An illiterate trans man who needs 24-hour support has been deemed fit enough consent to changing their gender.
The 22-year-old, who reportedly had a difficult personal history and a string of serious problems, was born female but now identifies as a transgender man.
A hearing at the Administrative Court ruled the transgender man, known as AI, could receive surgery to remove healthy breast tissue.
They can also receive hormone treatment which the NHS warns can lead to blood clots, gallstones and infertility.
General view of The Tavistock Centre, Belsize Lane, LondonPAAI’s inability to read or write meant a statement was submitted through their solicitor.
Their childhood also included several difficult moments, including a mother recovering from drug addiction.
They later cared for their disabled grandmother and as a young teenager entered the care system.
Addressing AI’s background, the court said: “The circumstances of his early life are significantly distressing and can only provoke profound sympathy.
A Pride flag seen above Twickenham, LondonPA“Although he cannot yet read or write he has been able to make a statement through his solicitor.
“He records that his childhood was chaotic. His mother was a recovering drug addict, he saw her subjected to domestic violence and witnessed her taking drugs.
“He would go back and forth between her and his grandmother and when around 11 or 12 years old, AI went into his grandmother’s care.
“He records moving all the time, living in numerous different places in the South East and spending a lot of time with his grandmother, who is disabled, whom he cared for, and with whom he is in fact, once again, currently living, although he reports difficulties with that relationship. At about 13 or 14 AI went into the care system.”
AI also has a total of 14 diagnoses, including Mild Mental Retardation and Attachment Disorder.
Emotion Dysregulation, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) and (Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), dyslexia, severe anxiety, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD and low self-esteem are among the other medical issues identified in the hearing.
AI’s mental health issues mean Wandsworth Council provides an Extended Health and Care Plan.
Despite several noteworthy issues, R (AI) v London Borough of Wandsworth and Secretary of State for Education ruled the 22-year-old could receive treatment.
An image of Wandsworth Town Hall
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The court judgment said: “The Claimant was assigned female gender at birth, but identifies as male.
“He was referred to the Gender Identity Clinic (‘GIC’) at the Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust (‘the Tavistock’), when he was about 14.”
It added: “He has been approved for testosterone treatment with gender affirming surgery known as a Subcutaneous Mastectomy.”
GB News has approached Wandsworth Borough Council for comment.
