4th Gender Affirming Health Forum, calling in London!

The Gender-Affirming Health Forum (GAHF) is an immersive, in-person event organized by Facialteam—a leading center in facial gender-affirming care. The informative series, covering a range of trans health topics, has already taken place in London (Nov 2024), Amsterdam, and in Melbourne, Australia (Nov 2025).

Now, we are back in London on the 6th of July, 2026!

This gathering of health experts extends an open, no-cost invitation to trans and gender-diverse (TGD) adults, their families, allies, and professionals with the objective to learn and connect. By bringing together healthcare providers, advocates and the patient community, the GAHF creates a welcoming space for adults to gather resources and connect with others on the same journey.

Who will you hear from?

Registered attendees can expect presentations and engagement from Facialteam’s expert surgeon, Dr. Luis Capitán, as well as representatives from leading TGD health specialists in the UK and Europe.

GAHF events are known for bringing together a diverse panel of dedicated professionals—including psychologists, allied healthcare providers and advocates, as those who figure below:

Dr. Luis Capitán, MD, PhD, FGAS Surgeon

Dr. Capitán (he/him) is the cofounder and co-director of the Facialteam Group, alongside Dr. Daniel Simon, who created Facialteam together in 2010 after years of experience with facial gender affirming surgery (FGAS). Since, they have expanded into a team of over 80 professionals dedicated to scientific investigation, technology development, and international surgeon’s training. More recently, they established the charity, Facialteam Foundation. Now in 2026, they’ve opened Naghoi, the first medical recovery center for facial gender affirming patients in Europe, a sanctuary with accommodations designed for healing.

He is a long-time WPATH member, contributing to the Standards of Care, version 8 and won the bid to host the next EPATH congress in Granada, Spain in 2027.

Dr. Tara Suchak, GP Consultant, Sexual Health / HIV & Gender

Dr Tara Suchak (she/her) is a Consultant in Sexual Health / HIV and Gender and is Clinical Lead for TransPlus, which she launched in July 2020 and has been commissioned by the NHS since 2023. Dr. Suchak lead TransPlus to become the UK’s first fully integrated Gender Dysphoria and Sexual Health/HIV service, expanded to include the UK’s first trans‑specific dermatology and contraception clinics as well as the first national trans oncology multidisciplinary team. Her work has also significantly increased access to NHS gender‑affirming surgeries. She also serves as Principal Investigator on an international HIV study involving trans and gender diverse populations. As a specialist in Sexual and Reproductive Health, she joins the GAHF this year to share her insights.

Alexandra Hamer, Founder of VirtualFFS

Alexandra Hamer (she/her) is a novelist, singer-songwriter and a facial analyst, who just happens to be trans (she/her). She is also neuro-divergent, but no one has convinced her yet that it’s a disorder rather than a difference. www.virtualffs.co.uk
Alexandra will be our keynote speaker with opening remarks at the London GAHF this year.

Dr. Ioannis Ntanos, MD Plastic & Reconstructive Breast Surgeon

Ioannis Ntanos (he/him) is a consultant surgeon with a background in breast surgery. Since 2018, he has focused exclusively on providing top surgery to trans masculine and AFAB non-binary individuals. He recently opened up a practice in his native Greece. Mr Ntanos has an MSc in medical ethics and law and a Global MBA. He likes reading poetry and the colour green. www.ioannisntanos.com

At the GAHF in London for a second time, this time he will discuss how more people than ever are choosing to travel abroad for gender affirming surgery, but how fear of the unknown holds many back. Since Mr Ioannis Ntanos, one of the UK’s leading gender affirming surgeons–who is now based in Athens–knows this territory intimately: the vast majority of his patients travel internationally to see him. In this session, he cuts through the noise – tackling the questions patients are most afraid to ask, dismantling the myths that cause unnecessary anxiety, and offering the kind of frank, experienced reassurance that only comes from doing this, repeatedly, at the highest level. See his video podcast interview on Medical Ethics with Lilia Koss on YouTube!

