Public libraries throughout the U.K. have begun stocking books meant to “help” parents of transgender children, encouraging methods for detransition and conversion therapy. QueerAF, an LGBTQ news outlet, investigated the availability of books discussing conversion practices, detransitioning and ‘desistance’ in early 2026.
“When Kids Say They’re Trans: A Guide for Thoughtful Parents,” authored by therapists Lisa Marchiano, Stella O’Malley, and Sasha Ayad, is currently being stocked at 58 public libraries across nearly every county in the U.K. This includes cities like London, Manchester, Bristol, Edinburgh, and Swansea, according to PinkNews. The authors of the book are known anti-trans advocates, with O’Malley being the executive director and founder of Genspect, an anti-trans gender critical organization.
The book encourages parents to push ‘desistance’ with kids who appear curious about gender identity. QueerAF reports it recommends a “number of role-play scenarios to carry out with their children that present gender as unchangeable, as well as encouraging them to cut off loved ones who don’t support this ‘desistance’ approach.”
The availability of these books aligns with recent anti-trans sentiments across the U.K. which has seeped into medical and mental health care, and public life. The books are being dispersed throughout the U.K.’s public library system following the National Health Service’s (NHS) decision to block trans youth from obtaining new prescriptions for puberty blockers.
In recent years, the U.K. has become one of the worst places to live for trans folks. Quality of life for trans+ people has decreased as national policy around trans identities has harshened. In April 2025, the U.K. Supreme Court ruled that under the 2010 Equality Act, “women” can only refer to people assigned female at birth.
