Healthcare Without Barriers

Joanne Lockwood is joined by Dr Helen Webberley, founder of GenderGP, to examine why healthcare can still feel out of reach for transgender, non-binary, and gender-diverse people.

They discuss the barriers that show up at the first point of contact in primary care: fear of being judged, inconsistent GP knowledge, cancelled appointments, and the “postcode lottery” of support. Helen argues that much of what is treated as “specialist” work is already familiar clinical practice—managing and monitoring hormones, prescribing off-label when appropriate, and using informed consent—yet trans patients are too often routed into long waits and gatekeeping.

The conversation also tackles the role of regulation and public debate in shaping clinician confidence, including concerns about litigation, GMC scrutiny, and the impact of politicised narratives on day-to-day care. Joanne shares a contrasting experience of receiving highly supportive GP care, highlighting what good looks like and how it could become the norm.

Finally, they reflect on NHS England guidance for trans youth and the importance of evidence-based, humane policy, calling for stronger allyship and louder, collective advocacy to reduce harm and create healthcare without barriers.