Getting T when living abroad

[kblue21]

I've been on T just over 3 years, and after I graduate next year I want to go teach English in Korea, which means I'll be living there at least a year. Possibly more. How will I get my T supplies in Korea? I know it's a little way off, but I've been really concerned about this. I know that Korea is sort of lukewarm on Trans people, but it's not like I plan on telling everyone or anyone. I have no issue being stealth.

[Kendra]

Hello kblue21, welcome to Susan's!

I am not familar with obtaining testosterone in South Korea (I am MtF) but I was there last month for VFS surgery.  I had a wonderful time in Seoul, and a few day trips to other areas including the mountains.  No issues at all during my trip.

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When you get a chance it would be great if you can introduce yourself in the Introductions Forum.

Teaching English while living in South Korea sounds like an awesome adventure! 

See you around,

Kendra

[Ryuichi13]

Is there any way you can have it shipped to you from your home country?  Or, barring that, do you have the diagnosis of "Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism?"  That's what it seems is often our "official" diagnosis is.  Maybe you can look into a doctor there that can prescribe T in some form to you using that diagnosis.

I'm curious as to how this will go, as my best friend (who is also trans) lives in South Korea and I'd love to visit him one day!

Ryuichi 

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[kblue21]

A lot of people have told me not to even go saying that if a parent found out I was trans they would have me fired. I'm not sure how a parent would find out. It's something I plan on asking my doctor about. That diagnoses is a mouthful wow. Also I'd be concerned with communication. I'm learning Korean but who knows how good I'll be then. And I've been told that patient confidentiality isn't really a thing there. But I've found some south korean lgbtq facebook groups, and the english teaching program has no issues with me being trans. And it's a way off still so I'm going to stay positive.

[Ryuichi13]

A lot of people have told me not to even go saying that if a parent found out I was trans they would have me fired. I'm not sure how a parent would find out. It's something I plan on asking my doctor about. That diagnoses is a mouthful wow. Also I'd be concerned with communication. I'm learning Korean but who knows how good I'll be then. And I've been told that patient confidentiality isn't really a thing there. But I've found some south korean lgbtq facebook groups, and the english teaching program has no issues with me being trans. And it's a way off still so I'm going to stay positive.

I was wondering, is it possible to simply not say anything about being trans?  I mean, your passport will say you're male, right?  (Mine does!)  So, as long as you have your T and stay healthy, you should be okay...right?

Maybe stealth is the way to go.  My friend is having difficulty even finding someone that takes transgender patients, since he told me "most Koreans think its a (sexual) fetish."  There was a HUGE controversy when a K-pop star came out as gay earlier this year!

If you find out anything about being trans in Korean, be sure to post it, okay?

Ryuichi 

[barbie]

I've been on T just over 3 years, and after I graduate next year I want to go teach English in Korea, which means I'll be living there at least a year. Possibly more. How will I get my T supplies in Korea? I know it's a little way off, but I've been really concerned about this. I know that Korea is sort of lukewarm on Trans people, but it's not like I plan on telling everyone or anyone. I have no issue being stealth.

I am not quite sure, but you may have better bring any document showing or indicating that you are transgender. My experience tells that the physician usually asks a letter from psychiatrist to prescribe HRT medicine. If your documents indicate that you have been already on HRT, then it can be effective.

An English teacher in Korea means that you are eligible for national health insurance. Even without health insurance,  medical cost is very cheap in Korea compared with the U.S. The doctor may want to conduct some preliminary tests to prescribe medicine and the cost is very cheap, mostly less than US$10. The cost of T can not be more expensive than in the US, as I guess.

Most doctors in Korea are well educated and know about transgender. They do not have any bias toward transgender people. For example, the nurses in a dermatology office I visit regularly do care about my privacy, for example, not shouting my male name, instead whispering me that my turn has come. I have never asked it, but surprisingly they figured out it.

There can be some communication problems, but most doctors tend to be able to speak at least in broken English. All of them have to be able to read English, as their text books or prescription notes are all written in English. If you have any difficulty, you have better communicate by writing notes.

barbie~~