Mermaids

15/09/2026

Two weeks ago, the NHS paused all surgical referrals, assessments and scheduled gender-affirming surgeries through the Welsh Gender Services.

This deplorable decision has impacted so many trans people across Wales, some of whom even had surgeries cancelled while they were in hospital.

Kye, age 20, a member of our Youth Advisory Panel, is one of the many people impacted by the pause, which currently has no set end date:

“The attack on the Welsh Gender Service has impacted me and so many of my friends.

So many trans people have spent years waiting for gender affirming care, doing everything right, jumping through seemingly endless hoops so we can finally get the care we need.

Now to have that care paused and feel like it's been taken away when we have done absolutely nothing wrong, it is heartbreaking.

I'm currently on the waiting list for top surgery through the Welsh Gender Service but have had to turn to private due to problems I had prior, and also this attack.

Not only is this expensive and causing extra stress, but it will also take a long time.

I know so many are also in the same position, feeling stuck and heartbroken over how we are being treated when we have done everything right.”

As Kye highlights, trans people in the UK are waiting years on NHS waiting lists to access the healthcare they desperately need. For so many to have waited so long, only for the process to be indefinitely put on hold, is shameful.

Please, take action today and sign the petition asking for an immediate end to the freeze of the Welsh Gender Service’s surgeries: https://petitions.senedd.wales/petitions/247110

We will never give up on our vision of a safe, inclusive society where trans children and young people are empowered to live their best lives.

This means timely, supportive and holistic healthcare for all. 🏳️‍⚧️

Image credits: Rachel Jones Photography

09/09/2026

Last week, we shared messages of love and support for trans young people from their allies and supporters. You can never have too much of a good thing, so we’re back with some more today🫶🏽🏳️‍⚧️

“Hi! I’m a transgender man. You will get through this; things will get better, I promise you that. You are not alone in what you are going through, I know how difficult it is. I am more comfortable and happy within myself, and you will get there too. Keep going because it is so worth it.”

“Hold your head up high and be yourself. The going may be tough at times, but you will succeed and feel accepted. Sending you love, best wishes, and a big HUG!”

“Always be yourself and never let others try to force you to be something you are not. You are not alone and we will always be there for you.”

“Please know what you see in the news isn't how so many of us feel. You are valid and loved and amazing just as you are. Trans women are women. Trans men are men. Non-binary people are non-binary. Your chosen family who love and accept you are out there!"

To trans young people: we are here for you.

If you need a listening ear, get in touch with our Support Line via phone, email or webchat. Call 0808 801 0400, email [email protected], or visit our website for webchat support. 🩷

Allies – let’s share even more love in the comments ⬇️

Photography credits: Rachel Jones Photography

04/09/2026

Don’t miss your final chance to grab our exclusive Pride tees and totes, designed by the incredible DOM&INK 🏳️‍⚧️

Shop before midnight on Sunday and enjoy ✨free delivery✨ on your order. Order now: https://mermaidsstore.com/

100% of profits from merch sales support our vital services for trans young people 🏳️‍⚧️

Thank you so much to everyone who has bought a tee this summer❤️ Where have you worn yours? Tell us in the comments ⬇️

03/09/2026

We are hugely disappointed that the NHS has paused all surgical referrals, assessments and scheduled gender-affirming surgeries through the Welsh Gender Service.

We understand how devastating this will be for everyone who has had vital appointments and surgeries cancelled, many of whom will have waited years to be seen.

If you are impacted by this news, please know that we are here for you. Our support line is here to lend a listening ear, from 10:30am-6pm on Mondays and Wednesdays, and 1pm-8:30pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Call 0808 8010 400, email [email protected], or access webchat at: mermaidsuk.org.uk/support-line.
We join LGBT Consortium in calling for this blanket pause to be as short as possible, for the evidence justifying it to be published, for cancelled appointments to be reinstated as soon as possible, and for the surgical pathway to resume at the earliest point consistent with safe, high-quality care.

The Trans Solidarity Alliance's Mass Lobby for Trans Equality is taking place at Parliament on Wednesday 9 September. This is a chance to raise concerns about the Welsh Gender Service pause, the pressure on organisations supporting trans people, and the wider need to protect trans people’s healthcare and rights directly with your MP. You can find information on taking part on their website: https://www.transsolidarityalliance.com/mass-lobby-2026

03/09/2026

“In the past, Girlguiding has been a safe space for LGBTQ+ youth. They have warmly welcomed trans and gender non-conforming individuals from all backgrounds. Whether this be a trans girl wanting to be a Guide, a trans man who wants to volunteer for the organisation he grew up in, or a gender non-conforming person who embraced being themselves and not conforming to stereotypes, like me.

Girlguiding encouraged trans and gender non-conforming members to ‘Guide with Pride’, and this is exactly what we did, up until the 2nd of December 2025.

No matter the unit or volunteer role you take on in Guiding, all members make their promise. The promise from Brownies upwards starts with; ‘I promise that I will do my best, to be true to myself and develop my beliefs.’

