This talk examines the current human rights situation in the United Kingdom regarding autonomy and agency for trans and non-binary communities. 2022 has included various narratives across media and news outlets focusing on the intersection between gender and age. Specifically, the age of 11–25-year-olds and their decisions around their identity regarding medical and political decisions, and when such decisions can be ‘authentically’ made. From public appeals due to misreadings of the Equality Act of 2010 to claims around “harmful” support for young people, the existence of transgender and non-binary support has become a public interest once again as support agencies are questioning their legitimacy.

This talk is based on a qualitative and secondary data analysis of documents including news articles, charity statements, and social media coverage to explore narratives around age, gender and structural barriers. The research discussion is centered on the impacts of such media and news coverage to analyse perceptions of the public, and the impact of young gender-fluid people and aims to explore how the intersections impact support provisions and the LGBTQ+ communities in the UK.