advice (sort of awkward situation)

[lilith]

I think this might be an awkward question, not sure if this is the place to go, but it's worth a shot.

Umm, well, I'm 19 and I'm (biologically) male, and I've come to the decision, after many years of confusion, that I should start working to "become female" or whatever. Most of my friends are aware of my situation and they're supportive and stuff, which is great, but there are some things they obviously can't help me with.

I'm in therapy right now (the government pays for it because I have anxiety and stuff that interferes with employment, I think), and the people I'm seeing for that are also aware of my intentions, but things aren't really moving quickly enough for me. The therapist I'm seeing can't really help me with my situation, and the doctor (the guy that prescribes the medicine) has said that he needs to refer me to someone else for hormones and that kind of thing. That was like almost 3 months ago, which kind of pisses me off, because, I mean, he gets paid $100 or something to see me for 2 minutes a month and then he blows off the important stuff. But anyway, that's beside the point I guess.

What I'm trying to get at is, I'm not really sure where to turn for help on this stuff. I don't need a shoulder to cry on or anything, so I'm not looking for a "support group" in that sense of the term, I just don't know what to do about the medical and legal kind of stuff. The problem I'm having is that all the sites I can find on the Internet are dedicated to older people with these issues, and very few of them (if any) are dedicated to teenagers.

This site, for example. I'm sure you're all great people and stuff, but I don't think this place is really for me, because you guys are all kind of out of my league... If that makes sense.

So my question is, does anyone have any advice for a teenager in this situation? Are there any sites that would be more on my level that you can refer me to? Or any organizations or anything? I live in the almost-but-not-quite-rural midwest, so it's not like I have all these NYC/LA/Chicago-style organizations I can just look up in the phone book, if you know what I mean.

Thanks.

[Alexandra]

lilith, once upon a time many of us were "in your league" so perhaps you will be able to learn from those of us who have "been there."  I suppose the first thing you ought to do is see about getting qualifed therapists. Continuing to surf the net is good too. Just don't take any one site (including this one) as the "final authority" on all things TG.

Good luck

[stephanie_craxford]

Hello Lilith,

You find yourself in a situation that all teens find themselves.  However you are of the age where you can make your own decisions compared to other teens who need parental approval.  Susan's is not a a site that just provides a shoulder to cry on.  There are many members here whose experiences may be of help to you.  We are definitely not the "Final authority on all things TG", I don't think anyone is.  But Susan's has things to offer such as advice based on personal experience, links to other sites or people who may be able to help.  Ask the questions and see what comes out of it, give us a chance, what do you have to loose.

The point I don't understand is your thinking that we are out of your league.  Many here have gone through or are going through similar situations.  Don't discount them.  Read through the forums, check out the Wiki and see if there is anything there that can help.  If you don't see anything just ask. 

Steph

[Cassandra]

Hi Lillith,

As the other's have said this site is not the final authority on all things TG but you won't find a better bunch to learn from. We have a lot of teens here. Many of our members are in there early twenties which you will be soon so don't be so quick to write us off. It's a big site. There are a lot of people here who can help you. So fix yourself a cup of tea or other relaxing beverage, sit down, take your shoes off and set a spell.

Good Journey,

Cassie

[Kate Thomas]

Hi Lillith
Welcom to Susans
You will find us a diverse bunch. Many here have spent years on the journy that you are now beginning.
If you hang around susans many here will become close freinds and  a family that will help you guide the long road ahead.

Hugs
Kate

[Sara]

Hi Lillith, I think we have not read your post too well as all you are asking is for advice on where to go for meddical and legal info.

Well I dont know if your Therapist is a Gender Specialist but if not find one who is and get your current Therapist to refer you. Your GP needs to refer you to an Endocrinologist who can monitor your progress properly. A GP is not a specialist. Legal stuff, well it is up to you to speak out and if nothing is moving fast enough for you then it is because of the people you are seeing. It does take 3 months and beyond for things to change and it can be a slow progress but slow is better than fast as health is more important than anything.

You can do a search for "TG Youth Pages" on any number of search engines and that should give you some info but if it is soley legal you are after then contact a lawyer in your home town and explain your plight.

Hope this helps.

Sara.