Rhyl trans man: Puberty blockers difference between 'life and death'

George Evans, 30, was born female and transitioned ten years ago when he was 19.

In March 2024, the UK government announced children in the UK will stop being routinely given puberty blockers.

And yesterday, Dr. Hilary Cass recommended puberty blockers should be prescribed to under-16s with “extreme caution” - and therapeutic interventions should be prioritised.

George didn't have puberty blockers himself but said it can be the difference between "life and death" for young trans people.

George Evans with his fiancé Rhi. Image: SWNS

George, a graphic designer, from Rhyl, said: "When you're a teenager you're already very vulnerable.

"Puberty blockers are reversable they don't damage you at all it is just a pause on your biological puberty.

"If you are putting it on pause to help someone in the long run I don't see what is wrong with that.

"16 is a young adult; you are allowed to do so much, why is putting a pause on something if they need it a bad thing?

"It is horrible to say but it could be the difference between life and death.

"My mum would say she would rather have a son than a dead daughter."

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The Cass report said GPs are feeling pressured to prescribe hormone blockers to under-16s, like private health providers.

But a more holistic approach to treatment, such as therapy for anxiety and depression, as well as tests for autism, has been recommended instead.

George Evans transistioned ten years ago. Image: SWNS

George said support for trans people should be constant and they should also be offered support after they have gone through the transition.

He said: "Even now I feel like I don't have support. If I went to the doctor now, I know they would not know who to turn me to.

"There should be support out there no matter who you are.

"It shouldn't be one telephone with the doctor and be told to go back in a few years."

The Cass Report also acknowledged the toxicity of the debate has made some clinicians fearful of working with young trans people.

She says: "There are few other areas of healthcare where professionals are so afraid to openly discuss their views, where people are vilified on social media and where name-calling echoes the worst bullying behaviour. This must stop."

George Evans transistioned ten years ago. Image: SWNS

George said that when he transitioned 10 years ago the debate was just as toxic and he thought that would have changed.

He said: "People do find that talking about trans people is a taboo subject and don't want to talk about it.

"How I describe being trans is how it was being gat in the 70s and 80s.

"In terms of same sex marriage that was only legalised in 2013 - we are still making leaps and bounds."