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We know from our work with trans and non-binary people across Scotland that many people encounter issues related to their gender identity at the GP. Our own research found that only 40% of trans and non-binary people rated the care provided by their GP as “excellent” or “good”, compared to 69% of the general population.
Often these issues occur because of a lack of knowledge from GPs about what it means to be trans, how trans healthcare works, or what their role is in providing care and supporting administrative processes related to being trans.
Because of this, we’ve produced this online guide to help trans and non-binary people experiencing these problems better understand the care they are entitled to from their GP, and gives tips and suggestions on how to advocate for this care.
Encountering issues with accessing primary or gender affirming care can be very upsetting, especially if you feel that your GP does not understand or respect who you are.
If you need mental health or other support, you can contact the following organisations:
If you live in East Lothian, Midlothian or Edinburgh, identify as LGBTQIA, and are between 16-65, you can also get advocacy support from CAPS Independent Advocacy. Find out more on their website here.
If you’re looking for support on an issue we haven’t covered in this guide, please feel free to pop us an email: info@scottishtrans.org
While we don’t provide one-to-one support or do case work, we might be able to point you in the right direction or provide some relevant suggestions on what you could do.
Advice that should help you with preparing and speaking to your GP on any topic, whether you are speaking to them about something for the first time or trying to resolve a problem.
Advice for issues around accessing trans healthcare: GIC referrals, misunderstanding GICs, bridging prescriptions, shared care agreements.
Advice for issues around records and ID: changing your name/gender on or requesting access to NHS records, letters for changing the sex on your passport or applying for a GRC.
Advice for issues around how you are treated by GPs and their staff: worse or poor treatment because of who you are, privacy and confidentiality, changing GP, problems with medication.
Survey where you can share your positive GP experiences and see a list of trans friendly GPs in Scotland.
Share your successful advocacy stories and tips and we’ll add them into the guide for others to use!
30 Bernard Street Edinburgh EH6 6PR
+44 (0)131 467 6039 info@scottishtrans.org
Scottish Trans is part of the Equality Network
Scottish Trans is the Equality Network project to improve gender identity and gender reassignment equality, rights and inclusion in Scotland. The Equality Network is a leading Scottish lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) equality and human rights charity.
The Equality Network is a registered Scottish charity: SC037852, and a company limited by guarantee: SC220213.
We are grateful for funding from the Scottish Government
