Gender diverse and trans(gender) children: how can a GP support families and affirm children?
10 Jun 2025
While medical care options for trans children are unnecessary until puberty, families seek advice from GPs for young children. Parents seek a GP who listens, affirms the child rather than dismissing concerns, is respectful, kind and willing to learn.
Some children are clear about being trans from the age of three, while others do not feel like either boys or girls (non-binary), and others are exploring gender.
Children thrive when they can express their preferred gender through clothing, people use their preferred pronouns, and sometimes they choose a different name.
Parents can benefit from the support of other parents to navigate healthcare, legal documentation and education settings. GPs can provide letters of support.
Article provided by Dr Cris Townley
Resources
Support for Trans, Gender Diverse and Non-Binary Children and their Families
Why is family support important
Supporting trans and gender diverse children in early education environments
The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne, Australian Standards of Care and Treatment Guidelines