By Sophie Molly
“One day they may thank us for that “abuse”’: Inside the Bayswater Support Group.’’ This is the horrifying headline of an article by the Bureau of Investigative Journalism.
The article investigates the Bayswater Support Group, a private Discord community for parents of trans and nonbinary children, revealing disturbing practices and its role in anti-trans advocacy. Members discuss efforts to stop their children from transitioning, including restricting support, isolating them from resources like Childline, and even engaging in conversion therapy. The group has connections with conservative politicians and has influenced policies that have negatively impacted trans rights in the UK, including a weakening of domestic abuse guidelines for trans individuals.
Posts on the Discord Server describe abusive behaviors, such as destroying gender-affirming items like pride flags and binders, and withholding support for gender-affirming treatments. Despite these actions being potentially considered abuse, the group lobbied successfully to water down legal protections. Bayswater’s actions have also contributed to a broader political climate that has rolled back trans rights in the UK, with many trans youth facing increased challenges.
The article highlights the harmful effects of such practices, with real-life testimonies from young trans individuals like Rebecca, who endured emotional and physical abuse from their parents, and the broader societal impacts as the group’s influence grows. The piece emphasizes the importance of supporting trans children and families in acceptance, and the ongoing activism by trans youth to demand recognition and rights in policy decisions.
Truly Horrifying
This is completely horrifying in of itself, but it get worse! Evidence from the Bayswater Support Group forms part of the Cass Review. A review commissioned in 2020 by NHS England and NHS Improvement to look into gender identity services for children and young people in England. The UK government cited the Cass Review as the reason for indefinitely banning puberty blockers for treating gender dysphoria in under 18s. The implication of this is so very disturbing.
The already universally discredited review is now associated with child abuse and conversion therapy. An independent review into Cass must take place urgently. Denying vulnerable children medicine can only be described as cruel and draconian. The very fact that the ban was put in place off the back of an extremely controversial report is unconscionable. Children are not being protected, they are being made to suffer. The article proves beyond doubt that the Cass Report was ideologically driven by anti-trans hate and bigotry.
A Promise Broken
In July 2024 Labour promised to ban gay and trans conversion therapy. The Labour government has yet to fulfill the promises. The Cass Review being associated with such barbaric practice adds further shame on the governments’ broken promises to the trans community. So far the Labour government have demonstrated nothing but contempt for trans people. They are allowing transphobia to run unfettered through the ranks of their party. From transphobic counselers to a Health Secretary seemingly void of any empathy, they really are twisting the knife on trans rights.
A Call To Action
So what can you to help stop this injustice? The following is action you can take right now to help trans children and young people in the UK:
- Email your MP. Tell them that Cass Review is not fit for purpose. Tell them that it took evidence from an organistion that supports trans conversion therapy and the abuse of children and young people.
- Tell your local media outlets about the horrific abuse of vunerable trans children.
- Reach out to your trans and non-binary friends. Let them know that you care and you fully support them.
- Sign the following Petition to lift the Puberty Blocker Ban in the UK. https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/702538
This is just a handful of very important steps you can take. The most important thing you can do is to call out transphobia whenever it appears. Trans voices are being drowned out by the loud voices of hate. Trans people need you more than ever right now. Let them know that you stand with them shoulder to shoulder in the ongoing fight for trans rights and trans liberation.
References
- TBIJ. (2024). ‘One day they may thank us for that “abuse”’: Inside the Bayswater…. [online] Available at: https://www.thebureauinvestigates.com/stories/2024-07-02/one-day-they-may-thank-us-for-that-abuse-inside-the-bayswater-support-group [Accessed 24 Feb. 2025].
- Cass, H. (2024). Final Report – Cass Review. [online] cass.independent-review.uk. Available at: https://cass.independent-review.uk/home/publications/final-report/.
- How the Cass Review Interim Report Impacts Schools and Educational Settings In od on. (n.d.). Available at: https://bayswatersupport.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/The-Cass-Review-The-significance-for-educational-settings.pdf.
- Brand, P. (2024). Labour government will ban gay and trans ‘conversion therapy’. ITV News. [online] doi:https://doi.org/10T101051.459.
- Department of Health and Social Care (2024). Ban on puberty blockers to be made indefinite on experts’ advice. [online] GOV.UK. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/ban-on-puberty-blockers-to-be-made-indefinite-on-experts-advice.
About the Author
Sophie Molly is a dedicated political activist and intersectional feminist committed to advancing policies that promote inclusivity and equality. Sophie’s work emphasizes the importance of recognizing interconnected forms of oppression and advocating for comprehensive solutions that benefit all individuals, regardless of gender identity.
