UPDATE FROM THE

PARLIAMENTARY FORUM ON TRANSSEXUALISM

Based on the notes of the meeting on 1 March 2001

1. Notes of the last Meeting
   
   Valerie Davey MP pointed out that point 6 of the notes of the last meeting misrepresented her point, which was that the Bishop of Bristol was very supportive of an individual vicar rather than the ‘issue of marriage for TS people’.
2. a. Oxford Text Book of Psychiatry and proposed delegation to Royal College of Psychiatrists
   
   Following on from previous discussion around the inaccurate information about transsexualism in the Oxford Text Book of Psychiatry, it was thought this had now been updated. Forum to obtain copy of text for new version. With regard to the previous decision to organise a delegation to the President of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, it was decided that a less formal approach would be better, possibly via a sub group of the Gay and Lesbian Association of Doctors and Dentists with the support of a substantial number of physicians.
   
   b. Departmental Working Group Report and campaigning
   
   It was agreed that we should wait until after election to pursue Parliamentary action (Early Day Motion and Ten Minute Rule Bill). On lobbying and campaigning, Press For Change (PFC) are still encouraging people to write to their MPs. They are getting responses back. These have not yet analysed them in any depth, but there have been no negative responses.
3. Current Cases (Legal Update)
   
   Tracey O’Kieffe had won £140,000 at an employment tribunal for discrimination by her professional body (The National School of Hypnosis and Advanced Psychotherapy)
4. Death Certificates Update No news - ongoing.
5. Health Authorities Update
   
   Work still ongoing on draft guidelines for HA’s (including a cost-benefit analysis of treatment/non-treatment to go via Lynne Jones MP to the relevant Minister, to be forwarded to NICE).
   
   Forum to write to all units who offer care for TS people as the Forum has received evidence that there are disparities in the services provided.
   
   Concerns arising from letters sent to Lynne Jones, one about Berkshire HA who were willing to pay for psychotherapy but not treatment. Another correspondent with appropriate qualifications and experience had offered to help with transition for TS patients re make up and deportment but her offers were refused by Charing Cross who saw no need for such support.
   
   There was a discussion of the need to change the culture of those involved in providing treatment for trans people. It was noted that this is changing slowly with the new generation of consultants who adopted a more holistic approach as a team with other medical workers and therapists.
    
6. Transsexual Prisoners Update
   
   Two prisoners have had operations. Lynne Jones is corresponding with the Press Complaints Commission with regard to an article in the Sun written about one of the trans prisoners. The Sun have offered to make a statement accepting some inaccuracies but they are simply using it as a vehicle to re-tell the original story with the same prejudice and bias. Note: Since the Forum the complaint has been put in the hands of the PCC to decide whether the Sun broke the PCC’s Code.
   
   Lynne Jones mentioned concerns about the parole process in relation to one of the prisoners she is in contact with.
   
   Slow progress is being made in improving prison health services. Valerie Davey MP said that in Bristol the NHS is being brought in to run the prison’s health services.
   
   There was some discussion as to why there are such a disproportionate number of Trans people in prison. This was possibly due to the stigma attached to their condition, trans people are socially excluded and often feel detached, not part of the mainstream.
7. AOB
   
   Lynne Jones has had correspondence from someone asking if there is a genetic component to the trans condition. It was pointed out that it is not helpful to look at trans people as one homogeneous set and that it is highly unlikely that there would be one causal gene. It is more likely to do with brain development.
   
   PFC circulated information about the Independent Television Commission and Police recruitment.
    

Date of next meeting - July 2001