ABOUT THISRESOURCE
This resource is produced by Stonewall, a UK-based
charity that stands for the freedom, equity and potentialof all lesbian, gay, bi, trans, queer, questioning and ace(LGBTQ+) people.
At Stonewall, we imagine a world where LGBTQ+ people everywhere can live
our lives to the full.
Founded in London in 1989, we now work in each nation of the UK and haveestablished partnerships across the globe. Over the last three decades, wehave created transformative change in the lives of LGBTQ+ people in theUK, helping win equal rights around marriage, having children and inclusive
education.
Our campaigns drive positive change for our communities, and our sustainedchange and empowerment programmes ensure that LGBTQ+ people canthrive throughout our lives. We make sure that the world hears and learns fromour communities, and our work is grounded in evidence and expertise.
To find out more about our work, visit us at www.stonewall.org.uk
Registered Charity No 1101255 (England and Wales) and SC039681 (Scotland)
Stonewall is proud to provide information, support and guidance on LGBTQ+ inclusion; working
towards a world where we’re all free to be. This does not constitute legal advice, and is notintended to be a substitute for legal counsel on any subject matter.

LGBT IN BRITAIN
TRANS REPORTLGBT IN BRITAIN
TRANS REPORT
Chaka L. Bachmann
Stonewall
Becca Gooch
YouGov

FOREWORD

THE STUDYThis report exposes the profound impact that discrimination, violence andexclusion is having on trans people’s quality of life in Britain today.

Stonewall commissioned YouGov to carry out a survey asking more than
5,000 lesbian, gay, bi and trans (LGBT) people across England, Scotland andWales about their life in Britain today. This report, part of a series based on
the research, investigates the specific experiences of the 871 trans andnon-binary people who took part, across a range of areas of life in Britain.
The study looks at the discrimination trans people face in their daily lives.
It also looks at their home life and access to medical support for transition.

The second in Stonewall and YouGov’s state of the nation LGBT in Britain series, this report focuses on the experiences of morethan 800 trans and non-binary people who took part in our research. It contains powerful testimonies that demonstrate why
progress on equality for trans people should be a priority for all of us.
What we have found is deeply worrying. Hate crime and discrimination against trans people, on our streets, in our hospitals, inworkplaces and at universities, is widespread.
Two in five trans people had to deal with a hate crime or incident in the past 12 months. Many trans people are forced to hide whothey are, change how they dress or drop out of university because of fear of discrimination. In our workplaces, half of trans andnon-binary people have hidden or disguised that they are LGBT for this reason, and one in eight have been physically attacked by acolleague or customer.
Trans people often lack support from their families too, with more than a quarter subjected to domestic violence, and one in four
having experienced homelessness at some point.
The research reveals that many of those who need medical intervention are unable to access this, often due to waiting times thatexceed NHS patients’ legal entitlements. Those who do access treatment regularly receive inadequate care.
Meanwhile, while some trans people have been able to have their gender legally recognised thanks to the Gender Recognition Act
of 2004, that same law still treats being trans as a mental illness. It does not provide recognition for non-binary people. In addition
the process to secure a gender recognition certificate is so demeaning and intrusive that many trans people do not engage with it.
This situation is not acceptable, and it has been made worse by increasingly frequent attacks in the media and on social media froma vocal minority. Headlines and stories that make ludicrous claims that people are being ‘turned trans’, and that sensationalise andmisrepresent the reality of being trans are reminiscent of days gone by: Days when the media constantly hounded lesbian, gay andbi people as deviants prevented progress on equality for so long.
Policy makers, organisations, communities and individuals need to come together urgently to reject this damaging narrative, andwork as allies with trans people so we can address the huge barriers that this report lays bare. We’re pleased that the UK and
Scottish Governments have committed to reforming the Gender Recognition Act. That is a vital first step to begin righting thesewrongs. Our Vision for Change sets out the other steps we need to take together if we are to improve life for trans people in thenext five years. Now is the time for us all, more than ever, to come out for trans equality.

CONTENTS
Key findings

6

Facing discrimination and abuse
Hate Crime
Discrimination
Work
Higher Education
Healthcare

8
10
11
12
13

Under threat at home

14

Inadequate medical support

16

Achieving gender recognition

20

Looking ahead

22

Methodology

23

Ruth Hunt, Chief Executive

KEY FINDINGS
Two in five trans people (41 per cent) and three in ten non-binary people (31 per cent)||have experienced a hate crime or incident because of their gender identity in the last 12
months.

Two in five trans people (40 per cent) adjust the way they dress because they fear||
discrimination or harassment. This number increases significantly to half of non-binary
people (52 per cent).

More than a quarter of trans people (28 per cent) in a relationship in the last year have||
faced domestic abuse from a partner.

Two in five trans people (41 per cent) said that healthcare staff lacked understanding of||specific trans health needs when accessing general healthcare services in the last year.

