Starting HRT in Texas?

[eggbun]

Hey everyone! Right now it's 12 am and I'm kind of freaking out a little. I saw my therapist today and I'm glad I did, we got to talk a lot about my gender identity. I don't know if she "got it", but I kept stressing that I've been trans for a while now and I'm pretty sure about myself and she would just say "Try to overcome your depression/anxiety first then you should transition". I didn't get a slip requesting hormones or anything so I'm completely lost on this: how the heck do you start on HRT?

I live in south, souuuuth Texas and there are absolutely zero LGBT support groups, no centers, nothing. I even checked out the nearest planned parenthood locations (there's like... two in my region, the others are in San Antonio or Austin which is kinda far) and while they offered LGBT services, they don't offer hormones. The other local non-PP sexual health clinics are more towards women and I checked their websites and there wasn't anything about LGBT services. I don't know how I'll be able to transition. I don't know if I can just ask my GP or something but then I'll probably have to go through the whole six months of therapy, one year living as my "preferred gender" bullcrap that I've already being doing up til know. I am a legal adult btw.

Sorry I sound so frantic- I just really don't know how to do this. I wish I could move to a better state but I'm stuck for a while here. Just need help from other trans folks.

[AshleyP]

I live in south, souuuuth Texas and there are absolutely zero LGBT support groups, no centers, nothing.

Do you live in the valley or near the gulf coast?

I don't know if I can just ask my GP or something but then I'll probably have to go through the whole six months of therapy, one year living as my "preferred gender" bullcrap that I've already being doing up til know. I am a legal adult btw.

I decided that I'd need to tell my GP sooner or later and just did it. He was understanding and accommodating.

Sorry I sound so frantic- I just really don't know how to do this. I wish I could move to a better state but I'm stuck for a while here. Just need help from other trans folks.

You do sound sorta frantic. Texas is not so bad. I got it all done with no hassle and not much cost.

All the best,
--AshleyP

[cheryl reeves]

Move to Dallas they have resources there. South Texas is different from north Texas.

[RobynD]

You should be able to find a sympathetic doctor, but as you said it may mean a drive. Don't have much feedback since i have only been a visitor in your state.

I did want to point out that your therapist's point that you must "take care of the depression" prior to transition is not sound advice. Transition is often THE very thing and the only thing that gets us out of depression. I'd consider a therapist change if she persists in that.

[eggbun]

Haven't responded in a while cuz god, life has been difficult! I live in the Rio Grande Valley, aka southest of south Texas. Still haven't exactly found anyone or anything here. It sucks living in this place! Thanks Cheryl,  a lot of people have recommended me moving to Dallas, though I might just want to leave Texas in general. The weather has been killing me lately and also I've found myself becoming more interested in traveling: the worst thing about Texas is that you can drive for ten hours and still be in Texas! 

[AshleyP]

Haven't responded in a while cuz god, life has been difficult! I live in the Rio Grande Valley, aka southest of south Texas. Still haven't exactly found anyone or anything here.

If you're near one of the major cities in the valley, try one of the Community Health Clinics, especially if you're in the low income category. They are federally subsidized and therefore usually understanding of LGBT needs. That's what I did. I talked with the GP ahead of time about my needs. Explained the WPATH guidelines and gave him a copy of the Veteran's Administration recommended treatment guidelines. He told me to proceed with getting a letter of referral. I did that by negotiating a lower fee from a qualified, T-sympathetic therapist and conducted several sessions completely over the phone. The therapist happened to be in Dallas. I presented the letter and got my script.

The weather has been killing me lately and also I've found myself becoming more interested in traveling:

I live in south Texas, near the coast. A native of the area once told me that the weather is good during every season except for summer. Trouble is, it's summer eight months out of the year.

the worst thing about Texas is that you can drive for ten hours and still be in Texas! 

lol  Where you live, you could probably drive 10 hrs and just barely be in Dallas. Seriously, I realize everyone's situation is different and YMMV, but it was very easy for me to get over those same hurdles. Good luck.

All the best,
--AshleyP