UK consultation on gender change

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See this report from BBC News

Consultation on changing legal gender to be launched
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-40692782

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Not sure what I think about it.

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Angharad's picture

I was one of those who had to go through the old process, had to produce documentation of medical and surgical treatment and proof of how long I'd transitioned (18 years in my case) and while it was long winded and challenging, it gave a sense of achievement at the end. It also meant that I understood, just like surgery, that what I was doing was irreversible. My fear is that in today's world, everything has to be instant - from coffee to gender change and it makes me despair at the superficiality of everything. In some ways I also feel it will undermine the legitimacy I feel at having done it the 'proper way' and struggled to achieve legal status as female when someone can come along and change after two minutes and then presumably change back if they discover it was too hard or whatever whim they have next. Without the medical involvement how will they prove anything? A step too far for me.

Angharad

Consultation..

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Call me an old sceptic, but with this government, I wonder if anything will come of it
* During the election when asked awkward questions. the response was "we will consult on that"
* This was announced (or at least published) after parliament broke up for the summer holidays so they won't have to answer any questions on it. Also it makes me wonder if this is a bit of sensation designed to detract from something else.
* With their current political bed-fellows the DUP's stance on same sex relationships, how far is this likely to progress?

Until we see the suggestions in the autumn then we won't know how serious they are.

Perhaps..?

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this move might get through. Apart from one or two MP's I don't think that there are many against this move. As such, it could go through with very little debate or parliamentary time.

I'm

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Maddy Bell's picture

Pretty sure that some sort of revamping of the procedure is required, not convinced that a fast track system is the way forward but the hoops that you need to jump through currently are oppressive and demeaning.

I agree with Ang that today's 'now' society is influencing policy without looking at the longer picture but on the other hand how many of us are deterred from even starting transition by the prospect of the drawn out and expensive process and what happens to the 12% who fail to be recognised? Surely if they've got as far as the review they've already completed all the requirements? Or am I being naive? We're they wearing the wrong colour bra, had too many tattoos? Surely if, like a passport, you can supply the correct information it should be a formality.

It annoys me that trans folk are lumped in with the homosexual community all the time, whilst some maybe that way inclined, that isn't all by any stretch and is demeaning in itself. It's not like that community even like trans folk so how can they represent us?


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Madeline Anafrid Bell

UK Consultation on GRP (Gender Recognition Process)

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persephone's picture

As Angharad stated this is a step too far.

First, someone needs to make it clear that the LGB community have no say in this.

Second, we need to make clear that the medical transition process (along WPATH SOC guidelines) is different to, and separate from, the GRP . There is no legal requirement to undergo surgery, merely to have two healthcare professionals provide supporting reports and to provide evidence you have lived in gender role for a minimum of two years then sign a legal Statutory Declaration that you will remain in that gender.

Third, getting a GRC (Gender Recognition Certificate) only enables one to correct your birth certificate. In the UK changing one's driving licence, passport, bank account details, medical records, educational qualifications etc. can be done at the start of transition.

Fourth, the GRP process is already relatively cheap and straightforward. Mine cost £140 and was completed in under 75 days (and even that fee can be waived in the case of hardship). The official guidance is here if you are interested (https://www.gov.uk/apply-gender-recognition-certificate/over...).

Bluntly, if we continue to allow political activists to make such demands then very soon there will be a backlash, and the only people who will be hurt are us.

Persephone

Non sum qualis eram

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