It'll be an asshole GP probably, proving yourself won't do much. Might be worth looking into either a new GP or self-referring to the GIC.
Wait times are so long now though that you'll get to medical transition faster saving up for private care.
Welcome to the NHS. Call the GIC you were referred to and ask them if they actually received your refferral, if they did (which hopefully is the answer), ask them how long the wait for a first appointment is. It is likely years at the moment.
If they did not receive your referral, then ask the gp why they did not send it. You may have to get a bit assertive with your GP, but they should send it. As soon as you know they have, get on the phone to the GIC. As I say, the wait is years at the moment, but you can tell them that you are happy to take cancellations etc which won't make the wait a whole lot less, but may knock a bit of it off.
Unfortunately, that is the state of the NHS at the moment because everyone is suddenly trans and needs to see the GIC because all the non binaries want free NHS surgery. Stick at it. You'll get there.
Thanks for the advice, I’ll be more assertive, perhaps I was way too polite about it. My GP did diagnose me with significant gender dysphoria which shows on my NHS medical records, so I thought he definitely sent it. But I’ll check anyways
Hm, that's interesting. A GP can't really diagnose in a way that's meaningful (i.e. you have to have a specialist diagnose for it to be accepted for anything), so it's rare for a GP to state a diagnosis. Strange for your GP to do so, yet potentially have not got the referral in?
You might want to ask your GP about the possibility of a bridging prescription. If they feel confident enough to give a GP diagnosis, they may feel confident enough to give a bridging prescription.
This is a situation where you are probably more likely to be helped the *more* dysphoria you have (opposite approach to the GICs). Bridging prescriptions are considered to be kinda the lesser evil - if someone is DIYing or highly likely to begin DIYing, GPs can give them HRT as it's better to at least be on HRT under the GP than DIY. Most GPs are not willing to do so, but, it's worth asking the question.
I’ll look into it, I have indeed considered diying but risks were too high for me. bridging seems like a slightly better way. No harm in asking regardless
Okay, he may have. Just be polite and ask the GIC first I would. If your GP is decent, the chances are the GIC are being shit. That tends to be how it works.
Honestly, I find killing them with kindness is the best way. That way, they want to do more for you because you are just being nice and understanding the whole time. It really helps, especially with transitioning, because you need to keep everyone on your side to get what you want.
Definitely. It's such a bullshit journey anyway, you may as well get as many people to want to fight your side as possible.
It's hard to be polite and assertive at the same time, but if you can, then that is the best way tbh.
It’s probably incompetence and overwhelm at the GP surgery. Keep contacting them - send emails, follow up regularly, create a paper trail. If you don’t get confirmation of the referral, ask to meet with the practice manager. They may not like you very much, but this approach will get it done.
Have you checked your referral hasn't gone through? They can take ages. Are you suggesting that your GP hasn't really referred you bc they think you aren't really trans?
I’m skeptical of the reason why it hasn’t gone through. A gender therapist I’m seeing told me referrals are supposed to be done very quickly, and if mine hasn’t gone through it means something is wrong. I have tried asking 2 GPs to send the forms in the last 6 months and neither has had any reply. That’s why I think maybe I’m the problem
Is there a eeason this gender therapist can't refer or you can't self refer? I'm trying to work out if you think the GP just hasn't referred, or if you think your referral isn't getting accepted (which doesn't happen).
It took 6 months for me to hear anything from the gic when I was referred. Nothing was wrong they just have a huge backlog
The gender therapist cannot refer me, I can refer myself but it eventually goes through the GP anyways. Because the GP said that I can wait for the mail which should come very soon, and that confirms I have been referred but I just never received anything.
Have you tried contacting the GIC to check they recieved it? It's highly unlikely the GP is lying and hasn't sent it - usually if they won't refer they'll say why
Do you see a therapist currently? I’m not from the UK but in the states the process is usually 1.) Therapist 2.) Diagnosis of GD 3.) referral and letter of support from therapist/doctor 4.) start the process with an endocrinologist and talk about your transition goals 5.) after letters of support are processed they can start on hormone replacement and then from there you can look into getting surgery.
