UK Launches Comprehensive Study on Transgender Youth's Health and Care

In July 2025, King's College London announced the launch of a groundbreaking study to investigate the health and well-being of transgender and gender non-conforming young people in Britain. The research, which is part of a £10.7 million initiative, aims to track the mental, physical, and social experiences of up to 3,000 children and teenagers who have sought treatment from the country's National Health Service.

The study will conduct annual surveys to assess the participants' quality of life, body image, and gender identity. This comes at a time when the UK has seen a sharp increase in the number of young people seeking support from gender services in recent years, with a particular rise in individuals registered female at birth.

The research is crucial as it seeks to address the lack of robust evidence on long-term outcomes for youth receiving gender-related treatments. This uncertainty has contributed to polarization in the public debate around transgender care. By listening to the stories and journeys of these young people, the researchers hope to build a comprehensive understanding that can guide the healthcare system in providing the best possible support.

The study is observational in nature, meaning researchers will not alter any treatments the participants are receiving. Instead, they will focus on understanding the diverse experiences of these young people and the care they access over time. This data will be invaluable in informing future policies and practices to support the health and well-being of transgender and gender non-conforming youth in Britain.