I started Guiding when I was about 5 years old, progressing through Rainbows, into Brownies, and eventually into Guides. I was always quite timid, but Guiding was a place where I could be myself free of judgement and could just have fun with my friends.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, I aged out of Guides, and began to discover my identity, meaning I fell away from the association. This was, until 2023, when the units that I grew up in, fell into difficulty. Myself and my childhood best friend, who had gone through Rainbows and Brownies beside me, both decided to rejoin Girlguiding as young leaders to provide girls with the opportunities we had as children.

3 years later, we are both still there, possibly having a bit too much fun for supposed adults, but still spending hours in the very hall that saw our friendship blossom.

Girlguiding’s active stance for inclusion made me feel supported and safe. I am very open about my identity, but I never believed that this would come between me and my love for Guiding.”

Continue reading Eli’s plea for Girlguiding to keep their promise on our blog: https://mermaidsuk.org.uk/news/a-plea-to-girlguiding/

02/09/2026

We rounded off the 2026 Pride season in style at Basingstoke last week. 🏳️‍⚧️ Thank you so much to everyone who came to say hello to us. Whether you came to thank us for supporting you in the past, or came to find out more about our services, we’re so grateful for all the conversations. 🫶🏽

For us, this is what Pride is all about. It’s an opportunity for us to connect with all of you across the country, whenever we can.

But trans pride isn’t just for summer. As the season draws to a close, we want to remind you that we are here for you year-round. 🩷

Did you come and say hello to us at Pride this summer? Tell us in the comments ⬇️

01/09/2026

To trans young people: With school term time starting, we wanted to share some messages of hope and encouragement with you, from your allies and supporters. 🫶🏽🏳️‍⚧️

“As a recently out & proud trans man, it does get better, hang in there! Surround yourself with positive, uplifting people who cheer you on not tear you down!”

“I want you to know that the hateful minority is just that. A minority. You have more support out there than it seems. Together we will overcome. Please know that you can be yourself and you are loved and valued.”

“Stay strong folks. You don't need anyone's permission to be happy. There are old trans folk (like me) who believe in you and are with you.”

“You are not alone. You are the future, keep chipping away, believe in who you are and you will shine. Others cannot dictate who you are in your heart. Everyone should be their authentic self to be truly happy. Never let anyone tell you otherwise.”

We are here for you if you need to talk to someone about how you are feeling. Get in touch with our Support Line via phone, email or webchat. Call 0808 801 0400, email [email protected], or visit our website for webchat support.

If you are concerned about the new schools’ guidance coming into force today and what it might mean for you, we’ve pulled out the key sections to examine what the guidance will mean in practice. You can read this now on our blog: https://mermaidsuk.org.uk/news/schools-guidance-2026-explained/

Allies – let’s share even more love in the comments ⬇️

‘The Keeping Children Safe in Education’ guidance will impact trans children and young people in various aspects of their school life.

27/08/2026

In July, the Department of Education released new statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’, for schools and colleges in England. This guidance will come into effect next week, on 1st September.
Ahead of the autumn term beginning, we’ve worked through the guidance and pulled out the key sections which pertain to trans children and young people in an attempt to set out what the guidance will mean in practice for our community. You can read this now on our blog: https://mermaidsuk.org.uk/news/schools-guidance-2026-explained/

While we hope that this explainer makes it as easy as possible for trans young people and their parents, carers and teachers to advocate for inclusion in their schools and colleges, we are fully aware and concerned that this guidance sets out damaging limitations that will make school life even more difficult for trans children and young people. This may result in increased absenteeism, in turn leading to poorer outcomes for these children.

Children and young people already face so many hurdles as they grow up. It is unconscionable that on top of this, trans young people are reckoning with increasing scrutiny and relentless waves of damaging policies and legislation.
We will continue working with our partners in the sector to advocate for schools’ guidance that supports an accepting and supportive school environment where all students can learn and be their authentic selves.

We will never give up on our vision of a safe, inclusive society where trans children and young people are empowered to live their best lives.

Please remember that if you need to talk to someone about how you are feeling, we are here to listen.

Get in touch with our Support Line via phone, email or webchat. Call 0808 801 0400, email [email protected], or visit our website for webchat support: https://mermaidsuk.org.uk/support-line/

26/08/2026

We can’t believe it’s been a whole month since 2026. 🏳️‍⚧️ Over 150,000 people showed up, smashing last year’s record of 100,000!

Our community is facing ever-increasing scrutiny and relentless waves of damaging policies and legislation.

But we are still here, we are still united, and we aren’t going anywhere. London Trans Pride was proof of that.

Thank you to everyone who showed up to march with us, we hope it was a day you won’t forget.🩷

24/08/2026

Following a review of service demand, we're updating our Support Line opening hours from Tuesday 1st September to better meet the needs of our community.

Our new hours will be:

Mondays and Wednesdays: 10:30am – 6pm
Tuesdays and Thursdays: 1pm – 8:30pm

These changes will allow us to make sure we are there for young people, parents and professionals when they most need to reach us.

We'll be closed on Fridays, when demand is significantly lower, allowing us to focus our resources on the times we're needed most.

These new hours will be updated on our website on the 1st September. Until then, our support line is open from Monday to Friday, 1pm – 8:30pm.

Call: 0808 8010 400
Email: [email protected]
Access webchat at: mermaidsuk.org.uk/support-line/