Re: Trans health needs more and better services: increasing capacity, expertise, and integration

[heresyandwitchcraft]

A response to a recent BMJ article on Trans Health. This letter was written by Richard Byng, GP and Professor in Primary Care Research ;
Susan Bewley, Chair of Health Watch; Damian Clifford, Consultant Liaison Psychiatrist; Margaret McCartney, GP and freelance writer

Proposed ‘terminology’ may mislead and fudges the reality of biological sexual dimorphism. Sex is not “assigned”, but determined at conception and in early embryonic life. Biological characteristics of male and female have “historically” been observed at birth and likely this will continue. Sex should not be confused with gender - a social construct. Although internal subjective identity, legal status and external appearance can change or be re-aligned, a person’s underlying biological sex cannot.
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Research is needed to explore the interplays between gender dysphoria, mental health problems, autism spectrum disorders, sexual orientation and unpalatable roles in our highly gendered society.
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Medicine needs to be held to regulatory and ethical standards (such as ‘first of all, do no harm’), rather than allowing a system where healthcare professionals simply respond to client expectations. A survey of doctors could helpfully highlight this important issue and describe physicians’ views.

I would be very interested to hear HCP thoughts on this, especially the idea of a survey.

www.bmj.com/content/362/bmj.k3371/rr-0

[heresyandwitchcraft]

This is being talked about on the feminist board, here:

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3339177-Excellent-BMJ-Article-Responding-to-Previous-One-Featuring-ATH