One in four trans people (25 per cent) have experienced homelessness at some point in||their lives.

Three in five trans people (62 per cent) who have undergone, or are currently||
undergoing, medical intervention for their transition are unsatisfied with the time it took
to get an appointment.

One in eight trans employees (12 per cent) have been physically attacked by colleagues||
or customers in the last year.
More than a third of trans university students (36 per cent) in higher education have||experienced negative comments or behaviour from staff in the last year.

More than one in ten trans people (11 per cent) have gone abroad for medical treatment||
to alter their physical appearance, including buying hormones over the internet fromother countries, with many citing the barriers they currently face in accessing medical
treatment in the UK.

I am a trans man and I have been stalked for over two years now from an unknown
person. During this time, I have received anonymous threatening letters. I've had
two letters containing razor blades, one which contained a toxic substance whichburnt my hands, face and eye. I have been beaten up three times.
James, 47 (South East)

6

STONEWALL

The waiting lists are excruciatingly long on the NHS to the point I feelI'm not mentally strong enough to wait this long, and hormones/surgery
are incredibly difficult to get hold of but are something that will greatly
improve my mental wellbeing. Dominic, 24 (North West)LGBT IN BRITAIN

7

TRANS REPORT: FACING DISCRIMINATION AND ABUSE

TRANS REPORT: FACING DISCRIMINATION AND ABUSE

FACING DISCRIMINATION
AND ABUSE
This research reveals the inequalities faced by trans people in Britain today. Itshows the extent to which trans people are subjected to hate crime and how many
report it to the police. It also reveals the day-to-day discrimination they experienceat work, in education or when accessing healthcare services.

I was raped. Police kept referring to me as 'she' and 'female' andusing my birth name. The doctor they brought to examine me, mademe uncomfortable and continued calling me female.
Angus, 24 (Scotland)

HATE CRIME
Two in five trans people (41 per cent) have experienced
a hate crime or incident because of their gender identity
in the last 12 months. Three in ten non-binary people(31 per cent) have experienced a hate crime or incident
because of their gender identity.
Younger trans adults are at greatest risk: 53 per cent oftrans people aged 18 to 24 have experienced a hate crime
or incident based on their gender identity in the last
12 months.
Hate crime against trans people is significantly
underreported; most trans people - four in five (79 percent) - don’t report it to the police. Some trans people whoreport a hate crime don’t feel supported by the police orexperience even further discrimination.

8

I had occasion to report that I had been harassed and suffered
an injury. I talked, they listened, but it was their attitude and I
got the impression that it was not being taken seriously.
Leo, 53 (North East)
I am a trans man and I have been stalked for over two
years now from an unknown person. During this time, I
have received anonymous threatening letters. I've had twoletters containing razor blades, one which contained a toxic
substance which burnt my hands, face and eye. I have been
beaten up three times. James, 47 (South East)

STONEWALL

RECOMMENDATIONS
THE HOME OFFICE SHOULD:POLICE FORCES SHOULD:- Improve confidence in reporting by treating hate crimes
based on gender identity, sexual orientation and disability
equally to those based on race and faith under the law, by
making them aggravated offences- Improve training to all police officers and frontline staff
to ensure they can identify and record transphobic hatecrimes, better support victims and bring perpetrators tojustice

THE PROSECUTION SERVICE AND JUDICIARYACROSS THE UK AND SCOTLAND SHOULD:- Ensure that all prosecutors and judges are trained ontransphobic hate crimes on and offline, ensure transpeople's identities and privacy are respected, and provide
targeted support to victims

LGBT IN BRITAIN

9TRANS REPORT: FACING DISCRIMINATION AND ABUSE

TRANS REPORT: FACING DISCRIMINATION AND ABUSEDISCRIMINATIONWORKTrans people experience high levels of discrimination and poor treatment because of their gender identity and often change
their behaviour because of it.

The lives of many trans people at work remain difficult, with many facing bullying and discrimination, including an alarming
number of trans employees who have been physically attacked at work. Trans employees often deliberately hide theiridentity because they fear being discriminated against at work.

This ranges from verbal abuse and intimidation in the street and other public spaces like toilets, to being discriminatedagainst in shops, cafés, restaurants, bars and nightclubs. Trans people also face discrimination when using public services
and when looking for a house to rent or buy.
Almost half of trans people (48 per cent) don’t feel
comfortable using public toilets.
Two in five trans people (40 per cent) adjust the way they
dress because they fear discrimination or harassment. This
number increases significantly to half of non-binary people(52 per cent).
More than two in five trans people (44 per cent) avoid
certain streets altogether because they don’t feel safe
there as an LGBT person.
A third of trans people (34 per cent) have been
discriminated against because of their gender identity
when visiting a café, restaurant, bar or nightclub in thelast year.
One in four trans people (25 per cent) were discriminatedagainst when looking for a house or flat to rent or buy inthe last year. One in five non-binary people (20 per cent)have experienced discrimination while looking for a
new home.

