Open letter to GRC panel members on assessment process
Helen addresses the Gender Recognition Certificate panel about the purpose and impact of their decision-making on trans people's lives.12 February 2026
The Gender Recognition Certificate process exists to validate and support people's identities, yet many who go through it describe feeling scrutinised, judged, or disbelieved. Helen's open letter speaks directly to panel members about what this process should actually do and how it affects the people standing before them.
When someone applies for legal recognition of their gender, they deserve an assessment grounded in understanding rather than scepticism. The panel's role is to facilitate, not to gatekeep or interrogate someone's right to exist as they are.
Read Helen's full letter to discover what she believes the GRC process could become if centred on genuine support and recognition.