March 2025 – Andro & Eve

We are posting this today to raise awareness of the grave and harmful situation many trans and non-binary people in Sheffield and thousands across England find themselves in.

At Andro & Eve we are working hard behind the scenes to raise awareness of this issue with elected officials, but we wanted to take some time to raise awareness more widely and encourage allies to stand up for trans healthcare. Actions you can take can be found at the end of this post.

Transgender adults taking HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) are being forced to medically detransition by local GP practices, resulting in medical neglect of the transgender community.

This is not a new issue and has been ongoing for some time now. Adults who have been assessed and diagnosed through NHS pathways and have been receiving hormonal medication for years without issue, are now having their prescriptions stopped. Many GP practices are claiming this is an ‘additional service outside of their expertise’ and that GICs (Gender Identity Clinics) should prescribe. GICs, however, as a secondary care provider, have consistently stated that prescribing falls under the responsibility of a patient’s primary care provider i.e. GPs.

Two weeks ago in Sheffield, in a particularly shocking example, one GP practice wrote to all their transgender patients to say they would no longer be prescribing HRT. This is particularly outrageous, given that cisgender adults taking these hormones for hormone differences or menopause are not having these medications removed from them. It is a case of wilful transphobia and medical neglect of the transgender community.

This medical neglect is dangerous for trans people, and is likely to cause huge impacts on trans peoples’ mental and physical health ** It is unacceptable that transgender adults, who will have already endured unacceptably long waiting times to access gender affirming care, are then having this care stopped by GP’s. With increasing numbers of GP’s ceasing treatment, trans people in Sheffield and elsewhere are being left with nowhere to turn for their healthcare.

There are different reasons for the cessation of HRT prescriptions for trans people. These include guidance that was issued wrongly by the Royal College of GP’s (RCGP) in 2024 that was then updated, (read more about this via TransActual). Misinformation that HRT is dangerous, spread by those with transphobic agendas, is also having an impact and also the fact that many GP’s are currently working to rule, short of strike action. Much of these issues stem from a lack of action by the government to tackle the mounting issues in the NHS.

Whatever the reasons, stopping essential healthcare for trans people is unjust, discriminatory and yet another example of how political inaction leads to harms for the most marginalised.

At Andro & Eve we are working hard behind the scenes to advocate for those affected by these harmful and transphobic practices and will be writing to the local Integrated Care Board (ICB) who oversee NHS patient care for local populations.

How Can I Take Action?

If you are trans or non-binary and have been refused HRT by your GP, we would encourage you to complete TransActual’s survey. They are collating data in order to advocate on this issue. Trans Actual also have a useful guide ‘My GP is Refusing to Prescribe my HRT’ with steps to take in terms of complaints. Remember, the General Medical Counsel has stated that GP’s

“ must not refuse to provide a patient with medical services because the patient is proposing to undergo, is undergoing, or has undergone gender reassignment.”
– General Medical Council

We’d also encourage you to seek support, whether that be from friends or local services or groups. We include a list of local support groups in our regular newsletter and national helplines are listed below. Trans Unite also lists trans specific support.

If you are not trans but want to take action we would encourage you to write to your local MP. They need to be aware of this issue and the way it is causing distress and harm to those in their constituencies. Trans people should not be discriminated against in this way.

We have attached a template to write to your MP below. If you are in South Yorkshire and write to your MP, please let us know if you get a response and the outcome.

If you would like to be kept informed of our work on trans liberation, you can subscribe to our Gender Awareness specific newsletter here.

Letter-to-Mp-Trans-Healthcare-2025 Download

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Helplines

Switchboard are the national LGBTQIA+ support line. Call them on 0800 0119 100 or email hello@switchboard.lgbt

Samaritans are available to lend an ear 24/7 Call them on 116 223

Notes

** Trans people who have undergone surgeries rely on HRT (hormone replacement therapy) for normal hormone function. With access to HRT, transgender individuals can be at severe risk of decreased bone density, cardiovascular issues and metabolic issues.

Andro and Eve is looking to recruit new board members and a Chair of the Board. If you’re based in the North of England, have strong communication and interpersonal skills and are looking for a new challenge, this opportunity could be for you!

