Mermaids statement; there are some "interesting" bits:
We’re thrilled that the first episode of the new ITV drama Butterfly received such a positive response following its premiere last week. There have been some amazing reviews, including this Radio Times piece www.radiotimes.com/news/tv/2018-10-14/butterfly-itv-review/
We hope there will be similar reception to the brilliant second episode, which delves deeper into the need to love and support a trans child, and the challenges families with trans children face.
At Mermaids, we work with many families and hear many different stories. Butterfly is one fictional family’s story - it’s not the story of every trans child in the UK, but the story that Tony Marchant has told.
It’s important to remember that the referral and treatment process might have been sped-up or shortened to fit into the limited time that TV schedules allow. Unlike the fictitious “Ferrybank” clinic, the NHS service has a much longer time-scale, with waiting times of over 18 months for initial appointment with The Tavistock and Portman Gender Identity Development Service (GIDS) clinic: gic.nhs.uk/appointments/waiting-times/. In this service, children are rigorously assessed before having access to any developmentally-appropriate or age-specified medical intervention. Mermaids, as standard, recommends NHS services whilst recognising the strain the service is under due to increasing demand.
Private treatment, albeit quicker, would require more evidence than shown and would need significant financial input - out of reach for many families.
What we’re taking away from Butterfly this week is Maxine’s family supporting her with great love and care, despite the difficulties they come up against. Vicky moves mountains to support Maxine, something that we’re sure many parents - whether you have trans children or not - will understand.
For more positive stories from families with trans children, check out the Mermaids Twitter account: twitter.com/Mermaids_Gender. We’re looking forward to the final episode next Sunday at 9pm.
#Butterfly #ButterflyEffect #ITVButterfly
_
If you or anyone you know is affected by the issues faced in the drama, you can contact us for support. If you are in immediate need, you can also find the contact details for Samaritans here: www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help-you/contact-us
Check out our website at www.mermaidsuk.org.uk/butterfly for more information about Butterfly, where we’ll also be uploading useful information following each episode, along with FAQ’s on the subjects covered.