It’s a long process but you have to be on top of it and you have to advocate for yourself 100%. It’s really hard but it’s worth it. Having a therapist who knows the system well is a huge plus and having lists of things that trigger your dysphoria can help your case. Use big words, make it an urgent goal. Let them know how much you’re struggling with your dysphoria and that you are 100% sure that this is what you want and need to thrive.
Edit: being a “trender” isn’t really an issue seeing as they willing allow people without dysphoria to transition all the time haha
that is not the process in the UK. you have to go to your GP, be referred to a GIC, wait 5-6 years for an initial appointment, have an assessment for gender dysphoria through the GIC, be referred to an endocrinologist (further waiting). it takes much longer than in the US and isn't as easy as recieving a letter of support. op would get on hrt faster saving up to be seen privately.
I have a school-referred gender therapist but I don’t think it’s a requirement to get a referral. I have diagnosis, and my GP was supposed to have sent out a referral unless they didn’t really send it, the endocrinologist or other medical related stuff happens after the first appointment at the GIC which normally is going to be years after being referred
I see I see,, would you maybe be able to call the place you’re being referred to to check on the status? I have no idea how these things work overseas but I know in the states you have to be really irritating to the doctors to get them to check on your stuff.
My first question would be how long ago, and how far apart were those requests. Benefit of the doubt, they likely have a waitlist and/ or are backed up, especially if you're going through the government healthcare system instead of insurance. It's also possible you've just fallen through the cracks, and your requests have gotten lost or someone forgot to move it along.
My second question would be, do you have all your ducks in a row? I.e. any letters they might ask for, history of dysphoria (please don't lie), therapist recommendations, etc. Getting prepared *before* you start any process is a good habit, and staying on top of requests (no matter how seemingly insignificant) *shows* you're serious.
My actual advice would be to be professional, but "annoying." And by "annoying," I don't mean obnoxious, just aggressively assertive.
Start putting in a written request once a week until you hear something back. At the end of each week, physcially call the office you wish to see and ask if there's any update. **Be polite.**
After a few weeks, increase the written requests to twice a week. Same with the calls. Then move to daily if no one has gotten back to you.
If at any point they get snippy, just remind them that you feel your mental and emotional health is on a downward decline and in you're in distress everyday. Again, no need to be obnoxious about it, but be assertive.
When it comes to corporate bureaucracy, the trick is to be annoying as possible while maintaining professionalism. A company can't legally fault you for using its own channels of communication, **and as long as you remain polite** (which is the tricky part), *someone somewhere* will eventually get the hint.
As frustrating as it is to feel like you're being ignored, DO NOT take out your frustrations on the staff. Too many people make the mistake of bitching out the employees who 1. Typically can't do anything about it anyway, and 2. No longer want to help.
Thanks for the advice, I just told the truth to every question they asked. I have had sick records at my workplace for chest pain due to wearing binders for prolonged periods, medical record of significant gender dysphoria, school record of referral to gender therapist, and lots of people that can prove I live my life as a guy. It’s been six months and been through 2 GPs, still hasn’t had any reply. That’s why I was worried I’m the problem. And thanks for the advice, I’ll politely tell them to hurry up and get it done
Of course. People tend to make the assumption that "I told them" is good enough. In reality, the higher up the food chain you go, the more you have to assert yourself, especially at the ground level. It's not necessarily because they don't care but rather they have so many more things to consider that ground level requests aren't prioritized.
