‘Transphobic bullying is rife’: a 15-year-old trans boy’s view of coming out at school

Newton Carey gives his view after draft guidance was issued by the UK government

• There is no general duty' to allow children to change their gender, teachers advised

I was always very masculine when I was growing up telling my mum I didn't want to wear dresses, but I didn't have the words to explain what I felt until I was 11. That year I came out as a trans boy to my family, who were shocked and confused at first but gave me unwavering support.

A few months later I told my school, in a letter to my form teacher. The very first thing that happened was he went to the headteacher who immediately called my mum, asking her if she knew I was trans and if she was OK with it. I wasn't included in the conversation at all.