The Struggle with Gate Keepers of Transitioning.

[Godiva]

I have pasted this quote from Berliegh, from her post in the: All MtF Woman and Girls On Hormones come in thread, because what is said, in regards to her experience with Gate Keepers is very alarming and too important not to be acknowledged. I have experienced many types of Gate keepers during my transition and they can exacerbate the already very difficult and controversial circumstances of transitioning. Remarkably, while most of these Gate keepers have been from outside of the LGBT community, unfortunately a number of them have been members of this community, and some have been within the medical community. Has anyone else had to struggle against Gate Keepers during their transition?


Godiva


Glad you agree Rachel. I attended Charing Cross GIC for 6 and a half years and in that time no treatment, referrals or help was offerered. My PCT were paying them to treat me but instead they did nothing. I fought them for a long time reporting them to the Healthcare Commission and GMC. I fullfilled their own protocol and the 'Harry Benjamin stasndards of care'. I had no idea at first but now realise that they are employed as a 'Brick wall' between patient and treatment.

[gothique11]

That sux. We have gatekeepers here, but luckily it's not impossible to get through and a lot easier than other places. Wait time and yourself is the main factors. It takes time to go through the whole process to get the letters and then the funding approval from the province (average, 2 years). I'm very lucky because I got six months shaved off the list. Why? Because I ran into and met the gatekeeper who saw that I was well adjusted living full-time. So, working on yourself is very important here.

Else where, I don't know what it's like. I've heard of some horror stories, like the ones in Ontario at Clarke Centre. I actually feel pretty lucky that the system here is what it is -- it could improve, but it also could be much, much worse or not be there at all. Almost all of the other provinces have cut out the programs, funding, or have made it very difficult to access.