What to expect in New Zealand?

[taylor_h]

Hi,

I am a New Zealander however I live abroad where I am currently transitioning and living full time as a woman. I have not returned to NZ at all since starting my transition.

Are there any NZ women here that might share some insight as to how transgender woman are treated in NZ?

I know all my friends in NZ have shown fantastic support for my change from a distance, however my NZ family have and continue to have great difficulty in accepting my change. I have no experience on the daily challenges of being transgender in New Zealand.

I am quite feminine but I have not yet completed all of my FFS yet, I absolutely do not pass.

Most stories and experiences out there are from the US or UK, I wonder how NZ (Auckland/Wellington) is in comparison.

What should I be prepared for/expect when I eventually return home?

Thank you
Taylor.

[Cindy]

Hi Taylor,

There are several NZ women on the site. I'm sure they will get back to you. From contacts I have NZ is very accepting, more so in the cities. Much the same as Oz, where I am. Employment is an issue, but to be honest I think that is the economy more than anything.
Medical service, I think the only SRS surgeon in NZ has retired, so we are stuck with overseas surgeons. Not sure how that plays out with insurance.

Cindy

[taylor_h]

Hi Cindy,

Thank you for your reply. That does sound encouraging.

I do believe the NZ government will pay a sum towards SRS given there are no surgeons left in country that perform this procedure however like all things I'm sure there is a multiple year waiting list. At this stage I plan to go ahead with SRS here in Thailand under my own steam.

Thanks
Taylor.