GIDS.advice on social transition

[Thingybob]

In this response to a previous article, Bernadette Wren, speaking on behalf of GIDS, says it is preferable for children to wait until about 10 before socially transitioning.

How does that fit in with the guidance being given to schools?

journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1359104519838591

It doesn’t. Thanks for posting.

That's good to know. It's not like she has an insignificant role at GIDS.

I am the Trust Head of Psychology and Consultant Clinical Psychologist, as well as a family therapist. That has meant lots of studying over the years to understand people’s psychological development and to learn how best to work with families who come for support. I’m also Head of Psychology at the Tavistock.

This though makes me despair. George would definitely have gone down a transition pathway was she around today

Do you have a favourite book or children's book?
When I was young I loved the ‘Famous Five’ books by Enid Blyton because of the wonderful character of George, a girl who refused to be defined by the (very traditional) female stereotypes of the time.

2 of the 3 children I know of who are transgender have socially transition before 10. The other was mid teens. 10 is still too young but better than 3 (as per the times article)

I think I have been blocked on FB by one, presumably because it has been learnt that I am a TERF, transphobe or whatever we are supposed to be for not being 100% supportive of the trans ideology and daring to object to being called cis.

We are terves now I think

Anyway 10. Ffs are these people all on drugs. Only explanation for such stupidness

terves
I always wondered what the plural would be.

I’ve known a couple of children transition around age 10, and yes it’s better than 3.

Terves is good.

I enjoy playing the word game apps (word cookies etc where you have to make words from the letters) I like to challenge myself to find as many trans related words as possible, they are never accepted, but you know, simple pleasures.

I am, in a way of which I don't understand, actually quite hurt, unfriend me fair enough, but to block me because I said something that didn't toe the party line, seems, well almost, cruel. I have always been very restrained as well.

That is good news. No more three years olds being told they are girls because they want to dress in a fairy costume.

Yes I agree Lizzie, it's good to see a senior GIDS clinician highlight some of the concerns we have and it you have time both the original article and the follow up by Wren are well worth a read. Informed consent, early foreclosure of choice, the role of parents and the influence of support groups are some of the points mentioned.

journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1359104518822694?icid=int.sj-full-text.similar-articles.1
journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1359104519838591

Hope these links work. Sorry I can't copy and paste sections as I'm on an impractical mobile device that has a mind of its own.

Good news in at least its more of an age where children can actually understand some of the conversations - I don't know how much an average 3 year old is able to articulate such complex ideas. I struggle, and I'm an adult.

As expected, Twitter is not happy.

mobile.twitter.com/FierceMum/status/1117438220856430593

mobile.twitter.com/AdrianHarrop/status/1117516865352417280

Sorry, that should be be 2 separate links, they do work, but on the app I'm using it looks like one long link, even tho I listed them separately