Thread by @FierceMum

A pre-teen trans kid who has seen GIDS for years, & is now approaching puberty, was just told by GIDS that there is no possibility of them getting blockers until years into puberty. Saying they will be forced through the wrong puberty. Saying this directly to a scared trans kid.

They are also withdrawing care for 17 year olds. GIDS are voluntarily going beyond the requirements of the court case.

https://twitter.com/personal_amber/status/1334549065577738241

We know GIDS did a terrible job of advocating for trans kids. We know some deeply transphobic GIDS clinicians wanted exactly this situation - for their role to be the psychoanalysis of trans kids for decades, without end, without any route to medical care.

Yes the judges were deeply cisnormative, transphobic & ignorant. But they also noticed the deep incompetence of GIDS. The systemic failings.

The judges clearly considered between two options A) GIDS are competent & puberty blockers essential B) GIDS are incompetent & puberty blockers reckless. They overlooked option C) GIDS are incompetent & puberty blockers essential. The level of harm caused by GIDS is astonishing

For years I've faced hostility for my critique of GIDS. By people who agree with the facts, but who feel that a critique of GIDS weakens trans healthcare. But I am absolutely clear - we are in this mess in the UK because of the transphobia and incompetence of GIDS.

The current situation where GIDS cannot prescribe yet can interrogate and undermine the self-esteem of trans kids is worse than having no GIDS at all. While there is zero route to healthcare through GIDS, tell families with trans kids to stay the hell away from the place.

For so many years, week in, week out, I have heard stories of families coming back from GIDS sessions in pieces. Of kids crying for days after an appointment. Of GIDS as the number one threat to their self-worth. Absolutely no more.

There is no purpose to GIDS now. It causes active harm and is now of no benefit to the vast majority who reach it. There are better sources of support for gender exploration, for support with minority stress, for support for ignorant parents.

For years people harmed by GIDS have been afraid to rock the boat. Putting up with abuse on the narrow hope of access to healthcare. Now that boat has well and truly sank.

This is the time to look beyond GIDS. To demand better for trans kids. To acknowledge a toxic establishment can be worse than no establishment at all. To acknowledge the harm can outweigh any minor benefit. Protect trans kids - keep them away from GIDS #BoycottGIDS