Event to Tackle Waiting Lists and Chart a Course for Improved Care
ROTTERDAM – The advocacy group Principle 17 has announced it will host a symposium dedicated to the future of transgender healthcare in the Netherlands. The event is scheduled to take place on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at Het Nieuwe Instituut in Rotterdam.
The symposium aims to bring together healthcare professionals, members of the transgender community, and policymakers to address the significant pressures on the current system. Organizers state the event will focus on the present state of care, identify urgent problems, and explore potential scenarios for the future, looking ahead to the period between 2025 and 2050.
Addressing Systemic Challenges
The announcement acknowledges the well-documented challenges within Dutch trans healthcare, including waiting lists that can extend for years and a perceived gap between established guidelines and the evolving needs of patients. The symposium intends to provide a platform for constructive dialogue on how to resolve these issues.
The full program and list of speakers are still being finalized, but Principle 17 has outlined several key themes for the day's discussions and workshops.
Planned Topics and Workshops
The main sessions are expected to cover a range of critical subjects, including:
- The current status of transgender rights and social acceptance in the Netherlands.
- A comparative analysis of trans healthcare models across Europe.
- The implementation and impact of new standards of care.
- Empowering individuals to take more direct control of their medical transition.
In the afternoon, a series of focused workshops will offer deeper dives into specific topics. Planned workshops include sessions on navigating or bypassing waiting lists, trans body hacking, the specific care needs of non-binary individuals, and understanding the process for filing formal complaints about healthcare services.
Audience and Logistics
The event is designed for a broad audience, from medical practitioners to trans individuals and anyone with an interest in the subject. The primary language for all presentations and workshops will be Dutch.
Principle 17 has indicated that ticket sales will commence soon, with more information about the program and speakers to be released in the coming months. Interested parties are encouraged to follow the organization's social media channels for updates.
