#mones

Out And About With Brum (1993)

Story: Victoria Hickle -- Art: Isidre Monés (Mones)

Today, the NHS shockingly suspended the use of puberty-blocking drugs for those under 16. This is terrible for hundreds of UK trans kids who access the treatment. As someone who medically transitioned under 16, I’m horrified at this ruling making it even harder to transition as a teen!

This isn’t about safety: it’s about controlling bodies. The decision comes as a judge expressed doubt those under 16 could fully give informed consent. Under-16s will now have to go to other specialists for treatment. These clinics can be costly and are hard to find. The kids will likely have to receive a court order as well, putting their bodies on the whims of a judge. 

Like any other prohibition, this is simply going to make it harder for trans kids to access care. They will go to underground markets and use sketchy online supplements. Not to mention a few months of extra time can make a world of different when you’re going through puberty!

The legal challenge was brought on by someone who thought that because transition didn’t work for her, it won’t work for anyone. The second claimant is the parent of a child whose body she wants to control. They used deceptive language like “protect vulnerable young people” from “experimental drugs” in their testimonies. The reality is that these drugs are incredibly safe, healthy, and are almost always needed without regret. I have no doubt these “concern trolls” just killed multiple trans youth. They know it, too.

I would not be here today without puberty suppression. I would not be here today without taking hormones as a minor. I would not be here today without adults respecting my bodily autonomy as a teenager. Respecting trans people means respecting trans kids’ decisions, too!.