I was physically assaulted by two women as I attempted
to use the bathroom in a bar. They began pushing me andshouted that I was in the wrong bathroom and pointed outthat this was the ladies’ bathroom. I told them that I knew
which bathroom it was and I was in the right place, but they
persisted. Since then I avoid public toilets whenever possible.
Abebi, 34 (Scotland)

Half of trans and non-binary people (51 per cent and 50
per cent respectively) have hidden or disguised the factthat they are LGBT at work because they were afraid of
discrimination.

I wish I was free to openly dress and live as a woman, but it
doesn’t feel safe to do so. Finn, 70 (East of England)

I was pressured to 'come out' as trans to a senior manager
of my department and HR, owing to work issues. I moved
departments as I felt I could not return to a hostileenvironment following sickness from work because of thestress caused by this issue and the treatment by a senior
manager. Indigo, 49 (Wales)
I recently resigned my post due to being bullied by a manager
after a conversation between myself and a few friends wasleaked regarding my transition. I was bullied into self-harm,suicidal ideation, and resigned as I felt I had no other option.
I am now struggling to get a job because I'm transgender.
Silvia, 30 (Wales)

I live in constant fear of being attacked again due to mygender identity. Elijah, 19 (South East)
I was verbally assaulted, called a 'tranny', 'shim', 'he/she','pussyboy', groped and had someone try to yank my binder
outside a nightclub and this all on the same night. Sean, 23(South West)

RECOMMENDATIONSEMPLOYERS SHOULD:‐‐ Develop clear zero tolerance policies on transphobic
bullying, discrimination and harassment policies,
supported by all-staff training‐‐ Using Stonewall’s guidance, develop a policy to support
trans employees who are transitioning, including
information on confidentiality, dress codes and using
facilities, with related guidance for line managers

Three in ten trans people (29 per cent) who accessedsocial services in the last year experienced discrimination.

People react aggressively when I use public bathrooms if they are
unsure of my biological sex. People think it is acceptable to ask me
about my sex and genitals in public environments. I have had people
grab my crotch in public walking down a road in the middle of the day
in a crowded area. Flynn, 21 (East of England)10

One in eight trans employees (12 per cent) have been
physically attacked by colleagues or customers in thelast year.

STONEWALL‐‐ Join more than 760 employers on Stonewall’s Diversity
Champions programme, the UK’s leading best practiceforum for employers on LGBT inclusion. Visit
www.stonewall.org.uk/diversity-championsprogramme to join the programme

TRANS
INCLUSIVE
POLICIES AND
BENEFITSFIRST STEPSTO TRANSINCLUSION

How to ensure yourpolicies and benefits
are trans inclusive

An introduction totrans inclusion in
the workplace

In collaboration with

GETTING IT
RIGHT WITH
YOUR TRANSSERVICE USERS
AND CUSTOMERSHow to ensure your service
delivery or customer
service is trans inclusive

In collaboration with

In collaboration withSUPPORTING TRANS
STAFF IN THE WORKPLACESUPPORTING TRANS
STAFF IN THE WORKPLACESUPPORTING TRANS
STAFF IN THE WORKPLACEENGAGING ALL
STAFF IN TRANSINCLUSION

CREATING A
TRANSITIONING
AT WORK POLICYCOMMUNICATINGCOMMITMENT TO
TRANS INCLUSION

How to engage all levels ofstaff in the trans inclusion
journey

How to support your staff
through their transition

In collaboration withSUPPORTING TRANS
STAFF IN THE WORKPLACE

The trans inclusion journeyand communicating
commitment to all staff

In collaboration with

In collaboration withSUPPORTING TRANS
STAFF IN THE WORKPLACESUPPORTING TRANS
STAFF IN THE WORKPLACE

Stonewall’s six-step toolkit on creating a trans-inclusive
workplace is available at www.stonewall.org.uk/
supporting-trans-staff-workplace
Stonewall’s library of resources for employers on creating
an LGBT-inclusive workplace is available at www.
stonewall.org.uk/our-work/workplace-resources

LGBT IN BRITAIN

11

TRANS REPORT: FACING DISCRIMINATION AND ABUSE

TRANS REPORT: FACING DISCRIMINATION AND ABUSEHIGHER EDUCATIONHEALTHCARETrans students experience harassment and discrimination at university. For some this has a significant negative impact on
their studies and future plans.

A significant number of trans people face poor treatment when accessing healthcare services, despite the legal duty of allhealth and social care organisations to provide equal treatment and tackle discrimination.

More than a third of trans university students (36 per cent)have experienced negative comments or conduct from staff
in the last year.

