Being transgender: I knew when I was 12

This 17-year-old explains what it's like to transition from being a female to a male and why he likes nothing more than having a cold.

The number of young people being referred to support services for help with transgender issues has gone up fivefold in four years, according to figures released exclusively to Radio 1's Newsbeat.

The Tavistock and Portman Clinic in London, a national centre helping under-18s from across the UK, says 441 young people came to them for assessment in 2013/14

That's compared to 91 in 2009/2010.

It's thought better awareness of LGBT issues could be behind the rise.

FULL STORY: Referrals for young transgender people increase

If you need help or advice on any issues raised in this article see the BBC Advice pages

Follow @BBCNewsbeat on Twitter, BBCNewsbeat on Instagram and Radio1Newsbeat on YouTube

  • Newsbeat