Template Letter to MP: Trans* Rights Campaign

Download a full letter template below, or use these bullet points to craft your own letter to your MP: 

• Wes Streeting MP has said he wants to improve the quality and access to care for trans people. Banning puberty blockers indefinitely doesn't do that. 
• Studies have shown that access to puberty blockers produces great benefit and avoids unnecessary suffering for trans and nonbinary youth, and conversely that denying this case will cause needless suffering and will increase anxiety, depression, and the risk of suicide.
• It is crucial to rely on the guidance of medical experts and the lived experiences of transgender individuals when shaping policies that impact their lives.
• The proposal to ban puberty blockers stems from the Cass Review. Academics have raised concerns about the Cass Review, which does not recommend banning puberty blockers anyway, rather that there should be part of a study. When is this study happening? 
• Medical studies should be controlled by medical organisations, not the Government. 
• If puberty blockers are safe for cis young people with early onset puberty, what evidence is there to suggest that they wouldn't be safe for trans young people?
• Discontinuation of puberty blockers causes puberty to progress as it otherwise would. This course of action is to give those who are underage time to work out if a medical transition is right for them. In some cases this will prevent the need for future surgeries, for example top surgery. 
• A 2021 peer-reviewed study by The Trevor Project’s researchers, published in Transgender Health, found that transgender and nonbinary youth who reported gender identity acceptance from adults and peers had significantly lower odds of attempting suicide in the past year.
• Please put pressure on Wes Streeting MP to outline the timeline, scope, and nature of the planned clinical trial, and give reassurance to young trans people, their families and communities.

  Top Tips for writing to your MP!

  1. MPs only respond to members of their own constituency. Don't forget to add your name and address so they know you are a constituent!
  2. What’s the right length? Don’t waste time telling you MP things they already know. Instead let them know why the issue is important, think about adding in personal stories and get your point across clearly and conciesly. You don’t want your letter to end up too long!
  3. When are you writing? Timing is important! Are you responding to a speech? Get it in quickly! Is there a big event such as a debate coming up and you want to get the letter in before then?
  4. Make your request clear. It is perfectly valid to send a letter or email outlining your opinions, but consider what you want to happen as a result. Is there something particular you are asking for?
  5. Who are you writing to? Ensure that the issues you are concerned about are addressed by national government and not a local government issue. Is there anyone you want to ask your MP to pass the letter on to? Equally, you can write to that Minister directly!