Two in five trans people (41 per cent) said that healthcare
staff lacked understanding of specific trans health needs
when accessing general healthcare services in the lastyear. This number increases to half of trans people(51 per cent) living in Wales

An NHS nurse asked me about my recent gender
reassignment surgery and then went on to compare me to apaedophile as if being trans is the same thing. It's shocking
how little training NHS staff have had.
Anthony, 29 (East of England)

Seven per cent of trans people said they have beenrefused care because they are LGBT, while trying to accesshealthcare services in the last year.

Coming out as transgender was the hardest thing I've everdone, and having to explain it over and over again to medical
professionals that were supposed to be helping me, almost
made me end my life. There needs to be better support for us.
Henry, 24 (Yorkshire and the Humber)

One in seven trans university students (14 per cent) haveconsidered dropping out or have dropped out of a higher
education course because of experiencing harassment or
discrimination from students and staff in the last year.

At university people have refused to refer to me with theproper pronouns because they "don't see me as a woman"despite me fully presenting myself as such.
Sophia, 20 (Wales)

I have recently started at a new university. I was laughed at, ridiculed,and became the butt of jokes that normally gender me as a woman.
This has been constant since day one. Taylor, 23 (South East)

I wasn't given medical treatment for an underactive thyroid
after being bedridden with awful blood results because mydoctor believed it was because I am transgender. I hadn't
even started my medical transition and they accused me ofself-medicating and refused to help. My doctor also outed me
previously in my old job. Matthew, 24 (South East)

RECOMMENDATIONSRECOMMENDATIONSUNIVERSITIES SHOULD:‐‐ Communicate a clear commitment to trans inclusion
to current and prospective students and staff, throughpromotional materials and clear anti-discrimination
policies‐‐ Have clear and widely promoted policies, which
communicate a zero-tolerance approach todiscrimination, bullying and harassment based on gender
identity, gender expression and sexual orientation‐‐ Consult with LGBT student societies to understand theneeds of trans students and to ensure that policies,
university facilities, accommodation and public spaces
are inclusive of trans and non-binary students‐‐ Provide signposting and information for trans students
through student services‐‐ Join more than 100 British universities on Stonewall’s
Diversity Champions programme, the UK’s leading bestpractice forum for employers on LGBT inclusion. Visit
www.stonewall.org.uk/diversity-championsprogramme to find out more.

ALL HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES SHOULD:‐‐ Have clear and widely promoted policies, which
communicate a zero-tolerance approach todiscrimination, bullying and harassment based on gender
identity, gender expression and sexual orientation‐‐ Deliver mandatory equality and diversity training for all
staff, which explicitly includes: needs and experiencesof trans patients and service users, privacy andconfidentiality‐‐ Identify and address staff training needs in specificservices, such as sexual health services or social carefor older trans patients‐‐ Join over 50 NHS Trusts and healthcare providers on
Stonewall’s Diversity Champions programme, Britain’s
leading best practice forum for employers on LGBT
inclusion, and enter the Workplace Equality Index. Visit
www.stonewall.org.uk/diversity-championsprogramme to join the programme.

12

STONEWALL

LGBT IN BRITAINSTEP 1

STEP 2

STEP 3Service Delivery Toolkit
How to build an
LGBT-inclusive service

Service Delivery Toolkit
How to build an
LGBT-inclusive service

Service Delivery Toolkit
How to build an
LGBT-inclusive service

BEGINNING THE
JOURNEY

MONITORING AND
CONSULTATIONTRAINING
FRONTLINE STAFF

STEP 4

COMMUNICATINGAN INCLUSIVESERVICE
Service Delivery Toolkit
How to build an
LGBT-inclusive service

Stonewall’s four-step toolkit on delivering an LGBTinclusive service is available at www.stonewall.org.
uk/service-delivery-toolkit
PRIMARY CARE SERVICES SHOULD:‐‐ Ensure staff receive training and fully understand whena trans person’s identity is relevant to their healthcare,referral pathways to Gender Identity services and theirrole in that pathway
TRAINING PROVIDERS, MEDICAL AND NURSINGSCHOOLS AND ROYAL COLLEGES SHOULD:‐‐ Review training and curricula to ensure that LGBT healthinequalities, and the healthcare needs of all LGBT patientsand service users, are included as part of compulsory andongoing training

13

TRANS REPORT: UNDER THREAT AT HOME

TRANS REPORT: UNDER THREAT AT HOMEUNDER THREAT AT HOME
Trans people often face a lack of support from their families and are at high risk ofexperiencing homelessness and domestic abuse.

One in seven trans people (14 per cent) aren’t open about
their gender identity to anyone in their family. This number
increases to one in four non-binary people (24 per cent).
Six per cent of trans people are also not open about theirgender identity to any of their friends.
More than one in ten trans people (11 per cent) who are
out to their family, aren’t supported by any of their family
members. Only one in four trans people (26 per cent) saythat all their family members who know that they are trans,
are supportive.

