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Sex, gender and sexuality

Trans and transgender

TRANSTrans and transgender individuals have a gender identity or gender expression that differs from the sex that they were assigned at birth.

A trans man is a term used to describe someone who is assigned female at birth but identifies and lives as a man. This may be shortened to trans man, or FTM, an abbreviation for female-to-male.

A trans woman is a term used to describe someone who is assigned male at birth but identifies and lives as a woman. This may be shortened to trans woman, or MTF, an abbreviation for male-to-female.

​​Transitioning are the steps trans people take to live in the gender with which they identify. One person’s transition may vary from another; for some, this involves hormone therapy and surgeries, though not all trans people want or are able to have this. Transitioning can also involve telling friends and family, dressing differently, and changing official documents.

​Transphobia is the fear or dislike of someone based on the fact they are trans, including denying their gender identity or refusing to accept it. Transphobia may be targeted at people who are, or who are perceived to be, trans.

"Transsexual" was used in the past as a more medical term (similar to homosexual), but it is outdated and many find its use offensive.

Organisations for trans, non binary, gender diverse | MEN R US

Glossary of terms: Trans and transgender | MEN R US
Transgender/ Trans/ Transitioning/ Transphobia/ Transsexual/ Transexual

Be an ally

  • Listen to trans people
  • Use correct pronouns and state your pronouns
  • Use gender-inclusive language and appreciate gender diversity
  • Learn and educate yourself
  • Recognise that being transgender is not about how someone looks
  • When you make mistake: apologise and move on
  • Assemble: show up for trans community events
  • Call out transphobia

How to be a trans ally | Imperial College London
How to be a good trans ally at work | TUC
Gender identity for beginners: a guide to being a great trans ally | Amnesty International UK
A guide to being a trans ally | LGBT Foundation

Independent review of gender identity services for children and young people

The Independent Review of Gender Identity Services for Children and Young People (The Cass Review) was commissioned by NHS England and NHS Improvement in Autumn 2020 to make recommendations about the services provided by the NHS to children and young people who are questioning their gender identity or experiencing gender incongruence.

Independent review of gender identity services for children and young people | Apr 2024
Final Report | The Cass Review

The Observer view on the Cass review: children were catastrophically failed by the medical profession | The Guardian | 14 Apr 2024
The Guardian view on the Cass report: rising numbers of gender distressed young people need help | The Guardian | 11 Apr 2024
 Hilary Cass: Weak evidence letting down children over gender care | BBC News | 10 Apr 2024

News and articles

Keir Starmer says he doesn’t want schools teaching young people about transgender identities | PinkNews | 25 Jun 2024
Royal Court play Cowbois aims to put 'trans joy' centre stage | BBC | 29 Jan 2024

UK politicians may have contributed to rise in anti-trans hate crime, government confirms | Pink News | 6 Oct 2023
Growing number of Brits view trans people negatively, YouGov study finds | PInk News | 11 Aug 2023
Trans guidance is needed in schools, parents tell BBC | BBC News | 13 Sep 2023
Thousands of Catholic nuns unite to ‘wholeheartedly’ declare trans people are beloved by God | Pink news | 5 Apr 2023  
Suella Braverman calls on Rishi Sunak to go after ‘trans ideology’ ahead of possible cabinet return | Pink news | 24 Oct 2022
London’s Trans Pride – in pictures | The Guardian | 11 Jul 2022
 Farcical Tory leadership contest descends into pathetic anti-trans, gender-critical row | 10 Jul 2022
LGBT groups quit UK conference over failure to ban trans conversion practices | 4 Apr 2022
Trans Day of Visibility: 27 trans and non-binary people who are loud, proud and making change | PinkNews | 31 Mar 2022
The puberty blocker ruling offers trans people hope | Huck | 21 Sept 2021
Cost of changing legal gender cut to less than £10 | BBC News | 7 Apr 2021
Emma Smith: The transgender sports journalist making a career on her own terms | BBC Sport | 31 Mar 2021
Trans Day of Visibility offers chance for community to stand in solidarity and support | The Conversation | 29 Mar 2021
Transgender struggle: 'I had to keep who I was secret' | BBC News | 17 Nov 2020
Half of transgender and non-binary people hide their identity at work in fear of discrimination – here’s how you can help | The Conversation | 30 May 2019
Almost half of trans pupils have attempted suicide — schools must do more to challenge gender stereotypes | The Conversation | 15 Nov 2017
5 trans guys who shared their beautiful transition stories to inspire others | Pink News | 21 Sep 2017
Do transgender athletes have an unfair advantage? | The Conversation | 9 Feb 2016

International Transgender Day of Visibility | Wikipedia

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