Beyond Trans
Beyond Trans is an online support service for people struggling with gender distress, medical transition or regret about it, as well as for their parents and families. The initiative is part of the Genspect network and, according to its own description, was launched in 2022 because people who regretted transitioning had nowhere to turn.
What it offers
The site offers free group programmes for those affected, separate groups for parents and families, a directory of therapists, an archive of stories about detransition, and a list of organisations and publications. Beyond Trans emphasises that it provides peer support and information, not psychotherapy, diagnosis or medical treatment.
Background
Genspect was founded in 2021 and advocates a non-medical approach to gender dysphoria. The organisation is controversial and is criticised by advocates of gender-affirming care. Beyond Trans shares this viewpoint and is therefore part of the critical perspectives.
Origins and merger
Beyond Trans launched in June 2022. In June 2025, the Gender Dysphoria Support Network was incorporated into it. This parents' network was founded in March 2020 by psychotherapist Stella O'Malley, who also founded Genspect. Since the merger, the parent groups and the groups for people experiencing regret or doubt have operated under one name. In 2025, the number of weekly peer-support groups was expanded.
Who is behind it
The website names Evelyn Ball as lead clinical coordinator and facilitator, Mark LaPrairie as coordinator, and family physician Katy Hurd as medical director. Other facilitators include psychologist Bret Alderman and psychotherapists Kathryn Hilton and Jennifer Miller. There are open weekly meetings for people experiencing the effects of a transition, people who are questioning their transition, and people who identify as trans but have not yet begun transitioning. There is also a Women's Circle, a women-only group. The service is funded through donations collected via GoFundMe.
Criticism of the network
In June 2024, the Southern Poverty Law Center placed Genspect on its list of anti-LGBTQ hate groups. Genspect opposes bans on conversion therapy that also cover gender identity. The way this debate is unfolding in Northern Ireland is discussed in the article about the Northern Irish law against conversion practices. In November 2022, Genspect advised the Icelandic parliament to remove gender identity from such a bill. Genspect also accepts the concept of rapid-onset gender dysphoria, which, according to Genspect itself, is not an official diagnosis. Anyone consulting Beyond Trans therefore receives support from one strongly defined perspective. The site does not provide figures on the number of participants or on the groups' outcomes.