Answer
Thank you so much for getting in touch. It’s great that your child feels able to be open and honest with you about who they are. It’s clear you’re doing a great job supporting them and being there when they need you.
It’s very normal to feel unsure or worried about what comes next, especially when this is new and you want to make sure your child is safe, healthy and well supported as they learn more about themselves.
When it comes to trans healthcare in Ireland, the National Gender Service (NGS) supports transgender adults, but they do not provide health care to under 18s. Seventeen year olds can be referred to the service, but the wait list to be seen is currently many years long. Any referral to the National Gender Service must be made by a GP. With that in mind, your child’s GP is the best person to talk to about any medical questions or healthcare options and to guide you on next steps.
What you could look at in the meantime is linking in with a local LGBTQ+ youth group so that your child can make friends and meet others with similar experiences, if that was something they’re not already doing. It can be great to develop a sense of community and support their wellbeing. You can find a list of groups on our website here:
In terms of the future, we know the HSE is currently looking at a new model of trans healthcare in Ireland and we are hoping that this will be safe, local and informed by international best practice.
I wish you and your child the very best and please feel free to get in touch with any other questions or just to chat!
In Pride,
Edel