Being a trans boy in Spain and Europe

What is it like to be a trans boy? Resources and rights in Spain and Europe

To be a trans boy means to be a person who was assigned female at birth, but whose gender identity is male.. Not all trans boys choose to transition medically or surgically; transition can be social, legal and/or medical, depending on the needs and desires of each person. The term "trans" is the most widely used term, as it avoids pathologizing connotations associated with "transsexual".

Resources for trans kids in Spain

Spain has a wide network of resources for trans kids and trans people in general, especially in big cities like Madrid and Barcelona. These resources include:

- Psychological and emotional support: Organizations such as Apoyo Positivo and Transexualia offer individual and group psychological care, accompaniment in the process of gender affirmation and prevention of social isolation..

- Legal counseling and legal advice: Legal counseling services are available to facilitate procedures such as changing name and sex on official documents, as well as to deal with cases of discrimination or hate crimes.

- Comprehensive health care: Access to trans-specific medical care, including advice on hormone treatments and surgeries, as well as sexual health prevention and awareness.

- Education and awareness: Workshops, trainings and trainings for professionals, families and trans people, promoted by entities such as Chrysallis and the State Federation LGTBI+..

- Leisure and socialization: Safe spaces for sharing experiences, sports and cultural activities, and support groups such as COGAM and GMadrid Sports.

Legal framework in Spain: Trans Law

The Law for the real and effective equality of trans people and for the guarantee of LGTBI rights, known as the Trans Law, was passed in 2023 and represented a historic step forward.. Among its key points are:

- Gender self-determination from the age of 16 years old without the need for medical reports or previous treatment. Between 14 and 16 years of age, parental consent is required, and between 12 and 14 years of age, judicial approval is required..

- Prohibition of conversion therapies and "intersex normalization" surgeries on minors, except for medical exceptions.

- Protection in the educational sphere, garantizando el trato conforme a la identidad de género y medidas contra el acoso escolar.

- Facilities for the change of name and legal sex in official documents, including in official documents, including for migrants with legal residence in Spain..

Situation in Europe: protection and challenges

- Leading countries in trans rights: Spain, Malta, Denmark and Portugal have advanced gender self-determination and legal protection, allowing name and sex changes without strict medical requirements.

- Countries with restrictions: In Hungary and Poland, laws have been passed that hinder or even prohibit the legal recognition of trans people, and in some cases transphobic institutional discourses have been promoted.

- Current trends: While some countries are moving towards equality and protection, others are moving backwards or maintaining legal and social barriers, creating an unequal Europe in terms of trans rights.