Transitioning troubles: Concern for transgender children and NHS professionals

The term gender dysphoria Is becoming more and more common in our vocabulary, as the new age of society allows people to speak openly about their identity and sexuality struggles. However, in recent years, the topic of transgender children has been met with controversy.

Some children don’t identify with the gender assigned to them at birth, a condition that is often apparent from an early age. A lot of these children experience rejection and attempt to repress their emotions, which can sometimes lead to depression, substance abuse and suicidal behaviours.

The solution to gender dysphoria is generally considered to be transitioning to the desired sex, which includes hormone treatments and, in some cases, plastic surgery. Because children are dependent on their parents and most doctors are reluctant to provide treatments for them, transgender youth face more hurdles than adults.

A majority of people worry that the decision to transition shouldn’t be taken by children or teenagers, amid fears they could change their mind in the future.

Concerns have now arisen for NHS professionals who feel they are constantly put in the line of fire. In the last three years, 35 psychologists have resigned from a children’s gender-identity clinic in London. They feel that gender dysphoria is being over-diagnosed as professionals fear being branded transphobic, resulting in unnecessary medicalisation in children.