1st GIDS (Tavistock) meeting - what happens ?

[PinkfluffySlippers63]

After a two year (plus) wait my child has been given their first appointment with GIDS. It will be done via Zoom. What happens at the first meeting ? Will I have to be present for all or part of it ? (I'm quite happy to be ) My child was very entrenched in their views about the need to transition but in recent months they say their feelings maybe changing. Please don't flame me in any replies - thanks.

No idea what will happen but wishing you and your child all the best for appointment.

if they are saying their feelings might be changing, does your child know they dont need to do the appointment and can back out at any time they want

@PinkfluffySlippers63 how did it go? PM if you prefer.

No flaming here OP.

Your child needs to know that body-related anxiety/dislike etc. are completely normal. If feelings are more entrenched/stronger then they need to speak to someone who will not automatically affirm desires to transition.
You need to make it clear that they can share any doubts with you and that they can change their mind at any point.
Tavistock are notorious for steamrolling ahead with trans affirmation that paves the way for harmful therapies and procedures.
Does your child know that gender is completely made up and that they can dress/act however they want (out with using opposite sex facilities) while acknowledging their natal sex?

If they are female, they don't need to like 'female' things. If they are male, the exact same stands. They can be who they are while knowing that you can't change sex.

No judgements, just aware of the complexity of teenage mental health and the harm caused by some ideologies.

Did the appointment go ahead?

Thanks everyone for your messages. We've had two appointments via Zoom and so far they've been good. (Another appointment today).

@PinkfluffySlippers63 how did it go? Hope you are OK.

Hi @PinkfluffySlippers63 please take a look at this article from a Tavistock psychiatrist: quillette.com/2020/01/17/why-i-resigned-from-tavistock-trans-identified-children-need-therapy-not-just-affirmation-and-drugs/

Please ensure your child has read and watched stories from detransitioners before any treatment starts. It's so important to know that many children go into this certain they are trans only to realise years later that their mental health is worse than ever and they cannot reverse the treatment they have had. news.sky.com/story/hundreds-of-young-trans-people-seeking-help-to-return-to-original-sex-11827740

If your child has doubts, it's better to watch and wait. Many children realise after puberty that they are gay/lesbian and were struggling with confusing feelings of same sex attraction and puberty. @Nousernamehistory gave excellent advice there.

Please be aware the Stonewall and Mermaids push trans ideology into schools and are proven to misrepresent data (including totally unsubstantiated claims about suicide rates) and use sex and gender interchangably which muddies the issue. Please see this article about the founder of Mermaids, Susie Green, for more information on the dishonesty of their guidance and their regressive stereotyping that "little girls who like short hair and rough and tumble are actually boys": www.forbes.com/sites/julianvigo/2018/12/27/pseudo-scientific-hokum-and-the-experimentation-on-childrens-bodies/#4690db771167

Here is a resource for parents of trans children which discusses all the cultural influences as well as stories from children and parents. www.transgendertrend.com/

Best of luck to you and your child.

Hi Polka
Many thanks for your message and your concern. Yes I've seen that article and I'm v v well aware of the controversy / issues / court case involving the Tavistock. I'm v pleased that so far I've involved in the conversations with the therapists. I've had nothing to do with Stonewall or Mermaids. I've read a lot of the transgender trend website material as well. I think this whole topic is very difficult to navigate and I'm pleased we're doing it v v slowly. Thanks again for your help.

That's wonderful to hear @PinkfluffySlippers63 It's always a concern that parents may only hear one side. Thanks for the reply.