For every setback...

[Kreuzfidel]

...There is a silver lining.  Yesterday I got deflated when my gynaecologist informs me that she can't do my hysto because trans-related surgeries are illegal...yes, illegal...here in South Australia thanks to our stupid legislation.  But today, that disappointment was a distant memory because I got my name legally changed!  It just reminded me that I have to focus on what's going right and not what's going wrong.  Just thought I'd tell someone.

[Devlyn]

That's the spirit! Focusing on the negative will just draw you into it. Glad to hear you're moving forward. Hugs, Devlyn

[Nygeel]

I just did some research and was unable to find any legislation saying transgender surgeries are illegal in South Australia.

Anyways...congrats on the name change!

[kelly_aus]

Hmm.. I was just speaking to a guy yesterday who may well be having a hysto in the near future. He's here in SA..

[Kreuzfidel]

Thanks, everyone   The legislation is called the Sex(ual) Reassignment Act of 1988.  Kelly, I wish I knew which gynae was doing his surgery.  My gynae got the legislation info from Dr. Rosie Jones.  I guess I'll just have to go out of state to get it done.  Just a bump in the road.

[King Malachite]

I guess I'll just have to go out of state to get it done. Just a bump in the road.

Glad to hear your positive attitude mate.  With an attitude like that no one can stop you from reaching your goal.  I'm sure you will get what you need done no matter what.  Congrat for the name change!

[wheat thins are delicious]

is that all of Australia?  I know someone in Australia who has had a hysto.

[Adio]

Congrats on your name change!  I'm not sure why your gyno thinks it's illegal in South Australia.  I found nothing in the Sexual Reassignment Act 1988 that would indicate trans-related surgeries are illegal.  In fact, it regulates them.

http://www.legislation.sa.gov.au/LZ/C/A/SEXUAL%20REASSIGNMENT%20ACT%201988.aspx

[MaxAloysius]

I promise you that srs is not illegal in SA Kreuzfidel. It's plain to see that when you look at this page: http://www.sa.gov.au/subject/citizens+and+your+rights/Citizen+status/Sex+reassignment

That act is in place to protect those who would have reassignment surgeries, and those who would perform them. They outline illegal ways for the procedure to be carried out (by someone who doesn't have the correct qualifications, if the correct documentation isn't provided beforehand, or in an unapproved hospital) but nowhere does it say anything about srs itself being illegal.

But on a more positive note, as you said, congrats on the name change!!! I'm so happy for you dude!

[Kreuzfidel]

Thanks, guys!  I don't really understand the whole illegal issue - she spoke to Dr. Rosemary Jones (a transsexual woman herself) who is the head endocrinologist/gynae of the Gender Unit here in Adelaide.  Dr. Jones told my gynae that a facility has to be government-approved to carry out any kind of trans-related surgery and that there are none in South Australia   I have heard dodgy things about the Gender Unit here, so my paranoia is insinuating that they want to force me to go through them to access surgery or else out of state.  I don't know what to think.  I can't get a clear answer out of anyone as to what the legislation does or does not allow.

[MaxAloysius]

The approved hospital thing makes sense (it is in the legislation), but I find it impossibly hard to believe that there isn't such a facility in SA.

I was told by everyone when first starting that I would have no choice but to go through a gender clinic, because they were the only people who would deal with trans patients, but that just simply isn't true. I would go with your gut feeling on this one; it certainly seems like they're trying to steer you to me.

Besides all of that, the surgery that you want isn't even strictly 'trans-related'. It's not like top surgery, or any kind of reconstruction (unless you wanted it all done at once?) so it really shouldn't be an issue in the first place.

[justmeinoz]

Congratulations on the name change. Feels great to see it on paper doesn't it.
I'd keep pushing the medicos to give you what you want.