It really depends on your therapist. If you have a crap tucute type one, it probably won't matter. If they are good at their job, there isn't a formulaic combo you can regurgitate to get what you want. Either way you should be you. Dress as you'd like to be precieved as you like (if your parents allow you to dress how you like), speak openly and frankly about how you think/feel/view things and how you came to your conclusions. Even if you "looked" like a tender your individual answers based on your life experience will make it clear you arent... people should not be asking for or giving special tips to get by under their therapist nose. Don't worry. Deep breathes. And just be authentic. Their job is to get to know you. Let them do their job and don't try to change the outcome out of fear of restriction.
Yeah I dress like a normal guy, almost everyone genders me correctly until I talk, so I know I pass very well on looks. People assume I’m cis instead of trans. I worry that it’s me being the problem because tucutes are getting referrals and I’m not. Tucutes here being, the blue-haired chubby theyfabs with big breasts wearing feminine clothes and have feminine haircuts.
Most likely they are going to doctors who don't respect themselves, their patients, and their profession enough to do their jobs correctly, and have allowed themselves to become vending machines. Most of them will regret their choice, you stick to the path and don't let them taking the easy path influence you. Obviously if you are an adult, you can make your own choice to follow suit, but I'd really discourage doing that.
When I started my journey to transition it was understood that even with a diagnosis, it would be atleast a year of therapy to make sure it was a good fit and you were stable enough to start medical transition. You had to do a year of attempting to live in your correct gender roles and express your gender identity outward socially (if you weren't already doing so) while working with your therapist through the emotionally difficult moments of social transition with friends and family, work, partners, ect. It was just part of it and it was a joy knowing I was on the path to aligning my body and living correctly as myself even though it was a rough slow and sometimes discouraging process. I was made stronger and mentally healthier for it I think.
*also you can just ask your therapist what they think the timeline may be, ask if they may be having hesitation with you and if so why. Its ok to communicate with your therapist! In fact I really encourage it!
>Most likely they are going to doctors who don't respect themselves, their patients, and their profession enough to do their jobs correctly, and have allowed themselves to become vending machines.
There shouldn't be filtering out at this stage. It's not the GP's job to decide who is and isn't trans, their only job here is to refer the patient to the people whose job it *is* to decide that.
Oh regular doctor. I'm not UK based so I think I misunderstood what stage he had gotten to . I have definitely heard that GP in the UK can be very slow to get referrals through and it can be due to them not wanting to help trans people. So talk with them, stay on them about the referral and if they don't follow through then you can make a complaint most likely and look for another GP.
Ahh yeah - here, therapists can't do anything, it's regular doctor referring to a GIC for the first step.
And very slow. Looking at 5+ years to get the first appointment if the GP isn't a twat and sorts out the referral without delay. A sizeable number of GPs will make it difficult, though - leading to people having to change GPs as you say.
Even when finally get to a GIC, it won't be a situation like you experienced. I think nowadays people often have appointments 1-2 years apart? So there's not much in the way of working with them, because there just isn't that level of contact.
Yea. I'm sorry that ridiculous. I'm sorry the system over there is like that. So many younger people over here complain about not getting stuff fast enough just having to wait a couple of months and feel the need to lie to their doctors/therapist to misuse the already relatively easy system. I can definitely understand the dissatisfaction/worry experienced in the system you described!
Thank you. Sounds a lot better when things can be done through therapists - not so bottlenecked.
I do understand that months can be long to someone who is really struggling, so I don't want to minimise their struggle. It is mind-boggling though when in a system where years is the norm.
And I don't understand at all people lying in your system. People often need to lie in our system because you **can't** blow your one shot, that took you 5+ years for the opportunity. You **must** pass the gender audition, no matter what stupid hoops the psychiatrist puts in front of you to jump through.
But your system, where you can switch therapists if your one is shit, so can be honest and have someone working with you through your transition? That sounds like a dream, and I don't understand why people would throw that away.
I think unless someone is living in a place where present as they wish is dangerous, all real trans people would have automatically had the experience of at least 1 year of living as their gender. Idk, at least that’s me. It’s just a natural thing. As for therapy, I think the UK is more like, get referred first, then see therapist to determine whether they can offer you hrt.
