We, the undersigned, stand against the proposed policy of allowing individuals to self-identify their gender without the need for a formal medical diagnosis in the United Kingdom. We believe that gender recognition should remain grounded in the expert evaluation of a medical professional and should not be based on personal self-identification alone.

Introduction:

The proposal to introduce self-identification (Self-ID) as the sole means of gender recognition threatens to undermine the integrity of established medical standards and potentially allow for the manipulation of gender identity laws. We, as transsexual individuals, understand the importance of a clear medical diagnosis of gender dysphoria or transsexualism, as it provides validation of our lived experiences and ensures that gender identity is considered within the appropriate medical and psychological contexts.

Statement of Concern:

Medical Evaluation: The requirement for a medical diagnosis helps ensure that the process of gender recognition is consistent and backed by professional evaluation. This allows for a structured, informed approach to addressing the complexities of gender identity and its impact on an individual's mental and physical health.

Protection Against Misuse: Self-ID policies risk being exploited by individuals who may not fully understand the implications of their decision, or who may be seeking legal or social advantages through the manipulation of gender identity laws. Medical oversight ensures that gender recognition is approached with careful consideration and responsibility.

Respect for Transsexual Experiences: Transsexual individuals have historically navigated a journey that requires medical intervention, therapy, and diagnosis. It is vital that this framework remains in place, as it reflects the unique experiences of those who have undergone a gender transition and experienced gender dysphoria. Self-ID erases the importance of these medical and psychological processes.

Ensuring Safeguards: While we recognize the challenges some individuals face in obtaining a medical diagnosis, we believe it is crucial to retain safeguards that protect the interests of transsexual individuals and society as a whole. A diagnosis ensures that the process of gender recognition is both thoughtful and accountable.

What We Seek:

The preservation of the requirement for a formal medical diagnosis of gender dysphoria or transsexualism for gender recognition purposes.
A review of the proposed Self-ID model to ensure that any changes to gender recognition laws prioritize medical standards and the protection of vulnerable individuals.

The development of policies that support transsexual individuals through medical and psychological care while ensuring that gender recognition remains a process guided by expert evaluations.

Increased support and funding for gender dysphoria treatment and diagnosis services to ensure that individuals seeking gender recognition can do so in a safe and informed manner.

Conclusion:

We respectfully urge lawmakers to reject the implementation of Self-ID for gender recognition and to maintain the current system that requires a medical diagnosis. Gender identity is a deeply personal and complex issue that deserves careful attention and expert evaluation, ensuring that the legal recognition of gender is both accurate and respectful of the experiences of transsexual individuals.

Letter to Women and LGBs:

Dear Women,

I write to you today as someone who understands how challenging these conversations are, and I want to start by acknowledging that I do not wish to be a part of the problem many of you are facing. It’s clear that your patience has been tested in these difficult times, and I will not attempt to argue for or against your views. The choice is yours, and you have every right to make up your own mind on these issues.

Many of us who transition did not want to do so at the expense of your rights. For years, we have tried to carve out space where we could live our lives without infringing on the rights of women. The last thing we want is to take away your hard-earned opportunities or your sense of self in this changing world.

I can only speak for myself, but it is worth acknowledging that for some of us, our transition has been about finding comfort in the way we present ourselves—whether that’s living as male or female depending on the choices we’ve made for our own peace of mind. I won’t lie to you or deny this; it’s part of our journey. Some of us do very like being seen as male or female by the people who matter to us, however, we all know we're not even  if it eats are our mind to admit that.

But I do want to make something clear: we are not here to be anyone's “pet troons” or to be manipulated into a narrative that isn’t ours. My boundaries, like many others, are shaped by the fact that our transition was never about erasing the importance of women’s rights or dismissing your experiences. It is about carving out space for us to live authentically without undermining what you stand for. I won't comment on the things that have happened in America, with Renee Richards and a few other people some of you seem to be using against us. But, why should what they say and did impact the rest of us? May sound niche to say, however, that's where we stand on this issue. While Lia Thomas was out stealing gold medals, I was enjoying managing a pub and living life as I saw decent to me. Why should that have mattered to you?

There are many transsexual individuals like myself who do not support the more extreme stances of the TRAs, and we will never align with them. Yet, we also ask that you recognize that we are not a monolith to go with this. We are not all part of a political movement; some of us simply want to be comfortable with outselves and walk down whistling down the street on our way to buy milk, while respecting that others, especially women, have their own rightful spaces and boundaries. We just wanted to do this and otherwise be left alone most of us. 

I recognize that many of you feel your intelligence and your existence are being insulted in this debate. That’s understandable, and I empathize with that feeling. None of us want to diminish your experiences or make you feel unseen.

At the same time, as transsexual individuals, we too have boundaries. Just as you seek consideration and respect, we ask for the same. I don’t believe all of you are acting out of hatred toward us. I know many who identify as gender-critical have had respectful and even supportive relationships with trans individuals. That’s why I believe there is room for understanding, if we choose to set ourselves apart from the more divisive forces at play.

To the LGB community, I’m sorry that your history has been revised and overshadowed in ways that were never meant to happen. To women who have seen their opportunities diminish, I’m equally sorry for the consequences this ongoing conversation has had on you. But please know that while we can’t change the past, we are doing our best to move forward in a way that ensures mutual respect. Ultimately, I believe the “letters” we fight over in this discourse won’t solve the problems—it’s understanding and respect that will.

I hope that we can find a way to move forward together, even if that means agreeing to disagree in some areas. But the most important thing is to give space for each other to live with dignity, without fear of erasure or disrespect.

Sincerely,

Kia J.M.