Concerns Rise Over Göteborg Gender Clinic's Restrictive Practices Amid High Referral Rejection Rates

The gender identity clinic in Göteborg faces mounting criticism as it rejects over 75% of referrals for gender-affirming care, far exceeding rejection rates at other Swedish clinics. Patients and advocacy groups warn that these restrictive practices are exacerbating difficulties for transgender and non-binary individuals seeking treatment in Sweden.

Keoni, a 23-year-old non-binary patient, and Julia Niklasson, a 21-year-old trans woman, share their struggles with the Göteborg clinic's refusal to provide timely care. After waiting three years, Keoni was denied treatment and is now pursuing care in Stockholm, facing an additional multi-year wait. Niklasson has turned to private therapy due to the clinic's inaction on her referral.

Protests organized by Morwyn le Fay and Transhälsoplattformen outside the clinic highlight widespread dissatisfaction. Several trans organizations have warned individuals against seeking care at Göteborg, citing risks of denial disproportionately impacting youths and those with neuropsychiatric conditions. Marion Englaborn, chair of RFSL Göteborg, expressed concern over the severe mental health consequences, including suicide risks, that may result from denied access to care.

Despite this, Göteborg clinic management, including Per Albertsson, defends their cautious approach, emphasizing thorough individual evaluations especially sensitive to autism diagnoses and non-binary identities. This stance runs counter to national guidelines from Socialstyrelsen, which advise against denying care on such grounds. The clinic recently ended collaboration with RFSL over accusations of hostility and misinformation following media coverage of the protests.

Patients like Keoni have filed complaints over perceived discrimination against non-binary individuals, underscoring deep frustrations with the clinic’s restrictive criteria and prolonged wait times. Many seek alternative treatment options, including abroad, as they worry that continuing delays will irreversibly impact their well-being during critical youth years.

The situation at Göteborg's gender identity clinic spotlights stark differences in care standards across Sweden and fuels calls for aligned practices that ensure equitable, timely access to gender-affirming treatment.