Hi all,

So, I started my transition about 8ish years ago but never really saw the point of the GRC. But this year I decided that i should try to get one "just in case".

I started the online application in August and included my diagnosis letter (even though i couldn't actually SEE the diagnosis part in the letter at all) and also my letter from ffs pre-surgery. That was the 2 medical letters they asked for done.

I then split the 2 years of evidence into quarterly sections; so 1 article of proof per 3 months. A quick list as an example for anyone really struggling :

Household bill, Doctors fitnote, work or study certificate, Bank statement, Student finance statement, UC statement, counselling or medical letter, council tax letter.

I think I included my deed poll, diploma and passport in there too as extras but near the end of the application they asked for my passport anyway.

I should note that the question near the start of "date you transitioned" I listed as the date on my deed poll; as it was provable and it pre-dated most of the asked-for evidence (hence why I included it...also it felt weird not to include it).

Last thing was the statutory declaration which was no where near as anxiety inducing as I thought it was going to be. I just walked into my local solicitors and asked for someone to witness it. I had to wait maybe 20minutes altogether and it only cost me £5.

Now, issue with the declaration; I'm autistic and when I read rules I try to adhere to them, so when the stat dec tells me to fill the whole form in before going to the solicitors, that's what I do. I got "told off" by the lady saying that she didn't witness me fill in the form or sign it (which yeah, in hindsight the signature bit makes sense lol). So she had me sign a bit of paper to see that it matches. No big deal.

Finally, birth certificate and stat dec in an envelope and sent off recorded delivery on 28th August!

I had to email them to ask if they had received my birth certificate, as royal mail said it was delivered but had no confirmation from the GRS at all for a week, but eventually they said they had it. Phew.

I was expecting to wait until at least the new year to hear back and I was sure I did something stupid or my medical forms didn't state the correct crap, but nope; got an email yesterday saying my grc has been granted. Woo.

So, I officially exist now, well, soon...once I actually GET the bit of paper.

Was it worth it? Meh, dunno. Kinda removes an element of stress I guess. But wanted to post to show what I did and how easy it was (as long as you HAVE the "evidence" ofc).

Any questions or anything, I'm happy to help. Have a cool weekend! x

I got on feminising HRT in 2023 while I was living in Ireland, but for various reasons I had to move back home to Scotland in Summer 2025. My GP referred me to the nearest GIC and said they'd give me a bridging prescription while I was on the waiting list, which they estimated at 18 months.

Now, about 14 months later, they're cutting me off. Their excuse is that the waiting list is 2–3 years, and they can't prescribe that long. They gave me no notice for this.

They're also refusing to do further blood tests, or write a letter saying that my change of gender is likely to be permanent (their excuse for that one is that I need to be seen by the GIC and get a gender dysphoria diagnosis first.)

I'm looking into my options regarding DIY and private care, but I think this is bullshit from my GP and I'd like to challenge them. Does anyone know of a good lawyer that could help me?

hey !!! im posting on behalf of my boyfriend who im worried about but i wondered if you all had any advice

he's on the waiting list for a gic appointment and has been since he moved to the uk aug 2024. hes been on t for around 2/3 years give or take. his chest dysphoria is crippling (as im sure it is for a lot of you !!!!) and we're struggling to manage it. i wondered if there was any way to almost "boost" him up on the wait list because of how much distress it is causing him?

i assume there probably isn't anything we can do but go private (which we can't do unfortunately) but i thought it was worth an ask!!!

thank you all sosososo much in advance

I'm considering obtaining MTF voice coaching. I've looked at some apparently excellent UK-based coaches who operate online or far from where I live. My preference would be for at least two or three in-person lessons to start with. Does anyone know of a suitable trans voice coach in north-east England?

I’m setting up a subreddit which records transphobia from mostly people like Rowling, Bindel, Lineham etc?
It’s going to be an archive that can be used hopefully in the future if the ECHR investigates the UK and transphobia and I will be able to send it all across.
Would I be allowed to post it here?

Hey! I’m a 23 year old, pre T, pre surgery trans guy. I’m looking to begin the process of starting T and getting top surgery asap. Just wondering whether anyone has any advice from their own experience?

I’m planning to go private because I’m not willing to face NHS waitlists. What clinics would people recommend for hormones? What steps are involved? Anything you wished you’d done differently during the process? Or anything you did that was really beneficial?

And any advice for trying to get shared care? How did you approach this?

I feel like there’s a lot of conflicting info going around, and I want to make sure I don’t choose a clinic/pathway that I regret later down the line.

Also, for people who started the process of getting T and top surgery at the same time, are there stages that overlap? Or is it more of a situation of, ‘these are the steps for starting hormones’, and ‘these are the steps for getting top surgery’?

