Supporting Transgender Young People

'Transgender' is an umbrella term used to describe a person whose self-image of their gender differs from the sex that was assigned to them at birth. 

The fact that a child has gender identity issues is not, of itself, a safeguarding issue.  Such children may, however, be subject to prejudice, discrimination and misunderstanding, which can have a detrimental  effect upon quality of life, and physical and mental health.

  • Avoid assumptions about transgender young people’s sexual orientation. Transgender young people may identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, questioning, heterosexual, or differently. It’s important to keep in mind that sexual orientation is separate from, and not determined by, one’s gender identity and expression. 
  • Provide transgender-friendly role models and mentors. Transgender young people, like all young people need connections to adult role models and mentors. For transgender young people in out-of-home care systems (i.e., juvenile or foster care), these positive connections can be harder to find but are nonetheless crucial for their healthy development. Frequently cut off from their families of origin, and part of a misunderstood minority, transgender young people can find a sense of family and belonging from mentors and community role models. 
  • Allow transgender young people to express their gender identity. Allow transgender young people to express their gender identity through their chosen attire, names, and mannerisms without punishment or ridicule. 
  • Use young people’s preferred names and pronouns. Respect a transgender young person’s choice of name and gendered pronouns that best reflects their sense of self as female or male. By doing so, you validate their identity and sense of self-worth. If you’re unsure which pronoun an individual prefers, ask sensitively rather than simply assuming what they would prefer.
  • Ensure transgender young people have access to trained medical and mental health care. Referrals to be made to CAMHS to access support. 

LGBT HQ - https://www.lgbthq.org.uk/this external link will open in a new window is Cumbria’s home for advice and services for lesbian; gay, bi, trans support.

Sticky Bits Café - offers support with individuals to speak to in comfort and confidence.

Monthly events-

1st Friday - Quiz Night

2nd Friday - Mens' Group

4th Friday - Womens' Group

1st Monday - Trans Group

More events announced on Facebook page. Website: https://www.stickybitscafe.co.uk/lgbt/

Cumbria Pride - Facebook page https://en-gb.facebook.com/CumbriaPride/ 

Contact details: 01228 267247

Email: cumbriapride@hotmail.co.uk

OutREACH Cumbria - offers talking therapy for individuals struggling with their sexuality and identity, they have an information line that you can contact free 0800 345 7440 on a Thursday evening to get information you need. They have a monthly online magazine written by volunteers, and provide monthly social events for people to meet up and talk. 

http://www.outreachcumbria.org.uk/this external link will open in a new window events and support can be accessed on the webpage or twitter page.

Mobile: 07413 370 600  Email: info@outreachcumbria.co.uk

PINC- Pride in North Cumbria - advice and support is available from experienced youth workers, as well as other group members.

2019 drop-in times are: Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays - From 4.30pm until 8pm. More information can be found on their Facebook page https://www.prideinnorthcumbria.org/ 

https://www.lgbtyouthincare.com/ - Transgender young people in care have created these resources’ based on their own experiences.

https://www.mermaidsuk.org.uk/assets/media/17-15-02-A-Guide-For-Young-People.pdf - A guide for transgender young people

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/58dcbb6be3df28ace47ce187/t/593928678419c2c9745a4f62/1496918245819/Trans+Youth+in+Care+-+A+Guide+For+Social+Care+Professionals.pdf – A toolkit for professionals

Gender Identity Issues (tri.x Briefing 189, November 2016) http://www.trixonline.co.uk/website/news/pdf/policy_briefing_No-189.pdfthis external link will open in a new window

Mermaids - a support for gender variant children, teenagers and their families https://www.mermaidsuk.org.uk/; including information and resources for professionals https://www.mermaidsuk.org.uk/professionals/

Gender Trust - advice for those affected by gender identity issues http://www.gendertrust.org.uk/this external link will open in a new window

NHS - Gender Dysphoria https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/gender-dysphoria

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