HOW YOUNG IS TOO YOUNG TO CHANGE GENDER?

The UK government blocked a new law intended to allow trans people in Scotland to change their legal gender at 16, rather than 18, but many know far earlier...

- FRANCESCA WOODSTOCK

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.