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Increasing numbers of children identifying as transgender are being given medical treatment that could have “grave consequences” for their wellbeing in adult life, a feminist academic has claimed.

Lecturer Julia Long has organised a conference tomorrow questioning why more young people are being diagnosed with gender dysphoria.

The number of patients who feel “born in the wrong body” attending London’s gender identity clinics has soared, with the Tavistock Clinic reporting doubled numbers on its books in a year, up from 697 referrals to 1,398.

The Thinking Differently: Feminists Questioning Gender Politics event, at Conway Hall in Holborn, will see academics and activists discussing the physical and psychological consequences of puberty-blocking drugs for children. It follows a report from Parliament’s Women and Equalities Committee calling for a new self-declaration system for people to legally change their gender, filling in a form instead of needing a doctor’s approval.

Tomorrow’s conference will examine the implications of transgenderism for women’s rights and the protection of women, plus the pressure on wives and partners of men who transition.

Organisers said the debate is needed urgently and criticised the stifling of discussion by critics who label it “transphobic” and “no-platform” those who challenge them.

Speakers include author Julie Bindel, vlogger Magdalen Berns and Professor Sheila Jeffreys, author of Gender Hurts: A Feminist Analysis Of The politics Of Transgenderism.

Dr Long, a sociology lecturer at Anglia Ruskin University, said: “Parents understand their child as ‘transgender’ through seeing documentaries and even celebrity features on television.

“The stories mean parents and children believe a child’s feelings of discomfort at not fitting into stereotypical roles of masculinity or femininity are best addressed through ‘transitioning’.

“The widespread acceptance of these ideas is facilitating a wave of medical interventions that are likely to have grave consequences for children in their future adult lives.”

She added: “Currently, critical questions are being silenced by accusations of ‘transphobia’. This needs to change, as debate is urgently needed.”

Dr Long said she was “devastated” at the way the issue had split feminist campaigners. She has clashed with food blogger and trans activist Jack Monroe, who told her on Channel 4 News: “Trans women are women and it is not for you to say that trans women are men and it’s not for you to say that being transgender is some kind of frivolous lifestyle choice.”

Last month actor Rupert Everett expressed concerns about parents who seek medical treatment for children who question their gender.

Thinking Differently: Feminists Questioning Gender Politics starts at 10am tomorrow at Conway Hall in Red Lion Square, Holborn. Tickets from £15 at eventbrite.co.uk