How old were you when you knew you were a girl or a boy? You’ve probably always known and for the trans community, it isn’t any different. A study found that 73% of transgender women and 78% of transgender men first experienced gender dysphoria (a mismatch between biological sex and gender identity) by age seven.
Under current legislation in the UK, a person who wishes to legally change their gender must apply to a gender recognition panel and present a medical diagnosis of gender dysphoria. They must also be over 18 and have been living in their affirmed gender – the gender by which they wish to be known – for at least two years.
But last year, Scotland passed legislation that would make the process easier. The Gender Recognition Reform Bill proposed to lower the age at which someone can apply for a Gender Recognition Certificate (GRC) from 18 to 16. There would also be no need for a medical diagnosis, and the time spent living as the acquired gender, prior to the application, would be cut from two years to three months, or six months for those under 18.
The bill has been met with controversy, and last month, the UK government blocked the legislation, while Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer also raised concerns that 16 was too young to self-identify as a different gender. Woman’s Own speaks to people from the trans community about whether there is really an age limit when it comes to knowing your own gender…
‘I did not change gender, I have always been female’
Katie Neeves, 53, is a trans ambassador and founder of cool2btrans.co.uk.
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة February 27, 2023 من WOMAN'S OWN.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة February 27, 2023 من WOMAN'S OWN.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
MAGNIFICENT MAURITIUS
Pe This istand in the ut 7% Indian Ocean feels Sa: like paradise, says Charlotte Richards
I HATE BEING A MUM
One woman, 55, reveals why she resents all of the sacrifices she made to be a mother
SLASH SUGAR AND SLIM
Trying to lose weight? With these clever tweaks, you don’t have to miss out on the seasonal sweet stuff
DAWN HARPER ASK THE DOCTOR
Doctor Dawn Harper answers all your questions
SEX HORRORS SOLVED!
Stop physical intimacy from turning into the stuff of nightmares with our expert advice
THE TRUTH ABOUT LIFE WITH CANCER
More than 12,000 people are diagnosed with brain tumours each year in the UK. Two mums tell us how the cruel disease changed their lives forever
DAWN NEESOM MIND OF MY OWN
The Woman's Own columnist has her say on marriage, tea and Absolutely Fabulous!
TRAPPED INSIDE MY HOME WITH A MONSTER
Gemma Williams, 46, thought she'd die at the hands of her partner
AMANDA TO REPLACE CAT?
With increasing criticism directed at the This Morning host, are producers ready to call in a familiar face?
Get the GOSS
Your round-up of this week's biggest showbiz stories
