• Patients refused her help and spat at her because of her gender identity.
• Steph Meech is a paramedic for the South East Coast Ambulance Service (Secamb) for 20 years.
• She is one of the country’s first openly trans paramedics, working in Polegate, East Sussex.

Patients refused her help and spat at her because of her gender identity, according to a transgender paramedic.

Steph Meech is a paramedic for the South East Coast Ambulance Service (Secamb) for 20 years.

She is one of the country’s first openly trans paramedics, working in Polegate, East Sussex.

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Steph claims that after coming out, she has been subjected to verbal and physical assault by patients.

Patients have allegedly questioned her identification, spat at her, and even refused to treat her.

While the ‘majority of people’ appreciate her assistance, Steph, 53, says the abuse she receives from a minority ‘really stings.’

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‘There have been occasions when I’m treating someone and I get spat at just for being who I am,’ Steph explained.

‘When I arrive at the door, I frequently get the question, “What are you?” It’s not acceptable. ‘First and foremost, I’m a paramedic, and I’m here to assist.’

Steph has described herself as “enlightened” and “able to be her genuine self” since coming out. ‘This is who I am, and I’ve had to keep it hidden for so long,’ she added.

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