Minister’s comments about trans teenagers reflect need for ‘more understanding’, say LGBT+ activists

'‘It is a positive thing that young people feel confident exploring their identity and that they are getting the information they need to do so'

Victoria Atkins said she was 'cautious' about the prevalence of treatments for trans teenagers (PA)

Equality campaigners have said a minister's comment indicating she is uncomfortable with the number of transgender treatments taking place in the UK reflects a widespread lack of understanding about the reality of life for trans people.

Women’s minister Victoria Atkins referred to an increase in the number of young people identifying as trans and seeking treatments, and said she was “cautious” about such procedures.

“We need to get down to the reasons why this is happening,” she told The Telegraph, noting that “groundbreaking” progress had been made in improving transgender rights.

“It may simply be a case of greater awareness, it may be that for some they see it as an answer to questions they are perhaps not asking themselves. We need to be particularly alert to this with regard to young people,” she said.

“The treatments are so serious and life-changing. I’m a little cautious of the use of those treatments because of the potential for the rest of their lives.

Responding to her remarks, a spokesperson from LGBT+ rights charity Stonewall said: "It is a positive thing that young people feel confident exploring their identity and that they are getting the information they need to do so.

“Victoria Atkins’ comments reflect how much more understanding there needs to be about the reality of life for trans people, the support they receive and how and when they receive that support.”

They noted that based on their own research, two in five trans young people have tried to take their own life and two in three are bullied “for just being themselves”.

“It’s crucial that trans young people can access the help and advice they need in a safe and informed manner, so they are able to get the best care," they said.

“We look forward to working with the minister for women on this issue and on reforming the Gender Recognition Act.”

Ms Atkins said “a proper, grown-up conversation” is needed about changes to the Gender Recognition Act, which would allow transgender people to more easily gain legal recognition as their preferred gender.

Critics of these changes have claimed the proposed changes would make women-only spaces such as refuge centres unsafe for women.

Ms Atkins acknowledged that debate on the subject had “in some quarters, fallen into extraordinary abuse and aggression”.

This year’s Pride in London march was disrupted by a small group of anti-trans protesters who briefly led the parade before lying down and described the trans movement as “anti-lesbianism”. Their actions were broadly condemned by other LGBT+ groups.