Hi all, this is Aeron from Adelaide, South Australia

[student162]

So, I'm terrible at introductions; apologies for that.

I've identified as genderqueer for the last year or so; before that, I simply didn't know anything about trans* issues whatsoever, aside from the demonised portrayals of non-cisgender folk in the media.

While I do openly identify as genderqueer, I wonder sometimes if I may just be FtM. If I was MAAB, I don't imagine I would have any kind of gender identity crisis the way I have in my FAAB body. If I could wake up tomorrow with a cis male body, then I think I would be happy with that. In some senses, it feels like identifying as genderqueer/androgynous as I do is something of a 'safety net' (for me personally, not for everyone); if I identified as male in my current body, I feel like the dysphoria would be so much worse (and it's already very bad).

I've just started trying to begin medical transition, but as I live in SA it's proving to be a massive pain in the arse. My regular GP was kind, but ultimately unable to help. I found a new GP who deals with trans* folk regularly, but was informed I still had to see Dr Lyons, who is somewhat infamous here in Adelaide trans* circles. If I'm lucky, I -may- be able to see Dr Lyons in two months - I need his 'okay' before I can get a prescription to start T. The wait is killing me already, and it's worse because I might not get the approval letter from him for months, or possibly ever. That thought absolutely kills me.

Anyway, this is both a generic 'hello, my name is Aeron' post, and a 'if you're in SA and have information which could help, please pass it on' post. If I can find a way to get T (and top surgery) which would possibly have a less drawn-out timeframe, I would be glad.

[Ms. OBrien CVT]

Hi Aeron,

Welcome to our little family. Over 8501 strong. That would be one heck of a family reunion.

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But remember we are family here, your family now. And it is always nice to have another brother.

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Janet 

[kelly_aus]

Hi Aeron!

Welcome from one of the Adelaide girls.. I'm not convinced that Rob's infamy is entirely deserved. He has always been kind, caring and compassionate with me. Yes, he will ask questions that you don't always want to answer, he will tell you things you don't want to hear - both of these are fairly standard parts of the process. Heck, for 3 or 4 sessions he kept suggesting to me I was more genderqueer than I was MTF, something I didn't want to hear, but I didn't let it cloud my judgement. I just became determined to change his mind - and I did.

Hugs,
Kelly

PS: I will also confess that I have little to do with the trans community here in Adelaide, there's a few too many high school personalities in it for me.

[student162]

Thanks to both of you. 

Kelly, I've heard good things about him from MtFs, but some shocking things from FtMs. As the latter (or at least close to it), it concerns me. I've been through therapy before (not for gender related issues (at least I didn't think so at the time)), so I'm not concerned about the 'being told things I don't like' or 'being asked uncomfortable questions'. I just don't want to be in a situation where my mental state is damaged by (another) professional. I've had bad dealings in the past where I've been completely mentally derailed by someone who apparently knew what they were doing, so it's a concern. I don't have an issue with seeing a psych in general, especially if it'll help me get what I need in terms of transition.

[student162]

PS: I will also confess that I have little to do with the trans community here in Adelaide, there's a few too many high school personalities in it for me.

Hah, I'm not really a 'community' person at all myself, so I can relate. I'm just at a point now where I think I've researched and read every piece of information available to me on my own, thus my joining the forum. Socialising online > socialising in person.

(At least online I'm not constantly misgendered...)

[Catherine Sarah]

Hi student,

Another big Aussie welcome to Susan's family. It's good of you to drop in and say "Hi". Hope you like it here, and you stay for a while.

There is a mountain of information, resources and friendship waiting for you here, you just need to jump in and start talking.

Certainly what Kelly has already spoken about is very relevant. There is a good community of girls in Adelaide who no doubt be only too willing to help you in whatever they could. I'm not exactly sure of the boys population in Adelaide, however I'm sure there are some very willing ones who can help you over the hurdles.

Looking forward to hearing more of your story in time to come, but in the meantime, be safe, well and happy.

Lotsa huggs
Catherine

[student162]

Hi Catherine,

Thanks for the warm welcome, it's appreciated.

[Cindy]

Hi Guys from another Adelaide girl.