Paul Carruthers, Nurse Consultant

Paul Carruthers (he/him) is director of the Gender Plus Hormone Clinic. With 18 years of experience working in NHS paediatric services, he brings a wealth of clinical expertise, leadership, and a deep commitment to person-centred care to Gender Plus, which he helped gain an outstanding rating from the Care Quality Commission, England’s independent regulator of health and social care. A key member of the NHS GIDS Endocrine team, Paul was responsible for conducting assessments, collaborating with mental health colleagues, and overseeing hormone treatments. His design of the endocrine nurse-led pathway earned him NHS awards for outstanding care and service innovation.

Paul is a member (and a former council member) of BAGIS and WPATH. He joins the GAHF this year again to explore the importance of tailoring gender-affirming care to the individual, moving beyond standardised protocols to deliver truly patient-centred treatment. he will highlight common clinical pitfalls, including misinterpretation of hormone levels, assumptions around transition goals, and gaps in holistic care, such as the impact of hair loss in transgender patients, with its psychological significance and the role of early intervention. The session will also introduce emerging options in hair restoration as an integral component of comprehensive gender-affirming care rather than a purely cosmetic concern.

Dr. Rosie Sharville, Clinical Psychologist

Dr. Sharville (she/her) is a Senior Clinician at Gender Plus. She is an HCPC-registered Clinical Psychologist, having completed an undergrad at Oxford and a Doctorate at the University of East London, where she also served as a guest lecturer on the intersection of gender, sexuality and human rights. She has worked in the NHS since 2015, including seven years specialising in gender services. Her diverse experience spans working with adults and young people in both general (CAMHS, IAPT) and specialist settings (sexual health, gender and severe anxiety). Dr Sharville is an expert in gender, relationship, and sexuality diversity, who integrates human rights theory, narrative therapy, systemic approaches, and queer theory in her practice.

She joins the GAHF team this year to discuss the how and why trans people often face disproportionate mental health challenges due to social and systemic factors that drive distress, including minority stress, and what actually helps – based on the evidence. She will offer practical advice on how to navigate conversations about mental health within gender services, so you feel informed and prepared – whatever stage of your journey you’re at.

Dr. Hendrik Schöll, Gender Affirming Surgery (Germany)

Dr. Schöll (he/him) studied at Julius Maximilian University of Würzburg. Specialized in Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery. During his training as a specialist in Orthopaedic, Trauma and Hand surgery, he focused on plastic, reconstructive and microsurgery. His surgical training took him to Switzerland and back to his hometown Ulm, where he worked for many years at the University Hospital. After working at renowned clinics, he joined the practice of Dr. Morath, as well as leading the Department of Plastic & Aesthetic Surgery at the Red Cross Hospital in Munich.

Dr. Schöll joins the GAHF faculty this year to share his knowledge about how his innovative Combined-Method Vaginoplasty. He will discuss its advancements on the traditional penile-inversion technique, aiming for a better approximation of the genital area in terms of aesthetics and function.

Alexis Blake

Alexis Blake (she/her) is a content creator and advocate whose work centers on authentic conversations around gender identity, transition, and trans visibility. On her platforms, she openly shares her lived experience navigating medical transition, public life, and relationships. Alexis also co-hosts The Blake Debate podcast alongside her husband Liam, exploring LGBTQ+ topics with honesty and nuance.

Victoria Vera

Victoria Vera is a woman of trans experience whose journey reflects resilience and authenticity. After beginning her career as an interior architect, she found her true calling at Facialteam, where she grew from a social media role into her current position as Communications Executive. Today, she amplifies the voices of trans and gender diverse communities worldwide, standing as an activist and ally committed to visibility, dignity, and change.

