Surprisingly balanced guardian piece, though some concerning comments from teachers who conflate trans with gay. And there's a claim transphobic bullying has increased because it's so late out? Bullying should be tackled no matter what happens.
NEU spokesperson is unnamed.
Balanced as there's a cracking paragraph from Bayswater, pointing out it's not like being gay. And mentions Cass!
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/dec/19/englands-schools-must-be-involved-in-new-transgender-guidance-union-warns?CMP=ShareiOSAppp_Other
Bayswater is a support group for the parents of “trans-identified adolescents and young people” and has 650 members across the UK. “Schools need clear guidance because it is unacceptable to expect teachers to take decisions with such profound consequences for their students,” a spokesperson said.
“By viewing gender exclusively as a ‘civil rights’ issue, children with complex mental health problems and trauma have been failed by adults who should have been protecting them.
“Unlike sexual orientation, a trans identity is linked with likely medicalisation and high rates of comorbidities. Taking a student’s rejection of their natal sex at face value, rather than being curious and compassionate about what might have led them there, is a safeguarding failure that all of us should care about, regardless of our political affiliation.”
A DfE spokesperson said: “The upcoming guidance will help safeguard pupils and crucially ensure that parents are involved in decisions relating to their child, as the Cass Revieww has made clear that any degree of social transition could have significant consequences for children. It will be published in due course.”