10.O. Round table: Anti-gender movements and their implications for trans-specific healthcare for children in Europe
Authors:   Organised by: EUPHA-SGMH, EUPHA-CAPH, TGEU, ILGA-Europe, IGLYO, EPATH,   Chair persons: Arjan van der Star (EUPHA-SGMH)
Published: October 2023

Anti-gender movements, which have gained significant momentum in recent years, challenge the validity and existence of gender as a concept, and in turn, gender identity. Anti-gender campaigners are varied, ranging from conservative political actors, religious leaders and institutions, to “gender critical” feminists but they are united in one respect - they have been working consistently to influence public opinion and advocate for legislative and political action against the fundamental human rights of trans and gender diverse people, with clear public health implications. These actors target, among other things, self-determination of gender identity and the provision of care services for trans children and adults. Trans and gender diverse children are especially vulnerable, as their physical and mental healthcare needs are at risk due to the relentless attacks and misinformation campaigns across Europe against the provision of trans-specific healthcare, including puberty blockers. Yet, existing research demonstrates that access to puberty blockers leads to marked improvements in mental health for trans and gender diverse children. Countering anti-trans narratives and protecting trans and gender diverse childrens’ health and human rights requires concerted action on the part of the trans and gender diverse community, with the active participation and support of the public health community. Our aim for this roundtable is to bring together members from the trans and gender diverse community and the public health community to discuss what is required to counter anti-trans narratives in the provision of trans-specific healthcare. Representatives from 1) Transgender Europe, 2) the European Region of the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association, 3) the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Intersex Youth & Student Organisation, and 4) the European Professional Association for Transgender Health will be panelists in this round table. We will discuss cases from several European countries, the best interest of the child, informed consent, and what is urgently needed at the regional level to ensure trans and gender diverse children are able to access the healthcare they need. We will also dedicate time for questions from the audience to enable sharing of concerns and diverse personal and regional experiences.

Key messages

• Anti-gender movements, which have gained significant momentum in recent years, challenge the validity and existence of gender (identity), hindering access to gender-affirming care.

• Strong support from the public health community is required to counter anti-trans narratives and protect trans and gender diverse childrens’ health and human rights.

Speakers/Panelists

Deekshitha Ganesan

Transgender Europe, Brussels, Belgium

Seb Rowlands

Transgender Europe, Brussels, Belgium

Cianán Russell

ILGA-Europe, Brussels, Belgium

Motmans Joz

UZ Gent, Gent, Belgium

Rú Ávila Rodríguez

IGLYO, Brussels, Belgium