Veteran trans campaigner: ‘Cass review has potential for positive change’

Stephen Whittle talks about life for young trans people in the 1970s and now, and the influence of anti-trans' views today

When Stephen Whittle transitioned as a teenager in 1975, he was one of only a handful of young people in the UK to be offered hormone treatment and, later, surgery.

Almost half a century later - much of it spent fighting for trans rights - he said there was masses" he agreed with in this week's review of the NHS's gender identity services by Hilary Cass. He said he also believed the report had been influenced by groups and individuals with transphobic" views, and said the potential for positive change must be backed with resources".