but only if they are at least 16 years old
@9MRP6PT10mos10MO
Eight out of 10 trans young people have self-harmed and almost half have attempted suicide, lowering the transition age to 16, would drastically reduce these numbers
@9FRFTTS1yr1Y
I’m 26 and don’t agree with my actions at 18, let alone at 15 - I don’t think you should be allowed to change your body through surgery or drugs until age 21, you can dress yourself how you want but protect your body.
@ISIDEWITH4yrs4Y
Yes, but with parental permission
@9FV26RW1yr1Y
Children (and adults under the age of 25) do not have fully matured brains and therefore do not have capacity to make life changing decisions. This is not a cost issue primarily but rather we should not be enabling anyone to make irreversible changes to their body because of the biological impossibility of changing sex.
@9DDDBFM2yrs2Y
I think this is silly. Multiple cases of parents forcing children to become transgender have been reported. Noted below. https://www.texastribune.org/2022/03/14/jeff-younger-transgender-care-house/
@ISIDEWITH4yrs4Y
Yes, as long as treatment is not subsidized by the government
@9FV26RW1yr1Y
Children (and adults under the age of 25) do not have fully matured brains and therefore do not have capacity to make life changing decisions. This is not a cost issue primarily but rather we should not be enabling anyone to make irreversible changes to their body because of the biological impossibility of changing sex.
@9GMSKD6 1yr1Y
Gender transition is taxing psychologically and physically and will harm those under 18. transitioning those who cannot make informed decisions and make sound judgments, permanently mutilating them when they cant be responsible for themselves is absurd and harmful
@ISIDEWITH6mos6MO
What is the best way to balance an individual’s right to express their identity with the need to protect them from possibly making irreversible choices too early?
@9XZ2G3B5mos5MO
You are born with a gender that is that you stick with it until death
@9XR95BCConservative5mos5MO
I wouldn't want the choice to be available at all but if it had to be then I would say when they are a legal adult at 18.
@9XR95BCConservative5mos5MO
I don't like the possibility of them having that choice at all but I would say not until they are a legal adult at 18.
@9XRLL6C5mos5MO
allow them to make the decision when they are a legal adult 18
@99G89R72yrs2Y
Yes, and the process of medically transitioning should be made easier for both minors and adults
@8S58G9H4yrs4Y
This is not something which the public should have a right to vote on
@99B7WPF2yrs2Y
Yes, puberty blockers should always be avalible and hormone therapy should be available for those 16 and over
@97PRDP82yrs2Y
Non-surgical treatments before 16, surgery from at least 16
@97VY4JN2yrs2Y
Yes. Hormone blockers are reversible, puberty is not. Listen to trans people.
@8SPSCDM4yrs4Y
Yes, but have been informed on what it all involves and are aware of their decision
@politicsmansam4yrs4Y
Yes, but with psychological therapy
@992DRJ52yrs2Y
Normally, I want for it to be "Yes, but with parental permission" but this might have a loophole on where the Parents are transphobic.
@99QYDG82yrs2Y
It should be set younger, at the age of 17. Eg full control without parental consent, but with their knowledge.
You should be able to at 14
Yes, if they have consulted a gender therapist before transition
@8YGNRXV3yrs3Y
@8S4VJDK4yrs4Y
@9MN4P2S10mos10MO
No, many teenagers go through a phase of questioning identity - who doesn’t?
@9MN4P2S 10mos10MO
And if the doctors then support them and say 'yes, of course we can give you life-altering surgery', you can pretty much guarantee that when they move out of that 'who am I' phase, they will regret that rash decision for the rest of their lives.
@8SJZJTRLiberal Democrat4yrs4Y
Only if the individual is fully aware of their decision.
@MrHinsh2yrs2Y
Yes, but only if they do not have a relevant and impacting mental health issue
@95T9NG23yrs3Y
Yes, but provide strict counselling and assessment to ensure the correct choices are made
@95SNVZK3yrs3Y
Yes, but only with parental permission and they must be at least 16.
@95NDYFD3yrs3Y
I fully support transition treatments however irreversible treatments such as surgery should be handled carefully regarding children to ensure is the right step for them personally.
@95392CL3yrs3Y
I abhor that people have to go through body dysmorphia / dysphoria, unless you are in that situation no one can truly understand how it feels, however, it is still very young to make such a life changing decision. If the child has gone through all the necessary routes, and there is a team / dr satisfied that this is the correct choice, then proceed. So I feel like yes / no doesn’t entirely work for this question.