Two in five trans people (42 per cent) who would like toundergo medical intervention as part of their transition
haven’t done so yet because they fear the consequences it
might have on their family life.
I do not have the support system I need. My family is
unsupportive. Ewan, 24 (Wales)

The first time I was homeless was because my brother threatened tokill me. I was told by a council worker to say sorry to my brother for
my gender identity being difficult for him. The second time I got help
but it took months to get a hostel space.
Flynn, 21 (East of England)More than a quarter of trans people (28 per cent) in a
relationship in the last year have faced domestic abuse froma partner.
One in four trans people (25 per cent) have experienced
homelessness at some point in their lives.

I'm able to be open about being a lesbian, but I don't tellanyone that I'm trans. I'd rather not talk about it, because I
don't trust people to be understanding and educated on thesubject. I have been abused in the past, homeless, estranged
from family and using drugs to cope. Norma, 33 (North East)
When I was homeless I came out regarding my gender
identity, and I managed to gain a place at a hostel and begin
transition. After 3 years I completed my transition. I don't
generally experience issues due to my nature. However, thepeople that I support do every day in housing, employment
and so on. Eliza, 29 (Yorkshire and the Humber)

RECOMMENDATIONS

I get shouted at every single time I leave my house and threatened atleast once a week. I try to closet myself from my family because I’m
so close to getting kicked out. I can’t access hormone replacement
therapy without going private. I’m disabled. It’s a lot to deal with and
I’m crumbling under the stress but I consider myself a warrior. But
really, something needs to change. Stevie, 21 (Wales)

14

STONEWALL

THE UK GOVERNMENT SHOULD:

THE SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT SHOULD:‐‐ Consult with trans and non-binary people andorganisations to ensure the Domestic Violence andAbuse programme of work and Act is inclusive of transpeople’s needs‐‐ Ensure their domestic violence strategy is inclusive oftrans and non-binary people and their needs‐‐ Ensure that enough sustainable funding is available fordomestic violence and homelessness support services tomeet demand, including trans people affected

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND HOMELESSNESSSUPPORT SERVICES SHOULD:‐‐ Develop and advertise services that are inclusive oftrans and non-binary people drawing on best practicefrom other trans-inclusive services‐‐ Provide training for all staff on meeting the specificneeds of trans service users

LGBT IN BRITAIN

15

TRANS REPORT: INADEQUATE MEDICAL SUPPORTTRANS REPORT: INADEQUATE MEDICAL SUPPORTINADEQUATE MEDICALSUPPORT

I waited five years as a trans teenager for chest surgery and was told
because I lived in Scotland there was no surgeon as the only one
retired just as I reached an age whereby I qualified to get the surgery.
Thomas, 30 (Scotland)

Not all trans people choose to access medical interventions, for example hormonesand surgery, as part of their transition. However, for some medical intervention isimportant. The decision is up to each individual. Those that do need this support
face significant barriers to accessing treatment, including waiting times thatstretch into years, far exceeding the maximums set by law for NHS patients. This
causes significant stress and impact on people's lives and prevents many transpeople from accessing the support they need.
One in ten trans people (10 per cent) don’t want any formof medical intervention – this includes 16 per cent of
non-binary people who identify as trans, 10 per cent oftrans men and four per cent of trans women. One ineight trans people (13 per cent) are unsure if they wantsome form of medical intervention.
Half of trans people (52 per cent) have undergone or are
currently undergoing medical intervention. Almost one
in four trans people (23 per cent) have not yet undergone
any, but want some form of medical intervention.
We need more services available for trans people, so it getseasier to get hormones and surgery. Not sure I'd even be alive
right now if I hadn't transitioned. Sebastian, 33 (Scotland)

16

Almost half of trans people (47 per cent) who want toundergo some form of medical intervention, but have yetto have it, say that long waiting times prevent them fromaccessing medical treatment. Nearly half (45 per cent)say they don’t have the financial means to afford it (e.g.
costs for treatments they’ve been unable to access on the
NHS or travel expenses). One in four (24 per cent) fear
discrimination from a healthcare service provider and thesame percentage of trans people, 24 per cent, don’t know
how to access the form of medical intervention they want.
Transgender care is moving on from where it was just five
years ago, with more gender clinics accepting people who
identify as non-binary, or who want certain treatments andnot others. It is still a huge problem that many cannot accesshormones and surgery. In some cases, it is life-saving. Manyof my friends admit to bending the truth to "jump throughhoops" in order to access the care they require, which means
professionals are likely to think that most trans individuals fit
the medical model, when that's not the case.
Ash, 31 (Yorkshire and the Humber)

STONEWALL

Three in five trans people (62 per cent) who haveundergone or are currently undergoing medical
intervention are unsatisfied with the time it took to get an
appointment. Three in ten (28 per cent) are unsatisfied
with the cost related to this intervention.
In Wales, access to treatment is particularly poor. There iscurrently no gender identity service in Wales and patients
have to travel to London for care. They face long journeys,
extended waiting times and difficulties in bringing
supportive family or friends to accompany them. The
Welsh Government has announced the creation of a Welsh
Gender Team to treat patients from March 2018.

