GenderGP on the road - and other June news

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Welcome to June’s newsletter and the official unveiling of our brand new logo! We have been working hard behind the scenes over the last few months to make sure our look and feel reflects the new and improved International GenderGP. You may also have noticed that the website has had a face lift - our aim is to make this resource as useful and informative as possible. Don’t forget to check in on a regular basis to read the latest news and developments as well as guidance on how you can get access to the support you need.
With love Helen, Mike and Marianne xxx

GenderGP on the road

This month saw the launch of the GenderGP roadshow. Some of the team travelled to Cornwall where we were hosted by the wonderful Jackie and Paul of Safe Haven, and their team. It was a fantastic opportunity to put faces to names and to hear first hand some of the challenges faced by the local trans community. A huge thanks goes out to Jackie, Paul and everyone who took the time to come and meet us and make us feel so incredibly welcome.

Ask the expert
The roadshow provided an opportunity for audience members to ask questions and for members of the GenderGP team to debunk some myths. The full transcript is available here - it makes for a fascinating read!

Coming to a town near you!
We are currently planning the roll out of more roadshows so, if you would like us to visit your area, and you have a trans support group who would be willing to host us – get in touch with Aby.

GenderGP Empowerment Pack

One topic that was raised repeatedly at our recent roadshow was how we use our collective power to press for change to healthcare services for the trans community. This is something we feel incredibly passionate about at GenderGP. To that end we are developing a GGP Empowerment Pack which will give you all the tools you need to go to your GP and make change happen. It will be packed with useful information for your doctor, to help them feel confident in how best to help you. This is in development and we will let you know when it is live. In the meantime, our petition is gathering momentum - we have 13.5k signatures! If you haven’t already done so, please sign and share. We will be doing a final push over the next few months with a view to presenting the petition to Parliament once it reconvenes in September

Trans Dementia Services
In her guest blog, Allison O’Kelly, Queen’s Nurse and Clinical Lead in Memory Services in East Cornwall, shares her expert insight into the importance of getting dementia services right for people who identify as LGBTQI*, and their carers. Read here.

Update on Scotland's Gender Recognition Act

The Scottish reform of the Gender Recognition Act was eagerly awaited by many.
However, further consultation has now been scheduled before any reforms take place.
Here Dr Webberley shares her views

Dr. Helen in the News
ITV Wales interviewed Dr Helen earlier this month about her approach to helping trans youth and the decision to move GenderGP outside of the UK. She explained: “I practise medicine in a way I feel is right for these people. And I know that there are lots of doctors around us who are doing the same as me, but they are not in this country...I think we are failing transgender people in this country.” Catch up here

My trans journey on the NHS: June

*Warning* this post is influenced by a rush of Gender Euphoria which some may feel is currently out of reach for them. For the record, this is not my day to day state of being. I also fully understand that, for some, the idea of ever feeling this confident may seem impossible. But I want to send a very clear message: don’t lose hope. This is what it can feel like on a REALLY good day xx

Marianne continues to share her journey here.

We'd love to hear from you...
As always we welcome any comments or feedback. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

It’s been a busy few weeks, as you can probably imagine, but we’re as positive and committed as ever here at GenderGP. News of Dr Mike’s interim suspension caused some concern among members of our community but please rest assured that you are in safe hands. We guessed this might be coming so we took necessary steps to secure your continuity of care. You can read all about it here. We are all very excited about the next chapter.

The UK has a long and successful working relationship with European doctors and nurses who have provided a very welcome extra pairs of hands when our own NHS services have been under-staffed. With an atmosphere of real fear amongst UK doctors, which prevents them from risking their registration if they provide gender-affirming care to trans people, we also looked to this source of expertise as an obvious choice to find compassionate medical help. Read more

GenderGP goes on the Road

Next month sees GenderGP visit Safe Haven in Cornwall for our first ever roadshow! This is a chance for people in the South West to meet some members of the team, find out about how the service works and ask questions. If you would like to come along to our free event please email. We will be visiting a town near you over the coming months so watch this space for more info.
Places are limited so book early to avoid disappointment.

What the Trans?

Dr Helen was a guest on the What the Trans Podcast this week, where she spoke about Dr Mike’s suspension and how, thanks to a little forward planning, GenderGP will continue to provide care for the trans community.

Caster Semenya Verdict
In other news, Dr Helen talked to iNews about the Caster Semenya verdict and why discriminating against the athlete for being at a genetic advantage is no different to penalising basketball players for being tall, or swimmers with long arms and large feet.

GenderGP on the road

GenderGP Empowerment Pack

My trans journey on the NHS: June

Marianne continues to share her journey here.

We'd love to hear from you...
As always we welcome any comments or feedback. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Your Stories - Stella

This month we hear from Stella, who talks us through what it’s like to be in the midst of transitioning. She shares her story in the hope that might resonate with others in her position, read here.

My trans journey on the NHS: May

This last month has been full of ups and downs, trying to figure out what has changed, what am I achieving and what I want. I say this because I am being asked about surgery at the GIC in Sheffield.

Marianne continues to share her journey here.

As always we welcome any comments or suggestions you may have.
Please don’t hesitate to get in touch.