BAGIS statement on comments by the Minister for Women and Equalities
4th December 2023
BAGIS strongly condemns the statement made by Kemi Badenoch, Minister for Women and Equalities in the House of Commons on December 7th, 2023. Her claim about an “epidemic of young gay children being told that they are trans” lacks any evidence and is deeply concerning. Such rhetoric from a government minister can be harmful to the mental health of young adolescent trans and non-binary children.
Gender affirming care refers to the social, psychological and medical support given for a person to be recognized in their gender.
Research consistently demonstrates the positive impact of gender-affirming care on the mental health and overall well-being of gender-diverse, transgender, and non-binary children and adolescents. Numerous studies have shown that supportive and affirming environments contribute to better mental health outcomes, lower rates of depression, anxiety and suicidality , and improved overall quality of life for individuals exploring their gender identity.
Furthermore, characterizing gender-affirming care as “a new form of conversion therapy” is not only unfounded but also misleading. Conversion therapy aims to change a person’s gender identity and gender expression to become more congruent with the sex they were assigned at birth, and/or their sexual orientation to heterosexual. Conversion therapy is widely discredited by medical and mental health professionals, as it has been shown to cause severe psychological harm. Comparing gender-affirming care to such practices disseminates misinformation that may ultimately narrow access to this care for those who need it.
It is crucial for the government to rely on evidence-based information and consult with experts in the field when addressing issues related to gender identity and the well-being of trans and non-binary individuals. Creating a supportive and inclusive environment for these young individuals is essential for their mental health and overall development.