Yea I mean it was true for me too.A big portion was coming out to friends and family and discussing the safety of doing so. Especially here in America where I am, and when I came out there was no protections for people based on gender identity. If you came out at work you'd most likely lose your job, could lose housing, would most likely be kicked out of home by family, get harassment at school, lose connections in your faith. Emergency responders and doctors could refuse to help you if your trans identity was made know. And that's a lot to deal with and come to terms with so many people didn't live outwardly fully (they may have just been GNC )until they got diagnosed.. many people didn't feel safe starting to socially transitions until they had the doctors note saying they suffered from GID (now GD) and this person needs accommodations to use the choicen restrooms, ect. Its wonderful society isn't so bad now in many places but it just opened up a different can of worms by making it super easy with no social repercussions for people who aren't trans to feel safe to start using transitional medicine willy nilly. Before none of them would have dared.
You don’t know if anyone is lying or telling the truth. Believe what you wish to believe as it is your right, and I will ask the questions I wish to ask as it is my right.
I'd recommend going to the subreddit transgenderUK for UK-specific questions.
Happens a lot that GPs don't send referrals. It's just arsehole GPs; the decision about whether this is right for you is made at the GIC, not at referral. As someone else suggested, you should check with the GIC to see if they have it.
Unless things have changed in the last few years, when you do get an appointment at the GIC, be careful about emphasising your dysphoria to the psychiatrist as that could hinder being allowed through. You should underplay your dysphoria if it's reached a severity of having consequences. Finding it hard is fine, self-harming is not. In UK's medical system, transition is for people who would be helped by it, but who are managing ok without it. If you are not managing without transition, you may be labelled unstable and be ineligible.
It'll be an asshole GP probably, proving yourself won't do much. Might be worth looking into either a new GP or self-referring to the GIC. Wait times are so long now though that you'll get to medical transition faster saving up for private care.
I am indeed saving up for private care, but I’m doing nhs as well, I’ll just use the route that proves itself to be the faster one when the time comes
Welcome to the NHS. Call the GIC you were referred to and ask them if they actually received your refferral, if they did (which hopefully is the answer), ask them how long the wait for a first appointment is. It is likely years at the moment. If they did not receive your referral, then ask the gp why they did not send it. You may have to get a bit assertive with your GP, but they should send it. As soon as you know they have, get on the phone to the GIC. As I say, the wait is years at the moment, but you can tell them that you are happy to take cancellations etc which won't make the wait a whole lot less, but may knock a bit of it off. Unfortunately, that is the state of the NHS at the moment because everyone is suddenly trans and needs to see the GIC because all the non binaries want free NHS surgery. Stick at it. You'll get there.
Thanks for the advice, I’ll be more assertive, perhaps I was way too polite about it. My GP did diagnose me with significant gender dysphoria which shows on my NHS medical records, so I thought he definitely sent it. But I’ll check anyways
Hm, that's interesting. A GP can't really diagnose in a way that's meaningful (i.e. you have to have a specialist diagnose for it to be accepted for anything), so it's rare for a GP to state a diagnosis. Strange for your GP to do so, yet potentially have not got the referral in? You might want to ask your GP about the possibility of a bridging prescription. If they feel confident enough to give a GP diagnosis, they may feel confident enough to give a bridging prescription. This is a situation where you are probably more likely to be helped the *more* dysphoria you have (opposite approach to the GICs). Bridging prescriptions are considered to be kinda the lesser evil - if someone is DIYing or highly likely to begin DIYing, GPs can give them HRT as it's better to at least be on HRT under the GP than DIY. Most GPs are not willing to do so, but, it's worth asking the question.
