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Gender Issues
What is gender? It is something everyone has, but rarely thinks about. They know they are either a man or a woman and simply take it for granted. We behave in masculine or feminine ways that have become habitual to us through our lives, so that we give our behaviour no thought, we think of it as being natural to us. Yet whenever we meet someone, the first thing we note is whether that person is a man or a woman. It predicts the way the interaction between us will proceed. And if the behaviour of the other person gives cause for doubt, it causes worry and a feeling of insecurity.
Some people believe this behaviour is instinctive and predicted by our biology and our genes, others assert that we learn to behave in the way that we do. This is the nature/nurture debate which has been going on for a century and more.
The Counselling Service recognises that there can be differences between physical sex and gender identity/expression. We will not discriminate against people on the grounds of transvestism, transsexualism, intersex conditions or any process of gender reassignment, begun or complete. We will respect the confidentiality of all trans staff and students and will not reveal information without the prior agreement of the individual concerned.
The Gender Trust
The Trust is recognised as an authoritative centre for professional people who encounter gender identity-related issues in the course of their work. In particular, this group includes employers, human resources officers, health workers and information services.
Press for Change
Press for Change is a political lobbying and educational organisation that campaigns to achieve equal civil rights and liberties for all transgender people in the UK through legislation and social change.
The Gender Identity and Research and Education Society
GIRES initiates, promotes and supports research, particularly to address the needs of those in whom there is a strong and ongoing desire to live and be accepted in the gender in which they identify, although different from that assigned at birth.
Beaumont Society
As well as being a support network, the Society promotes better understanding of the conditions of transgender, transvestism and gender dysphoria.
An online resource that covers all aspects of transgender issues, including a section specifically for female-to-male transsexual people.
A Guide for Young Trans People in the UK
Department of Health/NHS publication
Support and information for children and teenagers who are trying to cope with gender identity issues, and for their families and carers.
An organisation offering free, confidential and non-judgmental advice, information and support to all family members, partners, spouses and friends of trans people.
The Gender Trust National Helpline : 0845 231 0505
Peer Support for Friends
