Taking on LBC with Tom

The Cass Review of transgender care in the NHS came out and seems to have stirred some criticism and some acceptance. Criticism due to many research trials being ignored, and acceptance due to the transphobic people seeing this as a victory. What is very clear is that Cass didn’t interview trans people to hear their side of their experiences.

Children can’t make the same arguments as their vocabulary is not as vast as an adult. You have to talk with them first to understand what their needs are. When I transitioned, I had to wait 5 years before I got my first appointment with the gender services. Where it is frustrating to wait that length of time, for a child, waiting five years is a lifetime, and with puberty on the horizon coming at them like a tsunami, life can become very challenging, particularly if parents and society are not supportive.

Puberty blockers have been used for precocious puberty for many years with minimal problems. So, why have these drugs suddenly become an anathema? Is it because many people would rather trans people didn’t exist. We do, and with lots more visibility, more trans people will be seen. The only problem with that is the vilification will increase.

Are we as a society consciously evolved enough to see difference as just another way the universe expresses itself? At the moment many are fearful of difference and choose any means to hide it away.

Being very empathic, I could hear Tom’s fear coming across in his language and presentation. He was unable to hear my words which challenged his world view. Another caller after me became frustrated that Tom wouldn’t listen to his words. Is Tom simply an expression of many people who won’t look at their own emotions and feelings about trans issues?

While it is right that we do look at trans care, it is NOT right that the government get in between the care a person receives to help them heal. And 99% of these diktats come from cis people who have other agendas.

Please listen with love and non-judgement.

Thanks to Tom Swarbrick and LBC for the opportunity to talk.

10th April 2024