Please vote, I would like to get a good average

[jmaxley]

My condolences to the OP for living in the Bible belt.

My GP, shrink and therapist have been okay (my GP has been really nice about it) even though they don't really understand it.  I did have trouble with an obgyn a few months back who treated me like a freak when I told her I had gender issues and that's why I was uncomfortable with getting a pelvic exam.

[tatiana]

Education and intelligence are two separate events.I know many utterly stupid (medical) doctors who have great medical skill and absolutely no intelligence.

Yeap. Book smart, but utterly lacking in street smarts. Afterall, a lot of med students are from the natural sciences area.

I disagree, Doctors didn't choose to serve they chose to make money.

You're right. Some became doctors because of the money, the prestige, and the lifestyle. It makes me wonder how some doctors still have their license if they don't treat their patients with respect.

I have quite a few friends that are studying or have become doctors here in Canada. I don't know how it was before, but the vetting process that students go through during the interviews is meant to weed out the immature types. It's a tough process. Don't know how this has changed over the years and how effective it is on actually making sure the people are the "right" people for the job. Hoping that the more recent generation is more tolerant of LGBT than before. Maybe some nurses or doctors that read this board can answer this for us.

[juliekins]

When I was just starting my journey, I had the displeasure to have outed myself to two different female GP's. One surprised me with her total turn in disposition-from warm to very cold and callous. She even boldly asked me when I "started having sex with men", and wanted to do an AIDS test on me.

Another woman was a young GP, who was new to the clinic. I thought she might be more understanding. She ended up to be a religious phobic, and again asked me to take an AIDS test! I asked her about safe sex practices (now I was getting indignant), and she said that it would be best if I stayed celibate. Apparently trans people aren't worthy of a healthy sexual relationship. I left the clinic in tears.

After these two bad experiences, I sought out a doctor who works with our community exclusively. I met one at Chicago's Be-All, and started hormones a few months later. This doctor was male.

Although I've switched doctors, I still work with one who works primarily with our T Community. He has been wonderful and compassionate. I'm going to spend my money with those doctors who care about us and our health first!

I've been surprised that at least locally, I haven't found a female doctor who chooses to work a great deal with our community. Maybe I will need to find an ob-gyn one of these days, and I would prefer a woman. We'll see who I can find!

[K8]

No problems.  I am the first trans-person for either of my GPs, but they have learned and been supportive and helpful.  Neither of my therapists specializes in gender issues, but both had some experience and also were very supportive and helpful.

YMMV

- Kate