YOUNG transgender people in Scotland have the lowest level of happiness in a decade, according to a charity survey.
A report by LGBT Youth Scotland showed happiness among the young trans community has halved from 2012 to 2022, from 59% to 28%, amid what it calls an “unacceptable” level of intolerance.
More than 1200 young Scots aged between 13 and 25 took part in the survey.
One in five highlighted they had left education because of transphobia while others reported feeling compelled to change their appearance for a “sense of security” while in public.
The survey also found 72% of participants viewed transphobia as a major issue and 40% felt unsafe while using public transport.
READ MORE: Scottish Government respond to 'Cass Review' on trans healthcare in NHS
Dr Mhairi Crawford, chief executive of LGBT Youth Scotland, said: “Unfortunately, the findings of this report don’t come as a surprise to a lot of us deeply involved with LGBTQ+ young people.
“This report makes a clear and compelling case for immediate action to safeguard the rights and wellbeing of trans young people in Scotland.
“We have long needed protection and support for trans young people in Scotland and calls for this have fallen on death ears; we need a change now to ensure we are creating a better future for our young people.”
She said young trans people in Scotland were “navigating a world where they felt unsafe”, adding: “This situation is unacceptable and cannot be allowed to continue as the norm.”
The report follows several high-profile politicians who urged the Scottish Government to suspend the use of puberty blockers and hormones after the Cass Review in England found evidence “unclear”.
Alba MSP Ash Regan had written to First Minister Humza Yousaf urging him to enact the recommendations of the Cass Review in Scotland.
But Dr Crawford said young trans people in Scotland need more safeguarding measures to protect their wellbeing.
Regarding Regan’s letter a Scottish Government spokesperson said: “The First Minister has received the letter, and a reply will be issued in due course.
“The Scottish Government has been consistently clear that the Cass Review’s final report and findings will be closely considered by both the Scottish Government and health boards, in the context of how such healthcare can be best delivered in Scotland.
“The Scottish Government agrees with Dr Hilary Cass when she highlights that increasingly toxic, ideological and polarised public debate does nothing to serve the young people accessing this care, their families and the NHS staff working hard to care for them.”
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