I am currently on the waiting list to start hormones and so far,my first appointment has been pushed back by nine months,
added onto the nine months I have already waited. They havegiven me false hope and told me that my appointment would
be in the next month, then continued to say the same thing
month after month. Jo, 22 (Wales)
The waiting lists are excruciatingly long on the NHS to thepoint I feel I'm not mentally strong enough to wait this long,and hormones/surgery are incredibly difficult to get hold of but
are something that will greatly improve my mental wellbeing.
Dominic, 24 (North West)PERCENTAGE OF TRANS PEOPLE WHO HAVE NOT YET UNDERGONEANY, BUT WANT SOME FORM OF MEDICAL INTERVENTION.
England23%

Scotland

19%
36%

Wales
0%

LGBT IN BRITAIN

50%

17

TRANS REPORT: INADEQUATE MEDICAL SUPPORTTRANS REPORT: INADEQUATE MEDICAL SUPPORTThe waiting lists for trans related healthcare are responsible
for the rise in the sale of illegal/unprescribed hormones.
This is actively putting the trans community at risk.
Ivy, 21 (Yorkshire and the Humber)

WHAT PREVENTS YOU FROM UNDERGOING THE FORMS OF MEDICALINTERVENTION THAT YOU WANT?
The waiting time is too long47%

I do not have the financial means

45%

I am afraid about the consequencesit might have on my family life

42%

I am afraid about the consequences it
might have on my professional life

27%

I don't know how to receive the formof medical intervention that I want24%

I am afraid I will be discriminated againstby the health service provider

24%

I do not feel personally ready at the
moment to undergo medical intervention

21%

I am afraid for my general safety

20%

I do not have the time to undergo
medical intervention

More than one in ten trans people (11 per cent) havegone abroad for medical treatment to alter their physicalappearance, including buying hormones over the internet
from other countries. A further 17 per cent of trans people
are considering doing this.

9%0%Trans people who want to undergo some form of medical
intervention but have yet to have it

One in four trans people who have undergone or are
currently undergoing medical intervention are unsatisfied
with the support they have received from their GP (24 percent) and their gender identity clinic (23 per cent).
At a second consultation, our designated new GP told mypartner flat-out the she was uncomfortable prescribing thehormones agreed by our London GP. We were stunned.
'Uncomfortable' is not a medical explanation. After a periodof mediation between the NHS and our new GP practice, they
now seem to have reached an agreement where my partner
will have to be referred to the GIC, and the GP, a different
person within the same practice, will then take the GIC's
guidance in prescribing hormones. I can't begin to imagine
how these recurring hurdles make him feel, but on my part, I
feel powerless, utterly outraged, and humiliated.
Emily, 31 (East of England)

18

Seven in ten trans people (71 per cent) who areaccessing medical support for their transition are satisfied
with the care they have received at those facilities.
However, one in seven trans people (14 per cent) don’t
share this experience and are not satisfied with the carethey received at the medical facility.

I am already self-medicating testosterone, considering goingabroad for top surgery. Waiting times in the UK are ridiculous.
Ellis, 22 (North West)I went abroad for facial feminisation surgery and for voice
feminisation surgery. While both are available in the UK,
they are far below the superior standards and techniques
available in other countries. The UK is embarrassingly behindon treatment for trans people. We can't even self-identify ourgender, have to wait 2 years, and "prove ourselves" to a panelof unqualified strangers. Heidi, 41 (South West)50%

Without the support of my GP it would have been anightmare. The Gender Identity Clinic was an appalling
experience; the official progression ghastly - if I had not beenable to afford one op privately. I am quite sure I would be aconstant drain on the NHS due to chronic depression at thevery least. Oscar, 63 (London)
Gender Identity Clinics in this country are largely awful andtake forever to see patients. Once you are seen, one false
move and you're discharged and have to start from scratch.
It's frustrating. Norma, 33 (North East)

STONEWALL

RECOMMENDATIONSNHS ENGLAND, NHS WALES AND NHS SCOTLANDSHOULD:‐‐ Increase capacity and improve access to gender identity
services, and develop clear strategies to attract andrecruit more clinicians to become gender identity
specialists across all relevant disciplines

LGBT IN BRITAIN‐‐ Urgently improve protocols and pathways to reduce
the long waiting times for trans people to accesstreatment‐‐ Commit resources to effectively engage with transpeople and groups in the design and delivery of gender
identity services

19

TRANS REPORT: ACHIEVING GENDER RECOGNITION

TRANS REPORT: ACHIEVING GENDER RECOGNITION

ACHIEVING GENDER
RECOGNITION

Being forced to live as someone you're not, in a society that doesn't
accept you, can cause mental health issues, but there are people who
feel they can't seek help for mental health problems because they
won't be allowed to transition.
Sienna, 21 (Scotland)

The Gender Recognition Act 2004 is a law that enables some trans people to have theirgender recognised under the law. The Act, which was a positive step forward at thetime, is now outdated; it is based on the premise that being trans is a mental illness thatneeds to be diagnosed, which is similar to what was once thought about being gay or
bi. It also requires trans people to take part in a bureaucratic and demeaning process togain recognition of their gender.

