Rio Grande Valley TX

[AZKatie]

Hello everyone.  I just recently moved to South Padre (so I guess my user name doesn't apply anymore) and was wondering if there are any trans support groups in the area.

Thanks

[Yukari-sensei]

I have yet to find one. The closet to any form of community support I have seen and received is from UT- Pan American. UT Brownsville should have one too, but if they don't they will likely have one soon as they get incorporated into the new UT-RGV system.

Your second best bet is to talk to the Stonewall Democrats of South Texas (sorry but most support here is partisan). They meet often in the Weslaco area and their leadership can help direct you to support outside of the world of academia. The only problem here is that even in the LGBT community, the T is almost invisible. Even at pride events by the community, the trans pride flag is rarely recognized.

Planned Parenthood used to offer some assistance, but that was before the new laws killed the Women's Health Clinics being run here. Now the closest center is in San Antonio to my knowledge.

Welcome to Texas, and welcome to the Valley!

[AZKatie]

Thanks Yukari.  I'll llook into those.  I guess my next question is are there any docs in the area that have experience with HRT?

[Yukari-sensei]

Yes there are! In fact, my doctor is from Arizona originally!

My endo is in Edinburg at the Diabetes and Endocrine Center next to Doctor's Hospital at Renaissance.
At Dr. Twahir's office, get ahold of Dr. Cordobo-Kissee. I had to go through 5 referrals from my primary and therapist before I found her.

One caveat: my hrt is on hiatus since I lost my health insurance (wife lost previous employer) and my wife and I are back to the reevaluation of  HRT in the possible future for me, so the information may be dated. Call her office first. If you need the number, PM me and I will give it to you.

[AZKatie]

That's great news!  You're a life saver.

I would PM you, but I don't think I have enough posts yet.  I'll look up that office and get in touch with them.

It's weird moving from a place that's fairly trans friendly to one that has very little presence.  Thank you again for helping me out.

[Yukari-sensei]

No problem. Glad to help!

To save you time, (956)-362-5650.

I hesitate to put numbers online, in case I am breaking TOS. (Apologies to admins if this is the case.)

[SamiT]

Katie,

Little bit of a trek but Houston has an extremely active trans group. Also San Antonio and Austin have large groups. I drive over to Houston for endo services but that is because only just a few in the US prescribe the only regiment that I can use. Also Houston has a large trans center. http://www.tgctr.org/ I have gone over several times in the last few years and there are so many nice people there.. I would say that a large portion of the Texas trans people try and blend in and not stick out. Unfortunately there are some very non-trans friendly people that for the most part are miss informed. Most people that I encounter just lump ever gender/sexually non conforming person into the same group and that is one they want nothing to do with. Texas is a great place to be educationally and financially as jobs are plentiful and cost of living is quite low in most areas. There are several medical professional services that cater to trans folks in Houston some of them even gaining some national notoriety. I believe there has even been some open trans folks run for public office. Hopefully you have the ability to get out of south Texas and experience some of the other much more trans friendly areas in Texas. 

[Yukari-sensei]

Katie,

Little bit of a trek but Houston has an extremely active trans group. Also San Antonio and Austin have large groups. I drive over to Houston for endo services but that is because only just a few in the US prescribe the only regiment that I can use. Also Houston has a large trans center. http://www.tgctr.org/ I have gone over several times in the last few years and there are so many nice people there.. I would say that a large portion of the Texas trans people try and blend in and not stick out. Unfortunately there are some very non-trans friendly people that for the most part are miss informed. Most people that I encounter just lump ever gender/sexually non conforming person into the same group and that is one they want nothing to do with. Texas is a great place to be educationally and financially as jobs are plentiful and cost of living is quite low in most areas. There are several medical professional services that cater to trans folks in Houston some of them even gaining some national notoriety. I believe there has even been some open trans folks run for public office. Hopefully you have the ability to get out of south Texas and experience some of the other much more trans friendly areas in Texas.

Forgive my interruption, but you have given me a question... Aside from the occasional trip to the opera, I seldom make it up to Houston, but I want to ask: how is the trans center in Houston? What services do they provide, and are they looking for RNs for staff/volunteers?!

After my experiences looking for care, I am really wanting to provide care to the community following my graduation.

[SamiT]

I haven't been in quite some time so I couldn't tell you.. I have went over for group meetings as my Gender Therapist has required me to attend at least 4 a year. The San Antonio group is much closer however I have yet to go to a meeting and meet a MTF transgender person there. I have been told there are several that attend just haven't been there at the same time. SAGA meets at a small church on the south west side of San Antonio. I do not believe there is an ENDO in SA that does HRT. Most either DIY or go Austin or Houston. I would say as your GP with all the media around transgender people these day I would think if you have a letter the GP could assume that.

[herekitten]

Hi there!  Wow you are moving to my hometown area of the Rio Grande Valley.  Let me know if you need help with a Dr.  One of the replies was for Edinburgh.  My sister practices in Brownsville, but is new to the field of endo for transgenders.  She could help you though, should you need it.  I hope you are enjoying the tropical weather... goodness it can get hot there!

[Ayoni]

Hi Katie.  I also live in RGV, considering starting HRT, and my partner and I are looking for support groups.  I dont know of anything in the area, but I was thinking we could take an, "If you build it, they will come" approach.  Plase let me know if youre interested.