For trans people under the age of eighteen in Wales, key services simply don’t operate. With no plans for their development in the near futu
The shocking state of trans healthcare in England was recently exposed, showng that it took up to seven years just to get an initial assessment.
But what about the situation in Wales? It’s a mixed picture.
Whilst a Freedom of Information Request submitted by voice.wales to the Welsh Gender Service revealed an improving picture for waiting times for transitioning adults, the situation is far more challenging for anyone under the age of e18.
For adult services, waiting times in Wales have reduced from a peak of 24-26 months in April 2022, to their lowest recorded in August 2023 – down to 13 months. This has happened whilst the demand has risen – from 723 referrals in 2019 to 1242 referrals in 2022.
However, younger people struggle to access any support whatsoever.
Parents of some of those who are transitioning spoke to voice.wales about their own and their children’s experience in dealing with the web of bureaucracy and delays in accessing vital healthcare.
One parent has also revealed that they have faced significant costs after being unable to access support in Wales, saying that they are paying £1,608 annually to support their child.