RECOMMENDATIONSThe Gender Recognition Act enables trans people to be legally recognised in their affirmed gender and to be issued with a newbirth certificate. However, in order to gain a Gender Recognition Certificate, trans people must currently provide psychiatricassessments and other intrusive evidence requirements, such as proving they have been living in the gender with which they
identify to a Gender Recognition Panel.

‐‐ Reform the Gender Recognition Act 2004 so thatobtaining legal gender recognition does not require
medical evidence and is replaced with a simple
administrative process based on self-declaration

Trans people explain that the process is traumatic and demeaning, many can’t or aren’t able to engage with it, and those who
do go through it say they have to fit outdated stereotypes of what it is to be trans, and what it is to be a woman or a man tosecure recognition.

‐‐ Ensure that an individual’s spouse cannot block theirright to have their gender recognised

The Gender Recognition Act allowed me to change my birthcertificate, however, the process to do so felt invasive andjudged me for not being "trans enough". Isaac, 24(West Midlands)
The gender recognition panel is an archaic, sexist and a
deeply offensive, unnecessary gatekeeper. Ivy, 21 (Yorkshireand the Humber)
We need to reform the way that trans people relate to the
medical system, reforming the 'gatekeeper' role that medical
professionals currently play in assessing whether transindividuals are allowed to access medical care and makeit easier to change gender identities on official documents.
Ruby, 30 (London)
Increased awareness about transgender identities and waysof being trans other than the medical model has made an
impact on, and brought together myself and lots of people I
know. Ash, 31 (Yorkshire and the Humber)

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The Act also provides no way for non-binary people to havetheir gender identity recognised. In addition, it requires transpeople in England and Wales to get their spouse’s approval
to gain their certificate if they are married.

Following recommendations from the Women andEqualities Committee in the UK Parliament in 2016, theUK Government announced in 2017 that it would consult
on reform of the Gender Recognition Act. The Scottish
Government have also made a similar commitment fortrans people in Scotland.
UK AND SCOTTISH GOVERNMENTS SHOULD:‐‐ Lower the age to access gender recognition from 18 to 16‐‐ Ensure that the reformed Gender Recognition Act makes
specific provision for recognising non-binary identities

The UK is miles behind countries like Ireland, Malta,
Norway and Argentina who have already done away withmedical tests and bureaucracy, and have a system basedon self-declaration. There are no down-sides, for example
when Ireland did it, nobody else was affected, except
trans people who for the first time were able to have theirgender recognised in a straightforward and empowering
way by the state.
Stonewall wants to work with policy makers,organisations, individuals and communities to put thecase for reform in the coming year, and secure this change
which will have such a positive impact for trans people in
Britain.
At the same time, Stonewall continues to work withbusinesses, public services, schools, communities andindividuals to make progress on all the other barriers andabuse that trans people experience every day that thisreport has highlighted.

We need more focus on trans issues and better recognition ofnon-binary genders, as well as the right to self-define one's
gender without unnecessary medicalisation. Matilda, 28(South East)
Trans people who were married before they transitioned
should be able to transition without the spouse's approval.
Samuel 51 (London)
It's great to know that I'm in theory protected by law for being
bi and trans. My partner and I are now married. My nonbinary partner is not yet protected by law and can't yet get a
passport without gender reference. They're suicidal becauseof these inequalities which impacts me too. Jamal, 47(East Midlands)

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TRANS REPORT: LOOKING AHEAD

TRANS REPORT: METHODOLOGYLOOKING AHEAD

METHODOLOGY

While trans people have continued to face substantial challenges in the years since theGender Recognition Act was introduced, some positive change has also been achieved.
More than two in five trans people (44 per cent) say they
are optimistic with the direction LGBT rights are going inthis country.
I was in denial for many years about my gender identity
because I was ashamed and worried about what people
would think. The wider societal awareness and acceptanceof transgender people has made it easier to come to termswith myself and to come out to others. My family have foundit easier to accept me after watching some of the better
documentaries which have answered questions which theyfelt unable to ask me. Having laws protecting trans people
against discrimination has helped me at work when someco-workers started to harass me. My employers were very
supportive, but I suspect they would have been less so had
the law not been so clearly on my side. Logan, 31 (Scotland)
The progress has made me feel more comfortable in being
open with who I am, both my gender and sexuality. I am
finally able to be myself, and being a transgender male thatmeans a lot. I can live in the gender I am without having toworry too much about other people and it had helped me open
up and find out who I really am instead of the person I waspretending to be before I came out. Jo, 22 (Wales)