I'm also a Dr Lyons patient and have had no problems with him at all. There are alternate psychs for gender therapy in Adelaide and some, I have been told, are more accepting of FtM. But I don't have a list of them, but I know some FtMs who may.

Its been a while but I think I saw Rob about 6 times before going on hormones so it wasn't a long wait. But I was straight out honest in every detail with him, so he didn't have to 'search my soul'. His other hang up is weight issues, but the endo is also concerned about weight as well. It does take a while to see him, but once I saw him for the first consult I think I saw him either every week or fortnight before assessment. There is nothing special about the GP they just have to write a referral letter saying you need investigation for gender matters. They don't need to understand anything.

There are other Adelaide guys on this forum who may be able to help.

I have been to a few TG community events but tired of them very quickly as I don't relate to being TG, I'm just me. I'm a very friendly woman who is always happy to make friends with anyone no matter their gender, religion, race etc. So that's what I do.

Must have a barbie for the local Sue's crowd. Kelly did I tell you I bought a new BBQ!! So far I've cooked two hamburgers

Cindy

[kelly_aus]

I have been to a few TG community events but tired of them very quickly as I don't relate to being TG, I'm just me. I'm a very friendly woman who is always happy to make friends with anyone no matter their gender, religion, race etc. So that's what I do.

Must have a barbie for the local Sue's crowd. Kelly did I tell you I bought a new BBQ!! So far I've cooked two hamburgers

Cindy

Like Cindy, I don't really relate to being TG either, which is another part of why I have little to do with the local trans community..

And, yes Cindy, I'd heard a rumour about the new BBQ and I'm waiting patiently for my invite..

[Cindy]

I'm going to start a thread that may get out of hand (for a change)

[Jamie D]

Cindy's new "barbecue"



Everybody!  Run for your lives!!

[Cindy]

Cindy's new "barbecue"



Everybody!  Run for your lives!!

Awe Jamie you have (almost) ruined the surprise. I was looking for a big rump and was going to invite you.

[Jamie D]

I'm available, if I can bring some friends...

[Cindy]

That is totally sexist and disgusting.

You have to post a pic of you in a bikini to compensate.

I have a barf bag.

[Padma]

Hi, and an antipodean welcome from me (well, I'm in your antipodes, innit? ).

[kelly_aus]

I'm available, if I can bring some friends...

You bring those, Jamie, and I will be unable to keep away.. 

[student162]

I'm also a Dr Lyons patient and have had no problems with him at all. There are alternate psychs for gender therapy in Adelaide and some, I have been told, are more accepting of FtM. But I don't have a list of them, but I know some FtMs who may.

Would you mind putting my onto them, or possibly should I make a new thread and ask you to get them to contribute?

At this stage, I basically am only looking at therapy to get my letter for T. I'm sure I have some head issues (who doesn't?), but mentally/emotionally I'm at the best 'place' I've ever been in my life - the -only- real problem now is the dysphoria/gender appearance/presentation etc. I'm not seeking mental help per se, but am looking to take the next 'step', having come to the conclusion (after many, many months of deep thought/conversations/research/etc) that hormones (as top surgery) are the next stage in fully being myself.

If I need to see Lyons to get my letter, then I'll do so, I just basically fear having a negative experience with him/having him say I can't get T, and then having no other options. If that happens I'll end up having to move interstate, which, while not something I -want- to do, is preferable than being stuck in this body in it's current form any longer than required. As it is, I -might- get an appointment with Lyons at the end of November; I don't know if there's a minimum number/duration of sessions required before he'd even consider writing me a letter, but the least I've heard is 3 months. So at -best-, I might be able to start my medical transition in late February. That's the -ideal-, and that's upsetting enough. I only started looking into transition when I was absolutely, infallibly sure that it's what I wanted, so now the wait, without guarantee of anything, is almost physically painful.

[student162]

And re: weight, I'm currently just under 65kg at 165cm tall, so I'm well within 'normal' ranges, although aesthetically I would like to lose a bit more. I don't think there's anything physical which would hurt my chances at starting medical transition, it's just all the not-knowing and the potentially endless waiting which makes it hard.