Relations with Iran and its effect on the U.S. Transsexual comminity

[Joanna Dark]

So, if you follow the news, we are close to, and problably will by the end of Obama's presidency, have full diplomatic relations with Iran. Hopefully. What that means for transsexuals or intersexed individuals, is that you may be able to head to Iran, which is in desperate need of cash, and get a sex change operation for $3,000. Now, you may think, Iran, really? But, they have been doing it for quite some time. Are U.S. doctors really that much better than Iranian ones? Why? As long as the doctor has a record of successfully operating on transsexuals, I don't see the problem. In fact, I think a lot of poor countries, Mexico anyone, will start having plastic surgeons who undercut the hefty price tag of U.S. and European-based operations. Its hard to find a price tag for mexican ones, but I have heard good things. This board is really anti-anything that isn't in the United States or Thailand. But the reason those doctors are good has to with one simple thing: practice. There was a post the other day about Dr. Reed and I'm sorry but things can wrong and you have to know the risks. And when something does go wrong, you have to see a doctor immediately. Right now, my blood test results are practically as good as you can get. Even my BMI is at the optimal level of attractiveness for a female (according to some study): 20.9. I don't put too much wright in that, but I'm in great health, and I want to get this done in two years time. I won't have $20,000 in two years. But I could have $10,000. And then I could start my life completely over and be 33. That's all I want. Thoughts anyone? Now some people may say wait, but some people may not be, according to that scale, class five transsexuals with severe dysphoria. Sometimes, you have to take a chance.

[Elainagirl59]

Hi Joanna

I think a big factor will be finding out what  is the true quality of the SRS being done in Iran.  Just because Iran has been
doing SRS for a long time doesn't really mean they do it well.  Personally I haven't bothered looking for Iranian results.
My thought is that is probably going to be very difficult to find any Iranian post op trans women that are willing to talk about thier results.

I think one of the easiest aspects in going to Thailand now is that there is "trail" already set down.  The primary Thai surgeons are a known quality.  Going to Iran in the next few years is going to be quite an adventure.  I think if I was serious about pursuing something like SRS in Iran. I would be planning at least a couple trips ahead of my surgery.  Getting the lay of the land, meeting Drs and hopefully some patients first hand.

Do the Drs in Iran follow WPATH protocols?  <smart aleck but also serious question>  How much gender policing do these Dr's
engage in?  Another thought is that on some level Thailand is accepting of trans individuals.  I do not believe that Iranian society
sees it the same way.  I think there is a huge difference between a society with a largely Bhuddist population and a society that is
ruled by Muslims of different sects.

It is going to take a VERY brave individual to be the first westerner to attempt SRS in Iran. 

Food for thought.....

Elaina 

[Joanna Dark]

Well, Iran is just a means to an end, generally I mean no one ever talks about surgery in places other than the US and Thailand. Mexico is a big place and has 120 million people, surely one of them has thought about being to do surgery for much, much cheaper. There are obviously Mexican transsexuals. Plus, there was a girl on this board who went there for butt implants and said the work was fabulous. So I probably focused too much on Iran when in reality, in the end, I'll prolly have to go to Mexico or do nothing and doing nothing isnt an option.

[Elainagirl59]

Joanna,

Your point is well taken.  That there must be options out there.  It is a matter of finding them and gathering the
tools to take advantage. 

Brush up on your Spanish and start wading in to explore.  If you find the right surgeon, you will be able to make a
living publicizing and organizing tours helping others take advantage of the Dr.

There is discussion of a couple of South American Drs doing FFS.  And the post you mentioned, if you were serious
those would probably be to start exploring

Best Wishes,
Elaina

[Shantel]

Ten years ago I met a beautiful woman who surprised me by outing herself as a post-op Iranian. I asked her wher she had her SRS done and she said Tehran. I was absolutely floored!

[Lauren5]

The only thing I can find questionable concerning SRS in Iran, is that sometimes homosexual men are forced to transition, and lesbian transwomen are not permitted. Basically it's a question of who you bring with you for the second part. But for the first, be aware that the protocols are likely different in Iran, probably not aligning with the international protocols. It is possible that surgeons will only operate when given direction from an Iranian psychologist.

On another note, Iran is a beautiful country with beautiful people, however their social politics are often questioned. I would very much like to visit Tehran, Esfahan, Qeshm, and Kermanshah. Unable to speak Persian and not looking to learn since it is not a major world language (being only spoken in Iran, Afghanistan, and Tajikistan,) I believe I could get by with Arabic to some degree, although the two being totally different languages, many travellers likely come from the Arab states, along with a lot of business being done with them. If SRS in Iran does end up as a possibility for me, I don't doubt that it would likely become the first choice for me, partially due to price, but also due to it would give me a unique insight into the country.
Also, despite Iran maintaining a Hijab law, it is not very highly enforced in terms of the way it is worn (it must be worn however it does no have to fully cover the hair, and is often just a loosely worn scarf,) and I believe it it not required for foreigners, however it would likely be the first thing I buy upon arrival, and I would wear it to respect the culture of my host nation.

[myraey]

Interesting. One should try to communicate with the Iranian community to learn about results and if there is any willingness or possibility to pursue this there. Wpath? I would in any case follow the standards of ones own country and just get the surgeries done. Who knows what requirements they do have over there to clear a person for any surgery or treatment.

Iranians and their policies regarding transgenders are very well known. I do not speak the language or have ever been there. The way Iranian society treats homosexuals has also made the headlines in a very sad way.

But I have seen some documentaries and interviews about the transgender surgeries and the doctors who do perform these surgeries. But what was shown was so far away from a good society for transgenders. Looks like the doctors are good people and are trying to do a good thing. I think these people would pursue transition if they lived somewhere else as well. Iran is a big country and Teheran alone is a vast metropolis. If what I saw is represenative in any way of course. Someone from that country would be so helpful here.