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Gender Identity

Gender Identity

Gender identity is our innermost concept of ourselves as male, female, both or neither, and how we perceive ourselves and what we call ourselves.  It can be the same or different from the sex we were assigned at birth. Gender identity is our own personal experience with our own gender.  It is very important to note that sexual orientation—who we are romantically or sexually attracted to—and gender identity are distinct parts of our overall identity.

Society dictates norms in relation to gender. Some of us might experience these attitudes and expectations in direct conflict with how we feel about ourselves.

We may feel extremely isolated, alone, confused, and we often experience not just external struggles, but internal conflicts, when we are expected to conform and behave in a certain way. We may even lose our sense of belonging.

The pressure to conform to these societal norms can have a detrimental effect on your psyche and emotional well-being.

If you find you are struggling with gender identity issues, please speak to either your GP or contact a trained counsellor or psychotherapist for help.

More info

Useful Articles

Here's a list of articles we've found on the internet that you might find helpful.

Gender identity and the big questions that have yet to be answered
Why a person feels male when biologically female, or vice versa, is still unclear. But scientists are working to solve the puzzle.

Child gender identity referrals show huge rise in six years 
The number of children referred to the NHS with gender identity issues has increased significantly in recent years, according to figures obtained by the BBC.

Why I Won't Accept the Politics of Gender Identity 
Women are not oppressed based on our identities, we are oppressed on the basis of our female biology – a fact that is being erased by transgender politics, writes JENNIFER DUNCAN

TED Talk: iO Tillett Wright: Fifty Shades of Gay 
iO Tillett Wright has photographed 2,000 people who consider themselves somewhere on the LGBTQ spectrum — and asked many of them: Can you assign a percentage to how gay or straight you are? Most people, it turns out, consider themselves to exist in the gray areas of sexuality, not 100% gay or straight. Which presents a real problem when it comes to discrimination: Where do you draw the line?

Poems and Quotes to Inspire You

Dare we hope? We dare.
Can we hope? We can.
Should we hope? We must, because to do otherwise is to waste the most precious of gifts given so freely by God to all of us.  So when we do die, it will be with hope and it will be easy and our hearts will not be broken.

Andy Ripley – England and Lions rugby legend, often described as one of the most colourful personalities in the history of English rugby

Charities and support groups

Charities and support groups

Below you will find a comprehensive list of charities and support groups that offer help and assistance to anyone who is struggling with this mental health issue

Mind - For Better Mental Health

We provide advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. We campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding.  We won't give up until everyone experiencing a mental health problem gets support and respect.

http://www.mind.org.uk

Mental Health Foundation

Provides information and support for anyone with mental health problems or learning disabilities.

http://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/

Student Minds

Student Minds is the UK's student mental health charity. We believe that peer support can change the state of student mental health. Our vision is for students to take action to foster an environment where everyone has the confidence to talk and listen to each other, the skills to support one another and the knowledge to look after their own mental health.

Helpline: 08444 775 774 Mon-Fri 9:30am - 5.30pm (calls subject to charge)
http://www.studentminds.org.uk/anxiety-disorders.html

Support Line

SupportLine provides a confidential telephone helpline offering emotional support to any individual on any issue. The Helpline is primarily a preventative service and aims to support people before they reach the point of crisis. It is particularly aimed at those who are socially isolated, vulnerable, at risk groups and victims of any form of abuse. SupportLine is a member of the Helplines Association. SupportLine also provides support by email and post.

http://www.supportline.org.uk
Helpline: 01708 765 200

Get Connected

Get Connected is the UK's free, confidential helpline service for young people under 25 who need help, but don't know where to turn.

