Gender Spectrum UK opened for business on 2 December 2008 as "Somewhere to discuss what needs to be done on gender variant issues."

What do we mean by gender variant? We are using it in its broadest sense. Here are some examples that might give you a better idea of what we mean:

Androgyne	Intersex (formerly known as Hermaphrodite)
Bigender	Pangender
Cross-dresser	Third gender
Drag queen or king	Trans man or woman
Gender non-conformist	Transgender
Gender Queer	Transsexual
Gender Spectrum	Transvestite

This is not a comprehensive list as we have not included the numerous examples from other cultures, for example, Two spirits; Hijra; Kathoey.

We are using "gender variant" to include anyone who does not fully identify with the sex assigned to them at birth. If we were to list every individual group then many of our messages would become unreadable and many people do not always fit neatly into the boxes.

Why are we here?

Except as stated below, there are no pre-conceived ideas about what needs to be done.

This group is about allowing gender variant people to have a say in what they need and it will be gender variant people who decide what they feel needs to be done. Every gender variant person has individual needs and this group is a place to make them heard. However, this is not a guarantee that every need can or will be met.

This group exists to promote the health, well-being and rights for gender variant people.

What is this group NOT for?

It is not a group for "bashing" other organisations campaigning for gender variant people. It is inevitable that there will be some critical comments as the group looks at areas that need to be addressed, but the focus is on the issues and not the organisations or individuals involved in those organisations.

This is not a support group for gender variant people. However, we will provide information for suitable support groups where known.