Milo Turnley, GAHF Host

Milo (he/him) is a London-based publicist, communications specialist and community organiser working across trans+ advocacy, music and culture. His work sits at the intersection of press, politics and community – centred on LGBTQ+ artists, organisations and causes. He is the Senior Account manager at TransMission PR – a specialist communications consultancy working with brands and organisations on trans+ inclusion, D&I training and advocacy – PR Manager at London Trans+ Pride, Founder of Transkaters and works as a freelance publicist. We are pleased to welcome Milo as one of the GAHF hosts this year.

Aby Hawker, GAHF Host

Aby Hawker is the founder and CEO of TransMission PR, an award-winning communications consultancy specialising in transgender and non-binary inclusion and awareness.

Drawing on 25 years of PR experience, Aby launched TransMission PR with a clear-eyed understanding of the systemic challenges facing the community. Now in its fourth year, the consultancy has become a trusted guide for organisations navigating gender inclusivity, delivering transformative communications strategies that go beyond surface-level gestures to drive substantive change. By combining stakeholder engagement, media expertise and deep cultural understanding, TransMission PR amplifies trans+ voices and helps clients make meaningful contributions to representation and inclusion.

We welcome Aby back on board for this edition of the GAHF. See more on TransMission PR

What’s the Program for #GAHF2026London this year?

The GAHF director, Lilia Koss, is pleased to announce the program for this year’s #GAHF2026 in London.

We have returning and new talks from a diverse crew of experts in range of areas of gender affirming healthcare.

See below the program of events of the 4th GAHF next July:

*Timing subject to modification

Who Can Attend the Gender Affirming Health Forum?

Such a forum is designed with inclusivity at its core. It’s for:

• Trans and gender-diverse adults seeking more information about gender-affirming procedures, mental health guidance, and surgical pathways.
  
• Partners, parents, and family members looking to better understand and support their loved ones through transition. Youth aged 16-17 must be accompanied by a parent; kids under age 15 may not attend.
  
• Healthcare professionals—both established and in training—interested in learning about best practices, emerging techniques, and the human-centered approach in gender-affirming care.

What’s the Goal of the Gender Affirming Health Forum?

GAHF represents an empowering intersection of education, advocacy, and community-building:

• It raises visibility around gender-affirming healthcare, which is still under-recognized or under-resourced in many regions.
  
• It provides free, direct access to experienced surgeons, helping adults to make informed decisions based on reliable, expert advice.
  
• It fosters dialogue between patients, families, and professionals, enabling questions to be asked in safe, supportive environments.
  
• The forum supports reducing disparities in TGD healthcare by empowering people with knowledge and compassionate connection.
  
• It inspires other healthcare providers to adopt inclusive, informed-consent frameworks in their practices.

How can the Gender Affirming Health Forum Help the Community?

For Patients:

• Equip them with clear, evidence-based information.
  
• Empower them to advocate for themselves in medical contexts.
  
• Provide opportunities to speak directly with trusted surgeons.
  

For Partners & Families:

• Offer insights and resources for adults to understand the transition process.
  
• Create space for compassionate conversation and support.
  
• Build confidence in being allies during and after medical journeys.
  

For Professionals:

• Expose them to the latest techniques and compassionate models of care.
  
• Encourage interdisciplinary collaboration between surgery, psychology, and support services.
  
• Highlight the importance of respectful and affirming approaches in healthcare.
  

Secure Your Spot — Limited Spaces Available

The Gender-Affirming Health Forum in London has limited space, so reserve your own and your companion seats soon. If full, you will be able to ask to be on the waiting list.

It is free to attend, although designed for an adult audience. Minors 16+ are permitted only if accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

Don’t miss the chance to be part of a supportive community on Monday, 6 July, 2026

London, Here We Come

The Gender-Affirming Health Forum in London stands as a pivotal moment for togetherness and education. Whether you’re navigating your own journey, supporting someone else’s, or are a professional eager to learn and serve better—this event is crafted with your needs in mind.

Together, we can build a standard of care that is compassionate, accessible, and empowering for the TGD community and all who support them.

See what more about the 2nd edition here, which also took place in London.

–Hope to see you there!