A new “coming out guide” for young people who think they might be transgender has been launched by LGBT Youth Scotland.

It is aimed at all those in the “trans community”, including transsexuals, cross-dressers, androgynes and polygender people.

The guide contains sections on coming out to friends, family, partners, and at school, university, college or work.

Those thinking of coming out at school, it advises, should speak to a guidance teacher or headteacher to discuss how the school will offer support; ask for a copy of the school’s anti-bullying policy to ensure it mentions transphobia; and get advice from support groups and online resources.

Also included is advice for family and friends and steps that young people can take in order to begin to change from living one gender to another - dressing in different clothes, changing the way you talk, adjusting mannerisms, changing your hair, changing your name, taking hormones and surgery.

The guide, however, recommends starting with minor changes.

www.gires.org.ukassetsSchoolsTransphobicBullying.pdf; www.lgbtyouth.org.uknewstrans-guide.htm.