Autistic People Are Being Weaponised to Restrict Gender-Affirming Care
Is it time society just accepted that we’re a diverse bunch?
The final report of the Cass Review into gender-identity services for children was published on the 10th of April. Although it isn’t the outright ban on gender-affirming care for children that the gender criticals hoped for, it didn’t take long for the right-wing press to proclaim it a win — and to use it to claim that children were being experimented on or harmed by gender-affirming care.
NHS England announced on the same day that it would commission an external inquiry into gender identity services for adults, which many fear will restrict gender-affirming care for those over 18. It’s been a rough few days for anyone whose gender identity doesn’t fit into a neat little box — and I include myself in that category.
Cass referred to the “toxic” and “ideological” debate on both sides as if identity should be up for debate. While some recommendations in the review suggest children will receive better, more holistic care, how this will work in practice is yet to be seen. Following the previous interim review, trans children have been effectively banned from receiving puberty blockers from NHS services. This will continue except for eligible children who agree to be enrolled on a…
