Transsexual people suffering with gender dysphoria are a very small proportion of patients seeking medical support and care from General Practitioners. Undergraduate medical training often ignores the needs of patients with gender dysphoria. As such, clinicians are often unclear on how best to help patients when they seek assistance. Stigma associated with sex, gender and the classification of gender dysphoria within psychiatry nomenclature are further barriers to providing good care.

Fortunately, there is a growing awareness and recognition that services for this group of service users must change. There are excellent examples of good practice worldwide and with the Internet and easier access to information on these ideologies can be identified more easily.

This special edition of “Sexologies” brings together 10 commendable articles which will provide the general reader with the breadth of information that is necessary to provide a valuable package of support for their patients. Often, it is the imparting of information and the legitimising of the experience and symptoms which are of most importance and value to patients. By helping them to understand what each of the different specialists may offer within the clinical pathway, there can be shared understanding and acceptance of why various appointments are being offered. Patients need to know that they should not disguise their symptoms or describe only details that they think their doctors want to hear. Likewise, those providing clinical care have to be increasingly mindful and respectful of the needs of their informed patients with whom a meaningful partnership is necessary. This will ensure an uneventful and supported transition to take place without undue delay or distress to their patients and those close to them.