How to start..?

[Caitlyn Turner]

First of all hi everyone I'm basically new here and obviously a lot of you guys will have a lot more experience and advice than I do
I live in the uk and haven't come out to anybody yet, I've been testing the water a little bit, asking various family members what they think of trans people and they seem ok with it (I can normally argue my case pretty well). I have however admitted to myself that something is not quite right at this point, and it hasn't been for a while.
My question was, where would I go to start my transition -providing it turns out to be the right thing to do- or get advice etc regarding that? As I said earlier I live in the uk, but I have literally no idea where to start :L should I go to my GP? Any advice would be greatly appreciated
Thanks- Caitlyn

[Laura_7]

Hello and welcome *hugs*

well being in the UK you could contact the mermaids, its a group specifically for transgender youth:
mermaidsuk dot org dot uk
"We offer information, support, friendship and shared experiences."

They can be contacted via mail or phone...
you could ask there for more information and support.


And you might look up a brochure called "doh-transgender-experiences.pdf" . Only thing I would disagree with is page 7, where they state stress, instead many experience relief.
It states that being trans has biological connections, to do with development before birth which influences the sense of self.
So its not a light hearted decision but how they feel, and there are many feeling this way. Its nobodys fault, neither theirs nor that of their upbringing.
It explains some of the feelings transgender people have.

I personally also like the twin explanation... parts of you will stay the same, like a male/female twin... with still the same sense of humour...

Well since you know them best its up to you what you say at home... you might think about showing the brochure, its for the british national health service, a reputable source...

talking in a relaxed manner might help... remaining calm and stating facts and a few needs...

some people come out in a letter, and show for example some vids later...

relatives might also talk about their fears...
for example what the neighbors might say... (there are many trans people now so more and more people get used to it slowly...)
that they had some fixed ideas about your future... well its all possible regardless...


well you might try to play a bit with hair and clothing styles, with for example some trousers of your preferred gender, and see how that makes you feel...


but you might ask for more at the mermaids...


hugs

[CB]

To start the clinical process the best thing you can do is to initially go and talk to your GP. They can refer you to a Gender Identity Clinic.

All this is covered by the NHS although the waiting times to get an appointment can be quite long.
It used to be that the GP had to refer you to a local psychiatrist who would then refer on to a GIC. Although now they can refer directly to the GIC. Private options and semi private are also available.

[Cheska]

To start the clinical process the best thing you can do is to initially go and talk to your GP. They can refer you to a Gender Identity Clinic.

All this is covered by the NHS although the waiting times to get an appointment can be quite long.
It used to be that the GP had to refer you to a local psychiatrist who would then refer on to a GIC. Although now they can refer directly to the GIC. Private options and semi private are also available.

This. Note that your GP may not know that you can be refered directly to the GIC so you may need to tell them. My GP didn't but I went to local psychiatrist anyway. I was refered to the GIC early November and I had my first appointment just under a month ago. Nottingham by the way.

I would also suggest finding a local support group or something similar. This is something that has helped me a lot. My family have also been attending a group of their own which is aimed at familkes and friends so once you do come out, maybe suggest this to them once you do come out.

Good luck.

[Elis]

Ihttp://www.buzzfeed.com/hillarylevine/wtf-is-gender'm also in the UK. You have to go to a GP and ask to be referred to a gic (can be any NHS one you want). As the other person said they may not know what to do with a trans patient so you might have to be direct. I don't know where you're based but in London you have to wait a year for the NHS gic, so avoid if you can. Other gics seem to have a much shorter waiting time. You could go private which is what I'm going to do, but it is expensive. I also think a trans group may be useful. Here are some links to help your parents

http://www.vox.com/2015/2/4/7977335/trans-myths

http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn20032-transsexual-differences-caught-on-brain-scan.html

http://www.buzzfeed.com/hillarylevine/wtf-is-gender

Good luck