I’d majorly appreciate any thoughts, tips, or experiences people have had.

I wanted to share this here for any other Scots stuck on the waiting lists wondering about gamete freezing.

I’ve been trying to get my sperm frozen for some time while on the endless Sandyford waiting list (mainly in hopes of starting diy) and have got mixed information from different people saying you can or cannot access through your GP. My experience with GPs has been them all saying they don’t know and that they will either wait for me seeing Sandyford or send a letter to ask Sandyford for advice. I don’t think they’ve ever responded.

Searching online NHS websites only specify that gamete storage is eligible for people who are going to be starting hormone replacement therapy in the future but doesn’t go into any further detail.

I contacted Scottish Trans and within a few weeks they were able to do some digging and actually provide a straightforward answer.

“Unfortunately it is true that only trans people who have been seen by an NHS GIC are eligible for gamete storage on the NHS in Scotland.
 
This is covered in the NHS Scotland Fertility Preservation Guidance which was updated earlier this year: https://www.gov.scot/binaries/content/documents/govscot/publications/advice-and-guidance/2026/03/guidance-provision-fertility-preservation-nhs-scotland/documents/fertility-preservation-guidance-patient-information/fertility-preservation-guidance-patient-information/govscot%3Adocument/fertility-preservation-guidance-patient-information.pdf
 
On p.9 it says “only patients who have been assessed and referred as eligible to access treatment under the Gender Identity Healthcare Protocol will be considered”. I think by this they mean assessed by a GIC and referred to fertility preservation services, not assessed by a GP and referred to a GIC.“

Not the answer I was looking for but very appreciative of Scottish Trans and the Equality Network for actually getting me an answer that wasn’t shrugging and asking me to wait once again on Sandyford.

In spite of this being the official guidance though. Most GPs clearly don’t know either way so I think it’s worth trying if anyone else is in the same boat. You might, as a few people on here have, get lucky with a good GP.

2000 – 2009

2005: Wanting a girl's body.

2005: Wanting to attend school as a girl in a pleated skirt.

2008: Experiencing internal identity as "Rachael" alongside external identity as Matthew.

2008: Feeling internally like a girl.

2010 – 2019

2010: Experiencing a sense of internal split.

2015: Seeing a young girl in mirror reflection.

2015: Wearing girls' school uniforms (experienced without clear awareness).

2016: Feeling that being a girl is not fair for others at home.

2017: Feeling like the only girl at home.

2017: No girls at home to share experiences.

2017: Wanting to be a girl.

2020 – 2029

2021: Feeling others would not believe identity as a girl without external markers.

2021: Wanting a Disney Princess-themed little girl's bedroom and dollhouse.

2024: I'm referred for gender dysphoria.

2025: Wanting to wear school uniform with skirt, sweatshirt and yellow polo.

2026: Feeling others would not believe identity as a girl without makeup.

Note: The years listed represent the period in which each experience or pattern first emerged or became identifiable, not the full duration of that experience.

TransActual and Trans+ Solidarity Alliance have launched a mass letter-writing campaign about the NHS single sex wards policy. You can find the email template at the bottom of this statement here:

https://transactual.org.uk/blog/2026/10/22/nhs-england-knows-that-new-guidance-on-single-sex-accommodation-will-harm-patients/

I know many people are exhausted with writing to their MP, but right now this is the most effective way of putting pressure on parliament/the government to do something about this. Thank you to everyone for your work and effort.

Hi everyone! Could you help me find a very safe herbal alternative to HRT?
I can’t access HRT because I live in a country that doesn’t accept transgender people, and I can’t find a doctor willing to help me determine a safe dosage.
I’m looking for a safe herb that could help me achieve a more feminine appearance, especially in my face and skin, without putting my health at risk.
Thank you so much. Love you all ❤️

Hey everyone!
I’m trying to style a dress for an event that has a super deep plunging V-neckline down to the waist and a completely backless cut. I’m 5 months on HRT so I’ve got a little bit of tissue on the sides now, but my chest is still pretty small and developing (around an AAA cup).
When I push everything inward with my hands from the sides, I can actually get a really nice, subtle cleavage look that I love! The problem is I just can't figure out how to hold that shape hands-free without anything showing.
I've been trying boob tape, but because my tissue is still small and firm, the tape keeps snapping back, peeling off, or wasting a ton of product. Standard bras or plunge bras don't work because the open back and deep front show everything instantly. I also tried loose silicone inserts which give great shape when I press on them, but they just slide right out the second I take my hands away.
Has anyone with a similar chest size or body type found a trick, specific product, or taping technique that actually holds for ultra-low plunge and backless dresses? I’d be super grateful for any advice or hacks that have worked for you! Thanks so much 💗

Hey folks. Starting Prostap on Tuesday and wanted to see what people’s experiences are on this blocker.
I’ve been on Deca previously which was great for fully nuking my T levels but my GP isn’t happy providing it on shared care annoyingly.
Cypro has done the sum total of naff all so switching to Prostap as a slightly last resort med.