@94VDK833yrs3Y
I believe that it is not the government’s say what people should be allowed to do with their body’s.
@94S2H2Y3yrs3Y
Yes, children should be able to access puberty blockers, even without parental consent. Non reversible treatment (hormones, surgery) should be available after they turn 18.
@94K78WM3yrs3Y
Yes, but they with mental health guidance from a specialist in gender dysphoria
@945K7TRLiberal Democrat3yrs3Y
Treatments that are appropriately assessed, taking into consideration their mental health and well-being as a primary.
@8S4RVJR4yrs4Y
Yes, but should have to pay
@B2WS4VNWomen's Equality 1mo1MO
In a nut shell, No! There is far to much persuasion from media platforms etc. It is not a decision that a child should be able to make. It's irreversible and life changing and would / does lead to a massive strain on the NHS in more aspects than 1.
@B28Z62B3mos3MO
No, but reversible non-surgical treatments should be permitted for 16+ if decided to be the best treatment option for an individual, as well as anyone deemed to be at high risk of suicide. But therapy should always be the first option for 18 years and below
@9ZPK6TL4mos4MO
No, children should not be able to make irreversible life decisions. When they are older there should be no issue.
@9YKKVZ35mos5MO
They should be able to receive therapy/psychological treatment for gender dysphoria, and help with socially transitioning if they want to, but they should not be able to receive medical treatment until they turn 18
@9V2ZZP66mos6MO
with parental permission, surgeries over the age of 16 and non-surgical treatments for those under 16
@ISIDEWITH6mos6MO
Do you think the government should have the power to restrict access to certain medical treatments for young people, even with parental consent?
@9TLRP3Q6mos6MO
Ill kill every rapist and misogynist for women to feel safe
@9SGRY5P7mos7MO
Yes, as long as they are treated as the sex they were born as and the transition and medication is not subsidized by the government
@9RMJ4RR8mos8MO
Yes, but with a 16 year minimum age, parental permission, and nothing permanent (puberty blockers, etc)
@9QR5WPN9mos9MO
No but there should be more education and acceptance of gender fluidity throughout puberty to allow young people to invent themselves without fear or ridicule.
@9QRMR349mos9MO
Yes, so long as they are monitored and interviewed fairly by medical professionals that determine them to have gender dysphoria
@9QQ9W8P9mos9MO
Yes, under the provision they have been thoroughly educated on the possible risks, side effects and issues that can arise, and have been through considerable therapy.
@9QPY4JY 9mos9MO
Yes, but only after extensive psychological evaluation and education about the irreversibility of treatments and viewing material or meeting people who have experienced it and both been happy with their decision and regretted it to inform rounded decisions.
@9QNCFV79mos9MO
Yes, but more non-medical support should be made available as a first priority, and we should promote societal tolerance
@9QKKF7H9mos9MO
Puberty blockers and reversible treatments from 14. Over 18 only, for non reversible treatments such as surgery.
@9QJ2LKL9mos9MO
Yes, but with more mental support for children, to help understand the emotions and reasons behind wanting the treatment
@9QHKN8N9mos9MO
Yes but as long as they are at least 16, and have gone through relevant counselling to ensure that they understand exactly what will happen, risks, and irreversibility.
@9QFK5CB9mos9MO
For medications and therapies only, if doctors can prove the child has mental capacity to make the decision, and mental illness is ruled out.
@9QFGJP2Liberal Democrat9mos9MO
Yes, but only for non-surgical treatments and if they have had appropriate therapy and medical consultant about transitioning.
I do not believe children should make such a big decision at such a young age and I don't personally support gender transition however if this I what a child wants a child therapist and doctor should be advisory in their decision so the child is aware of all options and support
@9QD4VP79mos9MO
Yes but on a case by case basis. It’s a personal decision that should be met with personal care and an adaptive approach to what is in real terms an isolated happening. Applying blanket laws to trans people treats it like a ‘growing issue’; it’s a tiny amount of the population simply asking for their right to autonomy of their body.
@9Q7Z36G9mos9MO
No, despite 18 being a legal adult without wishing to be offensive they are still mentally children and children should not be allowed to make irreversible life decisions
@9Q7H9ZN9mos9MO
I am in favour of expanded rights for trans people and support the rights for people under 18 to begin transitioning whether that is socially or physically. However, my knowledge of the actual science behind the use of gender transitioning treatments on younger people is lacking and so I don't want to settle on a firm decision without the proper understanding.
Loading the political themes of users that engaged with this discussion
Loading data...
Join in on more popular conversations.