Best locations to transition?

[Damara]

This is a strange question, and I realize answers will probably be very subjective, but anyway... What state/country/province would people here say has been forgiving during their transition. I'm more interested in medical possibilities as I'm wanting to start therapy and hormones soon! But social elements are important as well. Currently I live in rural northern Arkansas and the nearest medical help in regards to anything remotely trans-related are about three hours away. and as I don't really drive long distances well, this is an issue. lol! I'm planning a move to Indiana in the future to live with a friend and really get this show on the road, but we're both open to moving somewhere else.. I thought some perspective from others would be helpful! And thanks so much!

[rachel89]

I currently live in Indiana, and while there are accepting people, it can be hard to meet with other trans people because although they are here, many of are in stealth mode/deep stealth mode because it does not seem very tolerant of LGBT people outside areas like Indy and Bloomington and access to trans related care seems pretty limited. I understand if you have to come here because of work or family issues, but I want to live outside Indy or Bloomington. Indiana is basically the "Most Northern Southern State" with a large segment of population subscribing to racist and fundamentalist views. About the only difference between Indiana and the South is that we have cold weather. For your own well-being, please don't move here! There are so many other accepting places in the midwest like Ann Arbor, Ferndale,and Lansing in Michigan, Chicago (cold), Madison(very cold), and Minneapolis (so you don't have to visit Russia to experience a Russian winter  ).

[FTMax]

I live in the Washington DC area and have had a pretty good go of it. Gender identity/expression is protected in DC, there are really good healthcare resources (mental health, endos, LGBT clinic, etc.), and it's a pretty progressive area in general as far as the east coast goes. I've never once felt uncomfortable being myself.

Of course, it is ridiculously expensive, and as soon as you've swapped out your summer clothes for winter clothes it's suddenly summer again. But you win some, you lose some 

[ImagineKate]

Australia and New Zealand seem to be light years ahead. Stateside I've had good experiences in NYC, where informed consent is the rule rather than the exception and ther is a strong LGBT culture here. But it is NYC and things are expensive here. However medical care is largely sliding scale if you can't afford it.

[Shodan]

Portland is a good place as well. There's a clinic in the city itself that is informed consent, and there's a huge support network out there, especially at the Q center. It's one of the few things that I miss about Portland.

[Brynn]

Seattle and most other urban areas of western Washington are great for trans people. Highly recommended.

[Marcellow]

Australia and New Zealand seem to be light years ahead. Stateside I've had good experiences in NYC, where informed consent is the rule rather than the exception and ther is a strong LGBT culture here. But it is NYC and things are expensive here. However medical care is largely sliding scale if you can't afford it.

The LGBT scene is located in Brooklyn. Otherwise, it doesn't exist.

[ImagineKate]

The LGBT scene is located in Brooklyn. Otherwise, it doesn't exist.

Really, I thought it was the village and Chelsea.

[katiej]

Seattle and most other urban areas of western Washington are great for trans people. Highly recommended.

+1 for Seattle.  I just moved here a few months ago, partially because I knew it would be a great place to transition, and it has been great so far.  I'm just starting to venture out around town, but so far I've had nothing but positive experiences.

The process to get HRT has been extremely easy, with no gatekeeping at all.  Three appointments with a therapist who specializes, then she casually suggests that it's time to talk to the doctor about HRT.  My GP is knowledgeable on the subject and two weeks later I was good to go.  No endo or formal letter was necessary.  And medical insurance is very much in our favor here as well, and within a year it'll be fully illegal for them to deny coverage for transition-related care.