Transitioning in a foreign country...

[Ashtyn]

So I could really use some advice right now. I just found out today that an opportunity has been presented for my mother and I to move to Germany for a year. It's an awesome opportunity and I don't think I can pass it up, I mean when will I get a chance to do something like this again. The problem is I've known that I've wanted to transition for about a year now and I don't think I can wait another year to start medically. I'm pretty lucky genetically to look pretty feminine already and younger than I really am, but I'm worried about what will happen to me if I don't get on hormones relatively soon.
   
      Another part of the problem is that I'm still pretty much closeted, I mean I don't doubt that people suspect something is going on, but the only person I've told is my mom. It didn't go great, but it also didn't go terribly, the main problem is that we pretty much haven't discussed it since and that was like last August/ September. I'm hoping I can not chicken out of bringing it up again and somehow get her on board, but even then what can I do? I could try to get on hormones before the trip but I'm not sure if I have enough time or if they'll even fill my prescription overseas if I can get one. Ugh Idk what to do. If anybody has any experience with this or could just give me some advice that would be awesome because I don't really know what to do.


Thanks, Ashtyn

[Picklehorse]

Where are you moving from? That will greatly alter the situation. Another EU country for instance would transfer medical records, etc.

As for seeking treatment in Germany, I recall that it is one of the most difficult places to medically transition due to all of the stages of psychiatric assessment that are required (this might have changed in recent years).

The Deutsche Institut für Menschenrechte did a study in the Noughties about the situation for trans* people in Germany - you should be able to find it on Google.

[Ms Grace]

One thing to keep in mind is that some European countries are not as progressive on trans issues - socially or in terms of treatment - as you might expect. I'm not sure where Germany sits in that regard. If you were to start transitioning before you went there your doctor might be better situated to line you up with the appropriate support over there.

[Cindy]

Hi,

You may find some info at the www.epath.org

The Europeans medical providers are very committed to helping trans*people, so you may find providers etc there. Yes they have to fight their bureaucracies but they are doing so with some notable success.