Introducing our content series: “Am I trans?” Translating sex, identity & relationships – what is it, and how did we co-create this? We’re delighted to share our transformative content series, co-created with trans+ young people, for trans+ young people: “Am I trans?” Translating sex, identity & relationships. In September 2023, we surveyed over 300 trans+ and non-binary young people (aged 13-25). We wanted to know what content we could create that would support you with your relationships, identity and health. A huge thank you to everyone who took the time to share their experiences a ..read more

Our committee of trans+ young people share their experiences of gender euphoria and joy in this podcast episode It is so important that we acknowledge and shout about the euphoria and joy, among the challenging parts of being trans+. There is so much cause to celebrate being trans+. Listen to our trans+ committee share personal experiences of gender euphoria in this podcast episode. We asked our committee of trans+ young people these questions: What does gender euphoria feel like for you? How would you describe it? When was the last time you felt gender euphoria? What sparked it? What ..read more

Our committee of trans+ young people share their experiences of figuring out their gender identity in this podcast episode Figuring out any part of our identity can feel tricky, but it’s bound to feel especially challenging and uncertain in a culture of transphobia, with very little trans+-inclusive education and support. Sharing our experiences with each other can lessen the feelings of uncertainty and isolation. Listen to our trans+ committee share personal experiences of figuring out their gender identity in this podcast episode. We asked our committee of trans+ young people these questions ..read more

Looking for further info and advice about gender identity? We’ve got you. Talk to someone right now Switchboard Image credit: Nice and Serious Switchboard is the national LGBTQIA+ support line. For anyone, anywhere in the country, at any point in their journey. You can call, email, or use their online chat to discuss anything related to sexuality and gender identity. Whether it’s sexual health, relationships or just the way you’re feeling. Organisations offering support and information https://mermaidsuk.org.uk/ – UK charity supporting trans, non-binary and gender-diverse children, young peop ..read more

Trans+ people often deal with many of the same struggles in relationships as cisgender people, but there are some extra considerations to keep in mind too Communication is a major part of any healthy relationship. Whether you’re a trans+ person yourself, or you are in a relationship with a trans+ person, here are some things you may want to check in about. Names and pronouns  What name would you like your partner to call you?  What pronouns would you like them to use?  Do you feel comfortable using that name around everyone? Or are there certain situations where you use a dif ..read more

Our committee of trans+ young people share their journeys of figuring out their sexual orientation alongside their gender identity Despite being thrown into the same acronym LGBTQ+, gender identity and sexual orientation are two different parts of someone’s identity. That said, they certainly relate to each other. We generally define a person’s sexual orientation through their gender and the gender of the people they’re attracted to.  So what happens when we start to figure out we’re trans+? As well as gender questions, this can throw up a lot of sexual orientation questions too! This is ..read more

Amongst the gender euphoria and joy, many trans+ people also experience gender dysphoria – here are some personal experiences that emphasise you’re not alone Gender dysphoria is when someone feels a disconnection, sense of unease or distress from their gender identity not ‘aligning’ (according to cisnormativity) with their sex assigned at birth. Whilst gender dysphoria is often talked about as a common part of being trans+, it’s good to remember that we all have different experiences. No one trans+ experience will be exactly the same as another.  Some people might not experience gender dy ..read more

No one should have to deal with hostility towards their identity, but here’s some tips from our committee of trans+ young people on how to cope The current climate in the UK can feel incredibly hostile towards trans+ people. Because of this, we may find it difficult to live as our authentic selves. We may not always feel safe or confident to express our gender identity in public, online, at school or at work.  It’s not okay that trans rights are treated as a ‘debate’, and it’s not acceptable that anyone is discriminated against based on their gender identity.  We can’t individually f ..read more

Going to sexual health appointments like cervical screening (smear tests) can be particularly difficult for trans+ people – here are some tips that might make it easier Trans+ people might have more struggles with cervical screening than cisgender (cis) people when going to sexual health clinics. For example, they might have to deal with gender dysphoria or worries about how healthcare staff will treat them. Cervical screening (known as a ‘smear test’) is a process where a speculum is inserted into the vagina. This allows healthcare professionals to view the cervix and take a small sample of c ..read more

Socially transitioning can be difficult at times, but it’s also exciting to begin living your life as your authentic self I’ve been trying to come up with a ‘good’ way to start this off for a while. I wanted to start positively. But the truth is it’s hard to be trans+ at the moment. Hundreds of our siblings are killed every year. It’s exhausting knowing that it’s happening and there’s realistically so little that most of us can do to help.  I try to look on the brighter side of things. “At least my friends and I are still here”… but for how long? “At least it’s no one that I know”… but th ..read more