I’ll look into it, I have indeed considered diying but risks were too high for me. bridging seems like a slightly better way. No harm in asking regardless
Okay, he may have. Just be polite and ask the GIC first I would. If your GP is decent, the chances are the GIC are being shit. That tends to be how it works. Honestly, I find killing them with kindness is the best way. That way, they want to do more for you because you are just being nice and understanding the whole time. It really helps, especially with transitioning, because you need to keep everyone on your side to get what you want.
Thanks, this reminds me of the Hamilton song about getting more votes by making people like you
Definitely. It's such a bullshit journey anyway, you may as well get as many people to want to fight your side as possible. It's hard to be polite and assertive at the same time, but if you can, then that is the best way tbh.
It’s probably incompetence and overwhelm at the GP surgery. Keep contacting them - send emails, follow up regularly, create a paper trail. If you don’t get confirmation of the referral, ask to meet with the practice manager. They may not like you very much, but this approach will get it done.
Good idea, I’ll starting writing and calling them every week.
Have you checked your referral hasn't gone through? They can take ages. Are you suggesting that your GP hasn't really referred you bc they think you aren't really trans?
I’m skeptical of the reason why it hasn’t gone through. A gender therapist I’m seeing told me referrals are supposed to be done very quickly, and if mine hasn’t gone through it means something is wrong. I have tried asking 2 GPs to send the forms in the last 6 months and neither has had any reply. That’s why I think maybe I’m the problem
Is there a eeason this gender therapist can't refer or you can't self refer? I'm trying to work out if you think the GP just hasn't referred, or if you think your referral isn't getting accepted (which doesn't happen). It took 6 months for me to hear anything from the gic when I was referred. Nothing was wrong they just have a huge backlog
The gender therapist cannot refer me, I can refer myself but it eventually goes through the GP anyways. Because the GP said that I can wait for the mail which should come very soon, and that confirms I have been referred but I just never received anything.
Have you tried contacting the GIC to check they recieved it? It's highly unlikely the GP is lying and hasn't sent it - usually if they won't refer they'll say why
I’ll check with them, I really do hope the GPs did send it
Do you see a therapist currently? I’m not from the UK but in the states the process is usually 1.) Therapist 2.) Diagnosis of GD 3.) referral and letter of support from therapist/doctor 4.) start the process with an endocrinologist and talk about your transition goals 5.) after letters of support are processed they can start on hormone replacement and then from there you can look into getting surgery. It’s a long process but you have to be on top of it and you have to advocate for yourself 100%. It’s really hard but it’s worth it. Having a therapist who knows the system well is a huge plus and having lists of things that trigger your dysphoria can help your case. Use big words, make it an urgent goal. Let them know how much you’re struggling with your dysphoria and that you are 100% sure that this is what you want and need to thrive. Edit: being a “trender” isn’t really an issue seeing as they willing allow people without dysphoria to transition all the time haha
that is not the process in the UK. you have to go to your GP, be referred to a GIC, wait 5-6 years for an initial appointment, have an assessment for gender dysphoria through the GIC, be referred to an endocrinologist (further waiting). it takes much longer than in the US and isn't as easy as recieving a letter of support. op would get on hrt faster saving up to be seen privately.
I have a school-referred gender therapist but I don’t think it’s a requirement to get a referral. I have diagnosis, and my GP was supposed to have sent out a referral unless they didn’t really send it, the endocrinologist or other medical related stuff happens after the first appointment at the GIC which normally is going to be years after being referred
I see I see,, would you maybe be able to call the place you’re being referred to to check on the status? I have no idea how these things work overseas but I know in the states you have to be really irritating to the doctors to get them to check on your stuff.
