Information about GIDS and our team members
Discover more
Information and guidance for young people
Advice and guidance for professionals
Find out what is happening at GIDS and catch up with media coverage
GIDS is no longer accepting referrals onto our service.Find information about the national referral system >>.
Hi, my name is Mack.
I identify as a Transman; I go by he/him.
I am currently working on becoming a professional tattooist.
Some cookies, like those used to measure how you use our website, are not needed for our website to work.
These cookies can help us make our website better, but we’ll only use them if you say it’s OK.
I came out in 2012 at the age of 14. I had got my haircut only a couple weeks prior.
My family’s response to coming out was strangely okay and I was taken straight to my GP for a referral, however I had to re-come out a few months later and it was then that I realised my family weren’t going to be as supportive as I hoped. I dealt with severe bullying and my family gave near to no support.
I hoped for support, help discovering myself and to build a future for myself.
I remember being extremely excited, but I was nervous for what was to come.
I was referred to UCLH and was put onto blockers for a year. I am now 5 months on Testosterone, with an appointment with an adult clinic and I am only just turning 18.
Most helpful:
The support and constant motivation.
Least helpful:
I couldn’t find a flaw in the service, even if I tried.
Be patient. Also, not everyone will accept you and that is fine.
To complete my transition and finally find comfort in myself.
To families:
Support your child. Understand this is NOT a choice, and having their feelings and trust being neglected can be traumatising.
To young people:
Patience is key. For example; I really didn’t want to go on blockers, because I didn’t want to waste time, but that year of being hormone free made me see A LOT of things much more clearer.