The parents of a transgender teenager who took his own life are advocating for increased support for young individuals awaiting gender-affirming care. Jason Pulman, 15, was found dead in Hampden Park, Eastbourne, East Sussex, in April 2022 after being on an NHS gender identity service waiting list for over two years. Referred in 2020, Jason faced a daunting 26-month wait just for his first appointment.
In April, an inquest jury determined that systemic failures by multiple services responsible for Jason’s care may have contributed to his tragic death. Mark Pulman, Jason’s stepfather, observed a growing frustration in his stepson due to the prolonged lack of support, noting, “I know it broke Jason.” His mother, Emily, has urged national services to provide more resources for trans youth, emphasizing the need for regular engagement that addresses overall mental health, not just gender issues.
The closure of England’s only youth gender clinic, the Tavistock Centre, has exacerbated the problem. According to information gathered by PA Media, more than 5,700 under-18s are currently waiting an average of 100 weeks for their first appointment. Jason’s stepfather believes these numbers are vastly underestimated and stresses the importance of faster responses and comprehensive emotional support for families.
Mark Pulman advocates for a proactive approach from families, urging them to stay engaged and push for information and support. He also emphasizes that being transgender and suicide are not inherently linked and encourages families to support their children wholeheartedly. “If your child feels they are transgender, you’ve got to believe them and support them,” he asserts, adding that families must not let the system dictate their course of action but instead actively seek the necessary support, including counseling for the entire family.
Suicide prevention resources are available for those affected by these issues, including the Samaritans and Mind in the UK, and the National Suicide Prevention Line in the US.