I went to the Stonewall Trans Manifesto event in London
this year. And the work that I saw there that was going to behappening in the next 5 years was incredible and it made me
more accepting of myself and gave me a boost of confidence
because I know there are people like me and there are people
working hard to support my community. Theo, 21 (South East)
However, three in ten trans people (30 per cent) don’t
share this sentiment and are pessimistic with the direction
LGBT rights are going in this country. Many cite thenegative personal impact of attacks against trans people
in media outlets and on social media.
Even just five years ago it was not safe for me to come out astrans, the pace of change has been amazing. Unfortunately,
there now appears to be a backlash against that progressin the last year with hate from the media against transincreasing disturbingly in the last six months. This increasingtransphobia is accelerating and is causing acute anxiety in mydaily life. Willow, 40 (Wales)
We are constantly questioned on our existence, treatedhostilely and ridiculed in the name of debate. We areconstantly exposed to hate and criticism in media and daily
life as the public respond to the media's attitudes. I'm sick ofbeing described as a mentally ill freak.
Esme, 32 (Scotland)

WHAT I CAN DO AS AN INDIVIDUAL –COME OUT FOR TRANS EQUALITY

find out more, visit: www.stonewall.org.uk/our-work/
campaigns/trans-equality

As this report highlights many trans people in the UK
experience violence, abuse and discrimination in their everyday
lives. If that is to change they need allies in every workplace,school and community to work with them to change attitudes
and break down the barriers they face. You can help; we want
you to come out for trans equality. Here’s how:

- Stand up as an ally to trans and non-binary people byjoining the Come Out for LGBT campaign. Encourage yourfriends, family and colleagues to join the campaign
www.stonewall.org.uk/comeoutforlgbt

22

Participants were recruited through the YouGov panel, as well as an open recruitment that circulated through a wide range oforganisations, community groups and individuals.
The sample
The overall sample size of participants who are trans and/or non-binary is 871. Unless stated otherwise, findings reported for||'trans people' refer to respondents who identified themselves as trans (total sample 733 respondents), which includes trans people
who identified themselves also as non-binary; findings reported for 'non-binary people' refer to all those who identified themselves
as non-binary (total sample 414 respondents), of whom two thirds identify also as trans.

65 per cent of trans and non-binary respondents are from England, 18 per cent are from Wales and 17 per cent are||from Scotland.

34 per cent are male, 17 per cent are female and 48 per cent describe their gender in a different way. Different terms that||

respondents used to describe their gender identity include ‘non-binary’, ‘genderfluid’ and ‘genderqueer’. People who used a
different term to describe their gender identity are referred to as ‘non-binary’ throughout the report.

20 per cent of trans and non-binary respondents are gay or lesbian, 34 per cent are bi, 30 per cent use a different term to||describe their sexual orientation and 13 per cent are straight. Different terms that respondents used to describe their sexual
orientation include ‘pansexual’ and ‘queer’.

RECOMMENDATIONS- Respond to the public consultation in 2018 to reformthe Gender Recognition Act 2004. The consultation has
already started in Scotland, and ends on 1 March 2018. To

Between February and April 2017, 5,375 lesbian, gay, bi and trans (LGBT)
people across England, Scotland and Wales completed an online
questionnaire about their life in Britain today, which was administered by
YouGov on behalf of Stonewall.

51 per cent of respondents are disabled.
||
Nine per cent of respondents are black, Asian or minority ethnic.
||
The figures have been weighted by region and age. All differences reported in the survey are statistically significant. All names
in quotes have been changed for anonymity and ages have been assigned from within age bands.

- Call out and report transphobic abuse and discrimination,
at work and in your community, so long as it is safe to doso. For information on reporting hate crimes, visit
www.stonewall.org.uk/help-advice/hate-crime/
what-hate-crime

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LGBT IN BRITAIN
TRANS REPORTWe are constantly questioned on our existence, treated hostilely
and ridiculed in the name of debate. We are constantly exposed tohate and criticism in media and daily life as the public respond to themedia's attitudes. I'm sick of being described as a mentally ill freak.
Esme, 32 (Scotland)

Coming out as transgender was the hardest thing I've everdone, and having to explain it over and over again to medical
professionals that were supposed to be helping me, almost mademe end my life. There needs to be better support for us.
Henry, 24 (Yorkshire and the Humber)

Designed by Alex Long
Stonewall, 192 St John Street, London EC1V 4JY
info@stonewall.org.uk
www.stonewall.org.uk
Registered Charity number 1101255
PUBLISHED BY STONEWALL, 201824

STONEWALL