Addressing the Cass Review

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There has been a lot of talk about the Cass Review lately, and it might feel confusing or even a little scary, especially if you are part of the trans community. The Cass Review is a big document, and we are still figuring out what it all means for trans and non-binary young people, but The Mix will always be a safe space to seek support about your feelings on the review or if you are exploring your gender identity.

Housekeeping on this thread:

The point to this thread is to create a safe space for people who want to discuss their feelings around Cass Review. This is not a space for debate ((i.e. it is okay to discuss and disagree with the review, but this is not a place to debate the validity of the trans identity). This is also a space to discuss or seek support about your lived experiences. If you would like to take part in a form of campaigning around this topic, we would recommend visiting our friends over at Gendered Intelligence.

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So, what is the Cass Review?

The Cass Review is an independent look at NHS services for trans and non-binary youth and the final report been released with its findings. The review aims to improve these services and address current gender affirming care. With the report sparking a lot of online discussion, some of it might be confusing or even upsetting.

HERE

is a link to the Cass Review and their key findings

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Here are some things to keep in mind if this review impacts you directly:

If you are a trans or non-binary young person, you are still allowed to explore and have conversations about your gender identity. Your identity is valid, and your feelings on the review are valid as well. If you need a safe place to talk, we are here for you.

We know that the news on the Cass Review might feel overwhelming, confusing and anxiety inducing, but try to remember that not everything you read online is fact. Right now, the Cass Review is a recommendation, and nothing has been actioned yet. Often when things like this get published, the news can go into a bit of a frenzy, so try to monitor your time you spend online and take a step back from doom scrolling if you need to. We would like to encourage you to seek advice from other LGBTQ+ affirming spaces such as our friends at Gendered Intelligence and The Proud Trust who have also produced resources to help understand the report a bit better!

If you need someone to talk to, The Proud Trust are here for you through their Live Chat services, one-to-one support, mentoring and LGBTQ+ youth groups. You are not alone and there are so many people out there who want to listen.

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What to do if you want to support a friend or family member:

We know that some of you will have friends or family within the trans community who are struggling, and that you might feel worried about them. If you would like to support someone, checking-in and offering a safe space to listen can go a long way. Our How to be a trans ally article might be a good place to start!

Alternatively, it would be great to hear directly from our trans community members – what have friends and family have done to help you in the past?