Pat's Answer
My parents aren't supportive, but I’d prefer to start HRT or blockers before I’m 18
Your Question
Hello, I’m a 16 year old transgender boy living in Ireland(no doubts at all before you ask and I’m well informed about HRT and gender identity). My parents are anything but supportive but I’d really prefer to start hrt, or even blockers before I’m 18. It’s really hard to find information though so I’m hoping if you could answer these questions for me, please. 1) Is it possible for me to start puberty blockers at age 16 without my parents consent/knowledge. 2) Is it possible for me to start testosterone injections at age 18 without my parents consent/knowledge. Thank you very much for your help.
Answer
Hi there and welcome to Ask Pat.
Thank you very much for taking the time out to contact us. You have asked the following 2 questions: 1.) Is it possible for me to start puberty blockers at age 16 without my parents’ consent/knowledge? 2.) Is it possible for me to start testosterone injections at age 18 without my parents’ consent/knowledge?
You have the right to get the answers to these questions and to obtain any other information that you may need. To ensure that you get the most accurate information, we would suggest that you contact BelongTo, an organisation that supports lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans young people in Ireland. You can find their website here: https://www.belongto.org/ You can call them on 01 670 6223 from Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm or send them an email at [email protected]. You could also visit this website: https://goshh.ie for information about gender and orientation as well as your rights. This organisation also offers support services that you may find helpful. Another option could be to speak to your GP. How would you feel about talking to them? It’s important that you feel that you are listened to and heard and that you get the correct information and support that you deserve.
Childline are also always here if you need someone to talk to. You can contact the Childline team by phone 1800 66 66 66, text 50101 or by chatting online at https://www.childline.ie/. It is a free and confidential service. At Childline you will always be listened to and you will never be judged.
We hope you find this response helpful, and we look forward to hearing from you soon.
Take care,
Pat