What trans and non‑binary people shared with us about their experiences of GP care
Evidence suggests that transgender and non-binary people often experience poorer health outcomes than the general population. But what barriers do they face to high-quality care? And what would remove those barriers?
In our latest research, we focused on trans and non-binary people’s experiences with GPs – often the gateway to the healthcare system – to learn some of the answers to those questions.
People told us about administrative hurdles and harmful assumptions about their experiences. The impact of poor care could be serious, with over half of respondents to our self-selecting survey, almost 1,400 people, only slightly confident or not at all confident about using their GP.
But people also shared stories of good care, in which staff treated them with respect and compassion, and took the time to understand the care they needed.
By following our recommendations, GP practices and healthcare decision-makers can take important steps towards ensuring good quality care is a reality for all.
What did people share about their experiences?
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Trans and non-binary people can have negative experiences at the GP front door.
They may risk being outed or made to feel uncomfortable when they book, check in for, or are called in for appointments. Nearly a quarter of those who responded to our survey disagreed that GP receptionists treated them with respect.
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They face administrative hurdles if they want to change their name, pronouns or gender markers on their GP record.
Nearly 30% of those who had changed their gender marker said they had lost access to their previous NHS record. There were disruptions to prescriptions, which 16% had experienced, and 18% were misgendered in NHS written communications.
Changing gender markers also meant people risked making it harder to access to sex-specific care, such as cervical screening. Over one in five respondents (21%) who’d changed their gender marker said the NHS stopped offering them this sort of care.
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They may have lower satisfaction with GP care than the general population.
Just over half (53%) of people answering our survey rated their GP as good or very good for the general care services they had sought. This is lower than the proportion of trans and non-binary respondents (68%) and overall respondents (74%) responding positively to a similar question in the most recent national GP Patient Survey.
Less than a third of respondents (32%) rated their gender-affirming care from their GP as good or very good.
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They experience problems accessing gender-affirming care via their GP due to different interpretations of various guidelines.
Less than a third of respondents who had tried to access hormone replacement therapy (HRT) via their GP told us they hadn’t experienced any delays, stops, or interruptions.
We want to see GP care that fully respects the rights of trans and non‑binary people. Everyone should be treated with dignity, privacy and without discrimination when accessing their GP surgery.
GP practices must ensure all staff understand relevant legislation and know how to apply it in practice, so that every patient feels welcomed, safe and respected.
Trans and non‑binary people should not lose access to sex‑specific healthcare—such as screening invitations—when they change their gender. The current approach of issuing a new NHS number and GP record when someone updates their gender marker creates unnecessary risks and should end. Instead, a single NHS record should include both biological sex and any changes to gender identity, handled in a way that protects privacy and supports clinicians to provide appropriate care.
The Department of Health and Social Care should improve IT and screening systems so trans and non‑binary people are never excluded from essential, sex‑based healthcare.
The government should develop a new LGBT+ strategy. This must address the wider needs of trans and non‑binary adults, clarify shared‑care arrangements and bridging prescriptions, reduce long waiting lists for gender dysphoria services, and ensure people receive support while they wait.
Everyone matters and we all deserve safety, equal recognition and barrier-free access to health and social services.
LGBTQ+ Support Services in Brent
Local Support Groups & Services
Mosaic LGBT+ Youth Centre
Support for LGBTQ+ young people aged 13–19 in North West London, offering social opportunities, peer support, and youth activities.
🔗 https://www.mosaictrust.org.uk/
North West London Lesbian and Gay Group
A welcoming social group for LGBTQ+ people that meets weekly in the local area.
🔗 https://www.meetup.com/north-west-london-lesbian-and-gay-group/
No More Silence
A support group for Black and dual-heritage GBTQ+ men and non-binary people of African and Caribbean heritage.
🔗 https://www.nomore-silence.org/
Brent Council
Brent Council is committed to tackling transphobia and supporting trans and non-binary residents, including respecting preferred names and gender identities.
🔗 https://www.brent.gov.uk/
Mental Health & Advice
Galop
Specialist advice and support for LGBTQ+ people who have experienced hate crime, sexual violence, or domestic abuse.
🔗 https://galop.org.uk/
MindOut
An LGBTQ+-run mental health service providing peer support, advocacy, and wellbeing services.
🔗 https://mindout.org.uk/
Switchboard LGBT+ Helpline
A national helpline offering confidential listening support.
🔗 https://switchboard.lgbt/
For trans-specific listening support, TRUK Listens is also available:
🔗 https://www.transunite.co.uk/truk-listens/
elop
An East London-based LGBTQ+ charity offering counselling, mental health support, and youth mentoring. Services may be accessible to North West London residents.
🔗 https://www.elop.org/
Health & Transition Support
GenderKit
A comprehensive guide to social, legal, and medical transition, including GP referrals to Gender Identity Clinics (GICs).
🔗 https://genderkit.org.uk/
LGBT Foundation
Information on changing your name by deed poll, Gender Recognition Certificates, and inclusive healthcare access.
🔗 https://lgbt.foundation/
NHS Services – London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust
Local NHS providers aiming to offer inclusive and respectful healthcare for trans and non-binary patients.
🔗 https://www.lnwh.nhs.uk/
Youth-Specific Services
Spectra
Offers online counselling for LGBTQI+ young people aged 13–18 and runs the Pyramid Youth Group.
🔗 https://spectra-london.org.uk/
Metro Charity
Provides Retrotranscend, a safe and affirming space for trans, non-binary, and gender-diverse people aged 13–24.
🔗 https://metrocharity.org.uk/
Regional & National Support
Gendered Intelligence
A national charity supporting trans and non-binary people, with specialist services for young people, families, and professionals.
🔗 https://genderedintelligence.co.uk/
Mindline Trans+
A confidential mental health support helpline for trans and non-binary people.
📞 0300 330 5468
🔗 https://mindlinetrans.org.uk/
Download our report
Interested in learning more? You can read our full report below.
Do you have a story to share as a member of the trans or non-binary community in Brent? Share your thoughts, views or experiences and lets make change happen together!
You are loved, you matter and we will fight for your voice to be heard!
#BeHeardInBrent
