'Being trans is not an illness,' Theresa May says as she vows reform
Theresa May has said the Government will seek to "streamline and de-medicalise" the process of changing gender to reflect that "being trans is not an illness".
Speaking at the Pink News Awards in London, the Prime Minister told a star-studded audience that changes will be made to the Gender Recognition Act in order to reflect updated attitudes towards being transgender.
She said: "We are pressing ahead with inclusive relationships and sex education in English schools, making sure that LGBT issues are taught well.
"We're determined to eradicate homophobic and transphobic bullying.
"We have set out plans to reform the Gender Recognition Act and streamline and de-medicalise the process for changing gender, because being trans is not an illness and it shouldn't be treated as such."
"I'm a proud member of the most diverse parliament in the world, with two out members" says May #PinkNewsAwards
-- PinkNews (@PinkNews) October 18, 2017
The Conservative leader drew rounds of applause for her announcement, and for the mention of Justine Greening's role as Education Secretary.
Ms Greening, who was also present for the ceremony, was the first openly gay woman to serve in a UK cabinet.