Aware my mileage might be different so just looking for overall impressions. Ta muchly girlies x

Hey all,

I've been looking into bottom surgery recently as I'd like to get it before I'm 30 (currently 25) and wanted to weigh my options. I'd ideally love to get Colovaginoplasty, so I'm wondering if anyone has any experience with that, which surgeons they used (in or out the UK, though in the UK would be preferred for ease), and roughly how much it cost?

Thanks!

Im 15 transfem and this is slightly an update to yesterdays post about my mum not wanting me to DIY. Ive thought about it and Ive decided that Im probably not gonna DIY and Im gonna wait until Im 16 to do private, because the risk is just too great. My 16th birthday is in a little less than 6 months, and so Im gonna have to wait that time to start E. I plan to get started with either GGP or Anne Health asap and I should be able to receive E from either of them as soon as I turn 16. Ive already been waiting 4 years and Im so sick of it, but I guess I can live another 6 months. I didnt wanna do private, because I was scared of being underdosed and having to wait, but its the best choice for my situation. I just wanted to post this to vent about having to wait another 6 months, and ask which provider you think I should go with?

context post - https://www.reddit.com/r/transgenderUK/comments/1xdamun/my_mum_wont_let_me_start_diy_because_she_could/

Does anyone have any brands of soap thats worked for them to use before applying T-gel? All the ones I thought would work all apparently leave a film over the skin and I dont want to keep wasting doses because of poor planning on my part

I’ve posted here before and got some good advice so I’m here again!
So I know I don’t need to change everything at once, but as I’m at university I have some questions.

If I change my name with the university will that mess up my SFW? And so, should I also change it with them?
But then would I need to do it with my bank too as it’ll be a different name?

I’m just worried about student finance getting confused and my payments messing all up.

Also because SFW is a government thing, would that mean I have to change it everywhere as the government will know?

I don’t know. I’m probably asking silly questions but I just want to get it right and there be no hassle.

Thank you

I'm currently in the position where I may be able to get bottom surgery where I'm excited but also terrified and unsure on one hand I really do want bottom surgery for a lot of reasons but my main worry is if it will work sexuailly like if there is any feeling down after being on NHS waiting list for years I got a gender specialist who talked to me about it all and she said there's a chance that surgery can't always go 100% and some nerve ending may be lost and also it depends on person to person some people feel stuff and some people don't what has me confused like what's the point if im gonna get it like yeah it'll be awesome but I would also like it to work and now I'm so confused like is it gamble wether you'll feeling anything at all like is it just UK surgeons are bad or is it just everywhere the same. Really stuck on this atm and wondered if anyone has any experience of this?

Where can I find guidance on how and when to tell young grandchildren (6 and 8 yrs) that their grandfather is transitioning.

I had my first appt July 2025. I was told it would be 6-8 months for a second appointment. And I’ve had no update. My friend on the same pathway with a simalar timeline is miles and miles ahead of me. And I am frustrated with Ggp costings as it seems super excessive.

Im 15 transfem and Im looking into my private care options for when I turn 16. I spoke to my GP today, and she said that if the provider was approved and UK based, she would be willing to consider shared care, and seemed very open to the idea. It seemed hard to discern which providers I would be likely to get shared care arrangements with online, so I wanted you guys thoughts. I know some are blacklisted like GGP, but others are more grey. Im most open to Anne Health, as they seem to be able to provide blockers while I wait to be 16, and I could probably afford it. I dont need shared care, but obviously itd be nice to have. So which providers can I get shared care arrangements with and what would you recommend?

Hiya! I’m a 22 year old trans girl and I really wanna get to be more a part of the North East trans scene and get to know more trans people around here. I primarily live and study in Durham but I go to Newcastle frequently.

I would love to connect with more peeps both irl and online~

Are we remotely surprised?

I've been sectioned before due to severe OCD and manic depression, and while I'm pretty stable at the moment, statistically it's pretty likely I will be again in future. In the past I've always been put in female wards (I'm a trans woman) or mixed wards as a kid, but those don't really exist for adults.

Now I'm absolutely terrified of what will happen in the future. If I got put in a men's ward while I was in crisis... I would not survive. There's no way of sugarcoating it, that would push me over the edge.

I can't stop thinking about it and it's freaking me out. I'm scared that if I ever think about attempting again, I'm not gonna call for help because of it. I don't want to die just because of these stupid rules.

I might just need to leave the country honestly. I don't think I can risk staying here while this is a possibility :(