• Lucy Elizabeth Benson, Deborah Emma Allen, Natalie Axiotis, and Neil H Metcalfe.
• Royal Surrey County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Guildford, UK.
• Postgrad Med J. 2022 Jul 19.

AbstractTransgender law is complex and developing. Increasing general practitioner referrals for gender dysphoria without sufficient resources for specialist units have left gaps in transgender healthcare. Surveys repeatedly find transgender patients have lower satisfaction with healthcare experiences, stating doctors have a poor understanding of their needs. Meanwhile, waiting times for referrals remain high.This review article outlines UK laws and guidelines relevant to trans healthcare, including practical advice for clinicians. Current issues are explored, including the referral process for gender dysphoria.Transgender law is continually evolving; currently, individuals require a diagnosis of gender dysphoria to legally change gender. However, the gender on NHS records can be changed without legally changing gender.Clinicians may find support from the General Medical Council for this area. Specifically, guidance exists for including trans patients in screening programmes relevant to their assigned sex at birth. Similarly, advice exists for ensuring the privacy of patients' gender history.© The Author(s) 2022. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Postgraduate Medical Journal. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

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