Politics Healthcare Wellbeing
Published: April 10, 2024 by mbelfield
LGBT Foundation welcomes the Cass Review and appreciates the depth and scale of the report.
Our commitment to supporting LGBTQ+ youth, particularly trans and non-binary individuals, remains steadfast. In the words of Hilary Cass, “I would urge everybody to remember the children and young people trying to live their lives and the families/carers and clinicians doing their best to support them. All should be treated with compassion and respect.”
We understand that our communities have been eagerly awaiting this review and will have questions about its implications for them, their friends, family, and loved ones. We are collaborating with various sector peers in advocating for the rights and well-being of LGBTQ+ youth. Together, we will delve further into the findings of the Cass Review and provide our analysis and guidance in due course.
In the meantime, we urge individuals and organisations working with or for LGBTQ+ and trans and non-binary youth to prioritise their psychological and physical well-being in any discussions concerning their experiences. Long-standing research consistently and clearly demonstrates the harmful effects of unsupportive environments on trans youth. It is paramount to uphold their right to express their identity, as well as to establish safe spaces where LGBTQ+ youth can freely explore their gender identity without fear of stigma or discrimination.
We acknowledge the concerns and uncertainties many may feel about the future, but we are one of many dedicated charities, service providers and organisations tirelessly working to find a way forward. We welcome conversations with organisations and service providers who want to join us in fostering safe spaces, spreading compassion, collaborating for change, and working towards a more inclusive and supportive environment for LGBTQ+ youth.
