We are deeply concerned by the UK Government鈥檚 decision to only ban conversion therapy for gay and bisexual people but not those who are transgender.
As paediatricians, we have a vital role to play in supporting and empowering all LGBTQ+ young people, many of whom still face discrimination and experience poorer health outcomes. We understand that gender questioning and gender diversity are common, not pathological, and frequently begin in early childhood.
It is essential that all children and young people with gender-related distress are supported and able to access appropriate psychological and social support, and it is wrong to subject children and young people to practices that can cause severe physical and psychological suffering.
We stand shoulder to shoulder with LGBTQ+ young people and urge the UK Government to reconsider its plan to exclude transgender people from a ban on conversion therapy.