Helpline: 0808 808 4994
Open from 11am - 11pm every day
http://www.getconnected.org.uk/

Counselling Directory

Counselling Directory aims to be the leading service for providing counselling advice and information - connecting those in distress with the largest support network in the UK.

http://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/

Papyrus UK

Suicide prevention for young people up to the age of 35

https://www.papyrus-uk.org/
Helpline: 0800 068 41 41
Monday - Friday 10am – 5pm & 7pm – 10pm, Weekends 2pm – 5pm 

Text: 07786 209697
Email: pat@papyrus-uk.org

 

Barnardos

Barnardo’s believes in children regardless of their circumstances, gender, race, disability or behaviour. Our purpose as a charity today is to transform the lives of the UK’s most vulnerable children. We believe in the abused, the most vulnerable, the forgotten and the neglected. We will support them, stand up for them and bring out the best in each and every child.

www.barnardos.org.uk

Family Lives

Offers support to anyone parenting or helping to raise children, from newborn babies to young adults. There are free telephone and email helplines, parenting courses and information leaflets. The website offers lots of advice, real-life stories and relevant news as well as a helpful A-Z of related topics.

http://www.familylives.org.uk/
Helpline: 0800 800 2222 (9am – 9pm, Monday to Friday;10am – 3pm Saturday and Sunday)

 

Action for Trans Health

Action for Trans* Health seeks to improve trans* people’s access to healthcare.

http://actionfortranshealth.org.uk/

Beaumont Partners

We are the largest and longest established transgender support group in the UK, and have developed a support network which has been at the forefront of the transgender, transvestite, transsexual and cross-dressing community since 1966!

http://www.beaumontsociety.org.uk/

Bent Bars Project

The Bent Bars Project is a letter-writing project for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, transsexual, gender-variant, intersex, and queer prisoners in Britain.

http://www.bentbarsproject.org/

Depend

A voluntary organisation whose aim is to provide support, advice and information for anyone who knows, or is related to, a transsexual person in the UK.

depend.org.uk/

Gender Trust

Gendered Intelligence is a community interest company that looks to engage people in debates about gender. We work predominantly within young people's settings and have educative aims. Ages 13 to 25

www.gendertrust.org.uk/

GIRES

GIRES is a volunteer operated membership charity that, in collaboration with the other groups in its field, hears, helps, empowers and gives a voice to trans and gender non-conforming individuals, as well as their families.

www.gires.org.uk/

LGBT History Month Schools Out

The overall aim of LGBT History month is to promote equality and diversity for the benefit of the public.

gbthistorymonth.org.uk/

National Youth Trans Network

The National Trans Youth Network is a network of trans youth groups from around the UK, and includes the youth workers who support them.

ntyn.org.uk/

Nonbinary Inclusion Project

The Nonbinary Inclusion Project is a grassroots organisation fighting for the inclusion and recognition of nonbinary people in law, media and everyday life within the UK.

nonbinary.co.uk/

Press for Change

One of the leading agencies in the UK providing legal advice and support to Trans and other Gender Variant people

www.pfc.org.uk/

Queer Youth Network

The UK's national organisation run by and for young people that exists to provide a united voice for all lesbian, gay, bisexual, asexual, pansexual, intersex, transgender, transsexual, genderqueer, queer, and curious youth. Ages 13 to 25

www.lgbtyouth.org/ox/index.html

Rose’s Forum

Helping transgender people to become more visible to more and more people in the UK and other parts of the world.

rosesforum.tv/

Stonewall

Stonewall works to achieve equality and justice for lesbians, gay men, bisexual and trans people.

www.stonewall.org.uk/

Terrence Higgins Trust

We are the largest voluntary sector provider of HIV and sexual health services in the UK, running services out of local centres across Great Britain

www.tht.org.uk/

Trans Media Watch

Trans Media Watch is a charity that aims to improve media coverage of trans and intersex issues.

www.transmediawatch.org/

TransBareAll

TBA works with the trans community, helping people accept their bodies and live more fulfilling lives.

transbareall.co.uk/

TransLiving

Support group and lifestyle magazine for the cross-dressing and transgender community.

