Over 5,000 people in Czechia have undergone gender reassignment

Over 5,000 people in Czechia have undergone gender reassignment, Czech Television reported on Monday. The number of Czech teenagers dealing with issues of sexual identity has increased in recent years due to the influences of social media and education, it said.

Czech law has allowed for gender reassignment since 2012. Initially there were fewer than 50 applications a year but last year the figure reached almost 200, Czech Television said.

Requests for gender reassignment are handled by a special commission at the Ministry of Health. While it used to meet four times a year, it currently meets once a month.

Greater interest has led to longer waiting periods for treatment.