Over the past decade, there has been a noticeable shift in how young people perceive and express their gender identity. We're witnessing a transformation in how society understands these aspects of human identity and young people are publicly exploring a broader spectrum of identities than previous generations.

One sign of this shift is a significant increase in referrals to the Gender Identity Development Service (GIDS) - from 136 in 2015 to over 3500 in 2021/22. This specialised clinic provides essential support for young people facing difficulties related to their gender identity. But what's interesting is how the demographics of these referrals have evolved. Previously, the majority were assigned male at birth and sought help at a younger age. Now, more young people assigned female at birth are seeking assistance during their early teenage years. ¹

Unfortunately, the journey for transgender young people during the COVID-19 pandemic has been particularly challenging. Many experienced worsened mental health, heightened daily stress, and increased tension in their living situations compared to their cisgender peers, making them more vulnerable to homelessness. ²