
ALT On 10th April, the final report of the Cass Review was published. It is clear from the outset that this review has used a patriarchal, cisnormative view of society and questionable research etiquette to make claims and recommendations which will have outstanding and immediate negative implications for the care provided to children and young people. While there are some recommendations that we believe would be beneficial to children and young people and their healthcare access if appropriately implemented, these recommendations are delivered with a tone of cis-supremacy and transphobia which serves to undermine the rights of children and young people.

ALT We believe that the report recommendations will lead to further gatekeeping for trans children and young people, particularly around access to medical treatment. This Review will also have international implications that will cause direct and irreparable harm to young trans people. The Trans Learning Partnership knows the importance of centering lived experience and community expertise in creating impactful research. We have long been concerned that the Cass Review does not understand this importance, and we believe this is clearly reflected in the final publication.

ALT We have already seen the negative effects of the media discussions of the report and want to reassure you that we will be taking time over the coming weeks to read and analyse the publications in full, and hope to share our fully-formed reflections with you, our community. All trans people, regardless of age, have the right to live as themselves, free from discrimination and violence, particularly from the institutions that should be there to protect them. It is vital that we preserve bodily autonomy for everyone. The continued attacks on trans people’s autonomy cause very real harm for trans people and all people fighting for the right to bodily autonomy. We will continue to fight for the care and dignity every trans person of every age deserves.