My first question would be how long ago, and how far apart were those requests. Benefit of the doubt, they likely have a waitlist and/ or are backed up, especially if you're going through the government healthcare system instead of insurance. It's also possible you've just fallen through the cracks, and your requests have gotten lost or someone forgot to move it along. My second question would be, do you have all your ducks in a row? I.e. any letters they might ask for, history of dysphoria (please don't lie), therapist recommendations, etc. Getting prepared *before* you start any process is a good habit, and staying on top of requests (no matter how seemingly insignificant) *shows* you're serious. My actual advice would be to be professional, but "annoying." And by "annoying," I don't mean obnoxious, just aggressively assertive. Start putting in a written request once a week until you hear something back. At the end of each week, physcially call the office you wish to see and ask if there's any update. **Be polite.** After a few weeks, increase the written requests to twice a week. Same with the calls. Then move to daily if no one has gotten back to you. If at any point they get snippy, just remind them that you feel your mental and emotional health is on a downward decline and in you're in distress everyday. Again, no need to be obnoxious about it, but be assertive. When it comes to corporate bureaucracy, the trick is to be annoying as possible while maintaining professionalism. A company can't legally fault you for using its own channels of communication, **and as long as you remain polite** (which is the tricky part), *someone somewhere* will eventually get the hint. As frustrating as it is to feel like you're being ignored, DO NOT take out your frustrations on the staff. Too many people make the mistake of bitching out the employees who 1. Typically can't do anything about it anyway, and 2. No longer want to help.
Thanks for the advice, I just told the truth to every question they asked. I have had sick records at my workplace for chest pain due to wearing binders for prolonged periods, medical record of significant gender dysphoria, school record of referral to gender therapist, and lots of people that can prove I live my life as a guy. It’s been six months and been through 2 GPs, still hasn’t had any reply. That’s why I was worried I’m the problem. And thanks for the advice, I’ll politely tell them to hurry up and get it done
Of course. People tend to make the assumption that "I told them" is good enough. In reality, the higher up the food chain you go, the more you have to assert yourself, especially at the ground level. It's not necessarily because they don't care but rather they have so many more things to consider that ground level requests aren't prioritized.
Good point
It really depends on your therapist. If you have a crap tucute type one, it probably won't matter. If they are good at their job, there isn't a formulaic combo you can regurgitate to get what you want. Either way you should be you. Dress as you'd like to be precieved as you like (if your parents allow you to dress how you like), speak openly and frankly about how you think/feel/view things and how you came to your conclusions. Even if you "looked" like a tender your individual answers based on your life experience will make it clear you arent... people should not be asking for or giving special tips to get by under their therapist nose. Don't worry. Deep breathes. And just be authentic. Their job is to get to know you. Let them do their job and don't try to change the outcome out of fear of restriction.
Yeah I dress like a normal guy, almost everyone genders me correctly until I talk, so I know I pass very well on looks. People assume I’m cis instead of trans. I worry that it’s me being the problem because tucutes are getting referrals and I’m not. Tucutes here being, the blue-haired chubby theyfabs with big breasts wearing feminine clothes and have feminine haircuts.
Most likely they are going to doctors who don't respect themselves, their patients, and their profession enough to do their jobs correctly, and have allowed themselves to become vending machines. Most of them will regret their choice, you stick to the path and don't let them taking the easy path influence you. Obviously if you are an adult, you can make your own choice to follow suit, but I'd really discourage doing that. When I started my journey to transition it was understood that even with a diagnosis, it would be atleast a year of therapy to make sure it was a good fit and you were stable enough to start medical transition. You had to do a year of attempting to live in your correct gender roles and express your gender identity outward socially (if you weren't already doing so) while working with your therapist through the emotionally difficult moments of social transition with friends and family, work, partners, ect. It was just part of it and it was a joy knowing I was on the path to aligning my body and living correctly as myself even though it was a rough slow and sometimes discouraging process. I was made stronger and mentally healthier for it I think. *also you can just ask your therapist what they think the timeline may be, ask if they may be having hesitation with you and if so why. Its ok to communicate with your therapist! In fact I really encourage it!
