Trans people are outraged after being listed as ‘mentally ill’ by a London council.

A housing form sent to thousands of people by Camden Council in north London asked people to check boxes.

‘Transsexualism’ was listed as a ‘mental illness’, alongside dementia, severe alcoholism and schizophrenia.

Council bosses initially insisted their classification was taken from international medical guidelines.

It was only later when the council, which prides itself on being LGBTI-friendly, realized it was using out-dated manuals that also listed being gay as a mental illness.

Nigel Harris, acting director of Camden LGBT Forum, told the Ham & High newspaper: ‘My colleagues and I were gobsmacked to see it on the list.

‘Firstly, the word transsexualism is archaic and loaded with connotations that bring back memories of discrimination and of it being seen as a disease.

‘The fact that it’s listed alongside such serious mental illnesses is also very upsetting to the trans community, and it could cause real tensions if people are led to believe what the council appears to be saying.’

‘As of 2012, transsexualism and gender dysphoria are no longer diagnosed as a mental illness. Defining it as such is completely outdated and really quite offensive.’

A council spokesman said it had not sought to cause offence, but insisted ‘gender identity disorders are classified by medical professionals within the category of mental health and are diagnosed as such.’

They added: ‘We always seek to promote inclusion and equality across the community regardless of race, religion, gender and sexuality.

‘After speaking to our medical assessment officer we will be changing the following terms on our forms; “mental illness” to “mental health condition”, and “transsexualism” to “gender dysphoria”.’