Statistics

The majority of Transgender and Transsexual persons are male-to-female (“MTF”). We have compiled the following statistics from the Gender Recognition Panel (GRP) reports.

We know from empirical studies, that the majority of those under the Transgender Umbrella are MTF, and although the figures vary, but they usually fall between 70/30 to 85/15 MTF/FTM respectively. This range is also confirmed by the GRP statistics.

Additionally, there are age differences linked to sex. The majority of female-to-male (FTM) transitioners are younger, usually under 30. The majority of MTF transitioners are older, or “late-transitioners”. Whilst we could not extract the breakdown from the available GRP data, the general trends in age and sex do support this.

One issue with MTF late-transitioners, who have lived most of their lives as men, they generally appear still-male (or as cross-dressers) to most people. This impacts women-only service providers such as DV shelters, whilst the shelters may be willing to provide spaces for MTF transgenders, the other service-users will frequently see them as male cross-dressers.

Another statistical problem with transgender-recognition and women’s equality is that, due to the number of late-transitioners who have worked all/most of their lives as men, in male-dominated careers – and many continue in the same field – Equality Monitoring counts these individuals as ‘women in a male-dominated field, or senior management’. What this means, in effect, is that nothing has changed in terms of equal opportunity for FAAB women, but the statistics will indicate otherwise because MTF transgenders are counted as “female”.

In the following GRP statistics, these are figures based on full certificates being granted in the first instance, and figures do not include Interim Certificates granted, nor Interim Certificates that go onto a full GRC. An Interim Certificate is granted to applicants where there is an existing marriage or civil partnership that is to be dissolved before a full certificate can be issued. See Note #5 on any of the Quarterly GRP Bulletins for more information. Interim Certificates issued are around 4% of the total number of certificates issued. For the period 04 Apr 2005 to 31 Jan 2010 a total of 2,551 full certificates issued, 140 Interim Certificates issued, making a total of 2,671 certificates issued for the (almost) five year period. In the intervening period, an estimated further 455+ Full and Interim Certificates have been issued, bringing the total certificates issued to an estimate of between 3,100-3,200 to date. With 20-30 applications per month (approximately 85% being successful on first application of a Full Certificate) the total number of persons being issued GRCs grows by approximately 280-300 per annum. The prediction based on past figures and trends is that just under 4,000 certificates will have been issued by 2014, and around 5,000 certificates will have been issued by 2017. The application trend has been stable for the last 2-3 years of GRP statistics and shows no sign of decline.

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Statistics – Sex of Transitioner

In the available statistics (just over a two year period, Q3 2009 to Q3 2011) the average split was 76% MTF and 24% FTM.

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Statistics – Age of Transition (Gender Recognition Certificate)

As can be seen from the data below, the majority of Gender Recognition Certificates are issued to “late transitioners” (62%), almost two thirds. Those aged 61+ (11%), aged 51-60 (26%), aged 41-50 (25%), moderately late transitioners (21%), and younger transitioners (17%).

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Statistics – Fee Payments

According to the 2008 Minutes of the GRP, the majority of transitioners do not pay a fee for the Gender Recognition Certificate.

Details of the break down of application fees for applications received from 1st April 2008 to 31st October 2008

  • Full Fee – 41 (23%)
  • Reduced Fee – 31 (17%)
  • Exemption of Fee – 109 (60%)

The full fee is currently £140 for those who earn £27,005 and over. The reduced fee of £30 for those earning between £18,008 and £27,005. Fee exemption for those earning less than £18,008 and/or on various benefits. See the explanation of fees.

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Source for all charts above:

Copies of the above documents are now stored on our website (if the links should move). Please see the page Statistics – Source Material, for the above and additional documents.