Transitions: Exploring peoples' experience of being on the gender identity clinic waiting list
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Healthwatch Essex undertook research to explore people's experiences of being on the gender identity clinic waiting list in Essex. They spoke to 32 people via a survey and interviews.
Almost all participants had tried to access a gender identity clinic via their GP. They had mixed experiences of discussing the topic with their GP, including some who felt discouraged by negative reactions.
Participants experienced long waits to be seen by gender identity clinics. Most had not been contacted by the clinic during the wait. Whilst waiting nearly three quarters had accessed another treatment or service.
People wanted more local care and shorter waiting lists.
The interviews explored people's journeys of self discovery and disconnect, the obstacles that they faced in getting recognition, referrals to gender identity clinics, transition, waiting times, the gender confirmation process and finding community.