Thread by @FierceMum

New article on trans youth clinic from Belgium, a swift summary to follow: nature.com/articles/s4144…

First of all, it provides a useful reference for the Nuffield and Cass reviews that both seem perplexed as to the rise in children coming to Gender Clinics worldwide

"A recent Belgian study found that the average age of self-realization is 12.7 years throughout different generations, but the coming-out age has dropped significantly from 33.2 years in the generation born between 1965–1970, to 27.7 years in the generation born between 1971–1985

"to 17,5 for those born between 1986–2000 [45]. This decreased coming-out age explains why an increase in the pediatric clinics can be noted."

Next it looks at the numbers of youth who continue accessing gender services. The paper looks at 177 youth aged 12-18 on first appointment at the service between 2007 and 2016 (average age 15 at first appointment).

It focuses on 172 youth. 29 of these stopped going to the children's gender clinic. 7 of these had re-enrolled in adult services by the time the study was conducted.
87% (150/172) continued accessing gender services.

Of the 22 who stopped accessing Belgian gender services, only 2 were interviewed (others were not found or refused to engage). One was living in assigned gender, and did not need gender services. The other was gender fluid, and did not need medical intervention.

TW to follow in this thread. (mention of suicide)

5 out of the 177 adolescents in the Belgian gender clinic (2.8%) are reported to have taken their own lives.

I know the statistics & frequently see & hear the realities of trans kids & teens, but this is still deeply shocking & profoundly upsetting to read. Trans kids & trans youth continue to be failed so badly in so many ways.

Tackling institutional transphobia and societal prejudice won't solve all problems, but it is a bloody good place to start.

Providing trans positive de-pathologising affirming healthcare for trans adolescents won't solve all problems, but is an important component of wellbeing, strongly correlated with positive outcomes.

Childhood affirmation, embracing and celebrating trans kids to be recognised and validated at all ages won't solve all problems, but it helps trans kids grow up secure and with self-esteem.

Providing gender affirmative guidance, counselling, advice and support for parents can help ensure families and homes are safe and nurturing environments for all children.

Schools can do more to ensure they provide safe and affirming spaces for all trans and gender diverse kids, spaces where gender diversity is normalised and embraced, where diversity is visible and validated, where microaggressions and cisnormativity is tackled.

Every trans kid and trans teen who I have had the privilege to get to know is someone I look up to, am proud to know, am impressed by. Trans kids are awesome. And we continue to fail them.