Gender Identity Services

Referrals to Gender Identity Services in the UK are increasing, including on behalf of young people under the age of 18. While for the most part this is likely to reflect improved access to information and representation, what is guaranteed is that more GPs will have patients seeking support of various kinds.

For those wanting to access medical intervention via the NHS, in most parts of the UK this is triggered through a GP referral to a Gender Identity Clinic. For patients embarking on gender-affirming hormone therapy, for the majority this will be life-long and therefore part of their prescribed regimen in primary care.

An important first step is to ensure that GPs and allied health professionals have a good understanding of terminology, of trans identities and language, can converse comfortably, ask when not sure, and are familiar with the legal protections applying to people considering, undergoing, or having completed gender reassignment.

‘Transitioning’ can be social, hormonal, surgical, or any combination of these. The main purpose is to achieve better alignment between an individual’s gender identity (an internal sense of self) and the physical body and/or social gender role. Explicit non-medical actions to assert one’s gender are collectively known as social transition, and while daunting for many, this is often the first step to feeling more comfortable. This could involve coming out, a change of name, presentation (e.g.: hairstyle, clothing), the use of a chest binder, body forms, or perhaps an adjustment of voice. Studies suggest that undertaking a gender transition improves the well-being of transgender people, but the decision to do so is personal and depends on several factors so expect to engage with individuals of all ages at different stages of their journey.1

To get the module underway, start with the pre-test Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ).

You will then work through some individual case studies to cement your learning before re-sitting the MCQ.


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