As a social enterprise, our organisation is strategically guided by a board of Directors. Non Executive Directors are unpaid advisors who support the governance of Andro and Eve, contributing expertise to the organisation’s development, sustainability and reputation.

We would like to work with people who share our values and have a strong set of skills and experiences. It is a unique opportunity to help support a dynamic South Yorkshire arts organisation and build connections with likeminded people.

Contract: Voluntary.
Duration: 2 years minimum (1 year for those with no previous board experience).
Commitment: 4 board meetings + 1 away day per year + 2 hrs per month
Start Date: April onwards to be negotiated.
Location: Mostly remote, occasional in person meetings in Sheffield.
Renumeration: This is a volunteer role. Travel expenses can be reimbursed. Further info can be found in the recruitment pack.

You’ll be joining the board at an exciting time for Andro and Eve as we launch new client focused offers around our training, embark on new work around trans liberation, and implement a new fundraising strategy and business action plan.

We understand that you may want to get involved for a variety of reasons, and welcome applications from people from a range of sectors, backgrounds or experience levels. We are particularly interested in hearing from people who have knowledge or experience in one or more the following areas:

– HR / People Management / Policy
– Financial Management or Planning
– Business Development
– Third Sector (charities, social enterprises)
– Marketing / PR / Communications
– Culture or heritage – leadership or project management

Previous trustee / board experience is not essential, more important is the willingness to use your skills and expertise to support the organisation’s development and resilience.

As well as supporting a diverse range of artists, our core team and board bring a range of perspectives to our organisation and we would encourage people who are currently underrepresented on boards to apply, including those who are Black, Asian or of the Global Majority, those who have faced socio-economic barriers, and those with disabilities. Andro and Eve are committed to further building representation across our team in respect of protected characteristics.

Although we believe strongly in being led by and for the community we serve, board members do not need to be LGBTQ+ identified and we welcome different perspectives and life experiences.

Directors should be able to commit themselves to the role for a minimum period of 2 years. We have a 1 year commitment in place for those who are keen to offer support but are not sure if board membership is right for them.

Benefits: –

– 2 x Complimentary tickets per year to Andro & Eve events
– Travel expenses within the North of England will be covered
– Refreshments provided for in person meetings / away days
– Gender Awareness Training will be given as part of this role

This role is offered on an expenses only basis, with the understanding that you are giving your time to grow and develop the work of Andro and Eve. Where additional duties are requested or where a director would not be able to participate in board business owing to loss of income, fees can be paid to non-executive directors.

To apply: Please download our Director Recruitment Pack below to read more about the role and how to apply.

If you have any questions or wish to request an informal conversation about the role with our Artistic Director, Finn Warman, details of how to do so are also in the pack.

Application Deadline: 9am Monday 19 May
Interview date: Flexible
Start Date: April – June to be negotiated

When applying for the role we also ask you to complete our online Equal Opportunities form. A link for this is also in the recruitment pack.

Director-Recruitment-Pack-2025.docx Download

FAQ’s

Can the role be worked only remotely?
For the most part, yes, however we do need you to be able to attend occasional in person events and meetings in Sheffield therefore you need to be able to travel to Sheffield.

What is a Director and why does Andro and Eve have them?

I’m not in the North of England, can I apply?

We define the North of England to include the East and West Midlands, but we do need board members to be a commutable distance from Sheffield as we do not have finances to accommodate long distance travel.

When do board meetings take place?

Currently, board meetings take place online late afternoon or early evenings Monday – Wednesday. This may change depending on the availability of new board members.

How much time do I need to commit?

As a board member you will be expected to attend quarterly board meetings as well as additional meetings as required to the demands of the company. An extra 1-2 hours per month is a realistic guide to cover time to reply to emails, check any urgent communications, and sign off key decisions / documents.

I only have one reference, is this an issue?
We ask for references in order that we can check that the experience you have outlined in your application has been gained in a previous role. As stated in the recruitment pack, this does not need to be a paid role, or even an employment. They could be anyone who knows you in a professional or volunteer capacity. But they should be able to speak about the skills you have related to this role.

If you have a question that is not answered above, please feel free to download the recruitment pack and get in touch.

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