www.transliving.co.uk/

The Angels

Internet-based support group, aimed at promoting the positive side of transgenderism. They aim to provide a support network for all trans people, and their partners and allies.

theangels.co.uk/

UK Lesbian and Gay Immigration Group

The UK Lesbian & Gay Immigration Group (UKLGIG) is a charity that promotes equality and dignity for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex (LGBTI) people who seek asylum in the UK

uklgig.org.uk/

The Mix

The Mix is the UK’s leading support service for young people. We are here to help you take on any challenge you’re facing - from mental health to money, from homelessness to finding a job, from break-ups to drugs. Talk to us via online, social or our free, confidential helpline.

http://www.themix.org.uk/
Freephone 0808 808 4994
 

BACP

The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy is the professional association for members of the counselling professions in the UK.

https://www.bacp.co.uk

Childline

The UK’s free and confidential helpline is not just for children, it provides help for young people of all ages who are in distress or danger.  Counsellors provide advice and support, by phone and online, 24 hours a day. 

You can get help and advice about a wide range of issues, including violence and abuse in your relationship on the Childline website.  You can also talk to a counsellor online, send an email or post on the message boards.

Whatever your worry, it’s better out than in.

ChildLine has launched an app called Zipit. It helps you get flirty chat back on the right track. It's packed with killer comebacks and top tips to help you stay in control of your chat game. Find out more: childline.org.uk/zipit

Helpline: 0800 1111
www.childline.org.uk

Young Minds

Charity committed to improving the emotional wellbeing and mental health of children and young people.

www.youngminds.org.uk
Parents Helpline 0808 802 5544 Monday - Friday 9.30am - 4pm

SANE

SANE services provide practical help, emotional support and specialist information to individuals affected by mental health problems, their family, friends and carers.

http://www.sane.org.uk/
Helpline 0845 767 8000

Salvation Army

The Salvation Army works closely with addiction referral services as well as providing specialist detox centres in the UK. This is complemented by rehabilitation and support programmes.

http://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/addiction-support

Samaritans

The Samaritans provide 24 hour, confidential, emotional support for anyone in crisis.

http://www.samaritans.org/
Helpline 116 123, this number is FREE to call
Email jo@samaritans.org

Elefriends (run by Mind)

Elefriends is a supportive online community where you can be yourself. 

We all know what it's like to struggle sometimes, and this is a safe place to listen, share and be heard. Whether you're feeling good right now, or really low, it's a safe place to share experiences and listen to others. 

Shared experiences and perspectives are valuable and powerful. In this way Elefriends don't just get help, they give help too. In the good times and the bad.

www.elefriends.org.uk

Off The Record

We believe that young people need places to go which are easy to access, where you are treated with respect, and where you can get support and information to help you make your own life choices. Our services are friendly and welcoming – about 1,000 new young people visit us every year. Available in the Richmond borough.

http://otrtwickenham.com/

Time to Change

Our aim is to start a conversation… or hopefully thousands of conversations.

We want to empower people with mental health problems to feel confident talking about the issue without facing discrimination. And we want the three quarters of the population who know someone with a mental health problem to talk about it too.

http://www.time-to-change.org.uk/

Have I got a Problem?

HaveiGotAproblem.com is a free online resource to help you understand issues or concerns you may have about mental health or addiction issues.

This site was created to give the public information to help them understand mental health and addiction issues and to assist people in making better informed decisions about their life and personal choices.