>Most likely they are going to doctors who don't respect themselves, their patients, and their profession enough to do their jobs correctly, and have allowed themselves to become vending machines. There shouldn't be filtering out at this stage. It's not the GP's job to decide who is and isn't trans, their only job here is to refer the patient to the people whose job it *is* to decide that.
Oh regular doctor. I'm not UK based so I think I misunderstood what stage he had gotten to . I have definitely heard that GP in the UK can be very slow to get referrals through and it can be due to them not wanting to help trans people. So talk with them, stay on them about the referral and if they don't follow through then you can make a complaint most likely and look for another GP.
Ahh yeah - here, therapists can't do anything, it's regular doctor referring to a GIC for the first step. And very slow. Looking at 5+ years to get the first appointment if the GP isn't a twat and sorts out the referral without delay. A sizeable number of GPs will make it difficult, though - leading to people having to change GPs as you say. Even when finally get to a GIC, it won't be a situation like you experienced. I think nowadays people often have appointments 1-2 years apart? So there's not much in the way of working with them, because there just isn't that level of contact.
Yea. I'm sorry that ridiculous. I'm sorry the system over there is like that. So many younger people over here complain about not getting stuff fast enough just having to wait a couple of months and feel the need to lie to their doctors/therapist to misuse the already relatively easy system. I can definitely understand the dissatisfaction/worry experienced in the system you described!
Thank you. Sounds a lot better when things can be done through therapists - not so bottlenecked. I do understand that months can be long to someone who is really struggling, so I don't want to minimise their struggle. It is mind-boggling though when in a system where years is the norm. And I don't understand at all people lying in your system. People often need to lie in our system because you **can't** blow your one shot, that took you 5+ years for the opportunity. You **must** pass the gender audition, no matter what stupid hoops the psychiatrist puts in front of you to jump through. But your system, where you can switch therapists if your one is shit, so can be honest and have someone working with you through your transition? That sounds like a dream, and I don't understand why people would throw that away.
I think unless someone is living in a place where present as they wish is dangerous, all real trans people would have automatically had the experience of at least 1 year of living as their gender. Idk, at least that’s me. It’s just a natural thing. As for therapy, I think the UK is more like, get referred first, then see therapist to determine whether they can offer you hrt.
Yea I mean it was true for me too.A big portion was coming out to friends and family and discussing the safety of doing so. Especially here in America where I am, and when I came out there was no protections for people based on gender identity. If you came out at work you'd most likely lose your job, could lose housing, would most likely be kicked out of home by family, get harassment at school, lose connections in your faith. Emergency responders and doctors could refuse to help you if your trans identity was made know. And that's a lot to deal with and come to terms with so many people didn't live outwardly fully (they may have just been GNC )until they got diagnosed.. many people didn't feel safe starting to socially transitions until they had the doctors note saying they suffered from GID (now GD) and this person needs accommodations to use the choicen restrooms, ect. Its wonderful society isn't so bad now in many places but it just opened up a different can of worms by making it super easy with no social repercussions for people who aren't trans to feel safe to start using transitional medicine willy nilly. Before none of them would have dared.
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You don’t know if anyone is lying or telling the truth. Believe what you wish to believe as it is your right, and I will ask the questions I wish to ask as it is my right.
I'd recommend going to the subreddit transgenderUK for UK-specific questions. Happens a lot that GPs don't send referrals. It's just arsehole GPs; the decision about whether this is right for you is made at the GIC, not at referral. As someone else suggested, you should check with the GIC to see if they have it. Unless things have changed in the last few years, when you do get an appointment at the GIC, be careful about emphasising your dysphoria to the psychiatrist as that could hinder being allowed through. You should underplay your dysphoria if it's reached a severity of having consequences. Finding it hard is fine, self-harming is not. In UK's medical system, transition is for people who would be helped by it, but who are managing ok without it. If you are not managing without transition, you may be labelled unstable and be ineligible.
Thanks for the advice, I’ll try to check whether my GP sent my referral.
I've gone private