They are still intent on carrying on as before.
Beyond our concerns about building the capacity needed into these services, we are highlighting these key considerations at this stage:
- Social transition: Dr Cass has not called for adolescents to have their right to their identity or autonomy removed. Nor did Dr Cass recommend a blanket ban on social transitioning for children of any age. Most significantly, Dr Cass did not support unilateral ‘outing’ of trans young people by schools. There are clear gaps between recommendations and practical policy, and we’re already hearing early reports of Dr Cass’ analysis of – and recommendations about – social transition being used to challenge trans young people’s right to identity.
o Initial opinion: We are concerned that Dr Cass’ recommendations are being misrepresented in discussions around the draft guidance for schools and colleges in England on supporting ‘gender questioning children’, and may be misrepresented to justify restrictions on children and young people’s right to identity in school.o Next actions: Along with our partners in the children and young people, trans, LGBTQ+, and children’s rights movements, we will continue advocating to the Department for Education for guidance that supports trans and gender diverse children and young people to thrive at school.