 

http://www.haveigotaproblem.com/

 

Think U Know

Thinkuknow offers advice to young people on sex, relationships and the internet. Are you in a relationship? Maybe you’re looking to start a new relationship online? Or are you curious or worried about sex? Thinkuknow will provide you with up-to-date, practical and frank advice to help you to develop the skills and confidence to make sure you’re safe and happy with the choices you are making.

www.thinkuknow.co.uk

All About Trans

All About Trans is an On Road project that is involved in positively changing how the media understands and portrays trans people.

http://www.allabouttrans.org.uk/

Beaumont Trust

The Beaumont Trust is a charitable educational resource for medical, voluntary and lay people looking to learn more about Gender Dysphoria, Transgender issues and related matters. We also offer support to those affected by the issues they raise.

http://www.beaumont-trust.org.uk/

The Dawn Skinner Fund

The Dawn Skinner Fund seeks to both educate and inform end-of-life care givers and organisations on the specific needs relating to transgender people.

www.dawnskinnerfund.org.uk/

Distinction

Distinction is a group for people who have transitioning partners. We offer a safe space whether your partner is MtF or FtM

www.distinctionsupport.org/

Gendys Network

The Gendys Network is for all who have encountered gender identity problems personally, transsexuals, transgendered people and gender dysphoric people of either sex, and for those who provide care, both professional and lay

www.gender.org.uk/gendys/

LGBT Foundation

LGBT Foundation, formerly known as The Lesbian & Gay Foundation (The LGF), is a national charity delivering a wide range of services to lesbian, gay and bisexual and trans (LGBT) communities.

http://lgbt.foundation/

Mermaids

Mermaids is a support group for gender variant children and teenagers, and their families.

www.mermaidsuk.org.uk/

New Family Social

New Family Social is the UK network for LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) adoptive and foster families

www.newfamilysocial.org.uk/

Persian LGBT Advisory Service

The Persian LGBT Advisory service is an Asylum and Refugee support group organisation which provides support and assistance to Persian speakers such as Afghan,Tajikistan and Iranian Asylum seekers here in the UK.

www.persianlgbt.org.uk/

Proud to Serve

Our aim is to provide support, information and networking for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender serving, ex-serving personnel and their families both at home and abroad.

www.proud2serve.net/

Regard

Regard was founded in 1989. We aim to raise awareness of disability issues within the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) communities

www.regard.org.uk/

Sybils

UK-based confidential Christian spirituality group for transgender people, and their supporters, offering companionship along the journey, and information/advocacy to churches.

www.sibyls.co.uk/

Switchboard

At Switchboard we provide an information, support and referral service for lesbians, gay men and bisexual and trans* people – and anyone considering issues around their sexuality and/or gender identity.

switchboard.lgbt/

Transgender Zone

The Transgender Zone supports those who feel they are confused about their gender, those who are looking for support for someone who is transgendered, and health and social care professionals who want to learn more about the subject.

www.transgenderzone.com/

Trans Men Support and Advice UK

An online interactive community where Trans Men, FtM and those questioning could receive peer support, advice and friendship on any subject relating to transition within the UK.

www.tmsauk.org/

Transiness

Transiness is about allowing gender variant and intersex people freedom of expression about positive changes or aspects of their life they might find difficult elsewhere.

transiness.co.uk/

Twilight People

‘Twilight People’ is a landmark project that discovers and celebrates the hidden history of transgender and gender-variant people of faith in the UK past and present.

www.twilightpeople.com/

Uk Trans Info

UK Trans Info is a national charity focused on improving the lives of trans and non-binary people in the UK.

uktrans.info/

Wipe Out Transphobia

Wipe out Transphobia (WOT), is an international volunteer led project, with the sole aim of reducing and wiping out if possible the transphobia in society that regularly affects anyone who strays away from the traditional binary idea of gender as assigned.

www.wipeouttransphobia.com/

TransUnite

TransUnite is a comprehensive resource for people in the UK searching for support in the transgender community. Our easy to use, mobile friendly directory connects you to an established network of trans support groups near you. Support groups bring together people facing similar issues to share experiences and advice. It can be helpful just getting to talk with other people at all stages of the transition.

Our aim is to bring these together and make finding them as easy and accessible as possible. TransUnite connects you to a network of groups throughout England, Scotland, Wales & Northern Ireland and can be split into physical local and online groups. 

TransUnite
TransUnite offers an easy to use, mobile friendly directory to connect you to an established network of trans support groups near you

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