Variations in Sex Characteristics Call For Evidence
Call for evidence description
Introduction
The Government Equalities Office (GEO) has launched a call for evidence to provide everyone in the United Kingdom, especially people with variations in sex characteristics, with an opportunity to engage with Government and to tell us in detail about their experiences and what they think Government could or should be doing to improve their lives.
Variations in Sex Characteristics
Our working definition of the umbrella term ‘variations in sex characteristics’ is physical sex development that is different to what is generally expected of males and females.
The sex characteristics of focus here are naturally occurring genetic, chromosomal, gonadal, anatomical and hormonal variations.
In addition to many others, it includes diagnoses such as:
- Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH)
- Hypospadias
- Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome (AIS)
- Klinefelter syndrome
- Turner syndrome
Variations in sex characteristics is the umbrella term we have chosen for this exercise, but we are also aware that there are other terms in use, such as intersex and differences of sex development. When responding to this call for evidence you will have the opportunity to share your views on the term we have used.
A call for evidence is an information gathering process. It is not a consultation, which is a process of gathering views on Government’s legislative or policy proposals.
Alongside the call for evidence, we have also published a technical paper that sets out our current understanding of the evidence base and the relevant policy context.
The Government Equalities Office (GEO) wants all respondents to feel confident that any information they share with us through this call for evidence will be handled sensitively and in confidence.
We understand that having to provide details about your personal experiences when responding to the questions might be difficult. We take this very seriously and have included a list of resources at the end of the call for evidence for people to obtain support.
Once the call for evidence has closed, the Government will review and analyse the responses we receive. We will then publish a report of what we found and a statement detailing any next steps.
Please email all enquiries to VSC.EVIDENCE@geo.gov.uk
