Community Conversation => Transsexual talk => Female to male transsexual talk (FTM) => Topic started by: Ratchet on July 11, 2011, 07:34:19 PM Return to Full Version
Title: Pennsylvania.
Post by: Ratchet on July 11, 2011, 07:34:19 PM
Post by: Ratchet on July 11, 2011, 07:34:19 PM
One word subjects, it's pretty much covers everything I need to ask and talk about.
As of August 24th, I will be taking my flight out of Las Vegas, NV to Pittsburgh, PA. Why you ask? The brilliance of school. I'm really looking forward to it, but I am also frightened by it. I'm attending a sub campus of the University of Pittsburgh until I can transfer elsewhere. Plus, I really like the area. Pittsburgh isn't far away, I've got a friend in Philadelphia, and a few in New York. I won't know who my roommate is until sometime in early August, but I'm also scared to figure out who it is. I went through so much back and forth with the admissions process with my name change, old court paper work from my childhood for Aid, and everything. So, the college admissions know that I am trans. Something that I don't know how comfortable I am with. I lead a completely stealth life. I know stealth isn't for everything. But I honestly am not a person that is comfortable with people looking at me any different. But I also don't necessarily identify as Trans. I compliment those that live, are comfortable with, and succeed in being Trans. I love working with the LGBT community. I'm just a straight male that enjoys helping out people that deserve every right that other people have.
I'm getting side tracked. Basically, I'm kind of fearing who my roommate might be. It's very possible there is another trans freshman they will have room with me. But my worst fear is that they give me a female roommate, and stick me in the female dorms. I am male in my college information and all of the above, but it's this sickening fear that's been slowly creeping into my head.
I also have no idea what to expect. I've been in and out with my previous doctor whom I started T with. I spent a good year or less searching out a new doctor, finding a couple references through the LGBT community here in town. I went there, but they refused to continue treatment because it was out of the comfort zone of the attending (though the doctor I was personally seeing had family experience with MtF and was comfortable with helping me out and learning the process). I was given a T prescription, a single refill, in the meantime while I continued my search. A search I abandoned when in a couple months I would be shipping off to another state with no intentions of returning.
I've seen a lot of trans related care in the PA area. I am willing to go into Pittsburgh, or slightly out of my way to get proper care. But I'm also fearing they'll make me start from scratch. I don't really see a therapist anymore. I have a therapist in which I talk to here and there, but I no longer pay to see a therapist. She was a MtF. We settled on the fact that other then transitioning and being trans, I was perfectly fine and content with my life now. We had nothing to talk about, my problems from childhood were better, I am better. I am happy. I am a male now and people see it. So we stopped therapy. I just don't want to wind up paying to see a new therapist for however long, then searching out a new doctor in that area in which to continue my T injections. I've moved doctors, but I've never moved this far out of my comfort zone, and completely alone at that.
So anyone in the general area, state, or anyone with similar experience feel free to add in something. Actually, any advice on the matter would be very much appreciated. It's a big change for me. And it's coming up right around the corner. I can feel the slightly fear, the anxiousness, starting to build up slowly.
As of August 24th, I will be taking my flight out of Las Vegas, NV to Pittsburgh, PA. Why you ask? The brilliance of school. I'm really looking forward to it, but I am also frightened by it. I'm attending a sub campus of the University of Pittsburgh until I can transfer elsewhere. Plus, I really like the area. Pittsburgh isn't far away, I've got a friend in Philadelphia, and a few in New York. I won't know who my roommate is until sometime in early August, but I'm also scared to figure out who it is. I went through so much back and forth with the admissions process with my name change, old court paper work from my childhood for Aid, and everything. So, the college admissions know that I am trans. Something that I don't know how comfortable I am with. I lead a completely stealth life. I know stealth isn't for everything. But I honestly am not a person that is comfortable with people looking at me any different. But I also don't necessarily identify as Trans. I compliment those that live, are comfortable with, and succeed in being Trans. I love working with the LGBT community. I'm just a straight male that enjoys helping out people that deserve every right that other people have.
I'm getting side tracked. Basically, I'm kind of fearing who my roommate might be. It's very possible there is another trans freshman they will have room with me. But my worst fear is that they give me a female roommate, and stick me in the female dorms. I am male in my college information and all of the above, but it's this sickening fear that's been slowly creeping into my head.
I also have no idea what to expect. I've been in and out with my previous doctor whom I started T with. I spent a good year or less searching out a new doctor, finding a couple references through the LGBT community here in town. I went there, but they refused to continue treatment because it was out of the comfort zone of the attending (though the doctor I was personally seeing had family experience with MtF and was comfortable with helping me out and learning the process). I was given a T prescription, a single refill, in the meantime while I continued my search. A search I abandoned when in a couple months I would be shipping off to another state with no intentions of returning.
I've seen a lot of trans related care in the PA area. I am willing to go into Pittsburgh, or slightly out of my way to get proper care. But I'm also fearing they'll make me start from scratch. I don't really see a therapist anymore. I have a therapist in which I talk to here and there, but I no longer pay to see a therapist. She was a MtF. We settled on the fact that other then transitioning and being trans, I was perfectly fine and content with my life now. We had nothing to talk about, my problems from childhood were better, I am better. I am happy. I am a male now and people see it. So we stopped therapy. I just don't want to wind up paying to see a new therapist for however long, then searching out a new doctor in that area in which to continue my T injections. I've moved doctors, but I've never moved this far out of my comfort zone, and completely alone at that.
So anyone in the general area, state, or anyone with similar experience feel free to add in something. Actually, any advice on the matter would be very much appreciated. It's a big change for me. And it's coming up right around the corner. I can feel the slightly fear, the anxiousness, starting to build up slowly.
Title: Re: Pennsylvania.
Post by: RyGuy on July 11, 2011, 07:46:54 PM
Post by: RyGuy on July 11, 2011, 07:46:54 PM
all i have to contribute at this time is that most doctors, general practitioners even, are more than happy to continue you on medications that you've already been prescribed
Title: Re: Pennsylvania.
Post by: riccirules on July 11, 2011, 08:05:16 PM
Post by: riccirules on July 11, 2011, 08:05:16 PM
I can't tell you anything about how Pitt (short name for University of Pittsburgh) works, as I went to the Art Institute of Pittsburgh (which has absolutely no healthcare for their students...which is ridiculous, given how much it costs to go there)...but I can tell you you'll probably be right in downtown. Which is a nice place to be.
There's a YMCA, a YWCA, lots of churches, Mellon Square park (which has a lovely steel pipe sculpture), a Macy's, lot's of upscale stores (like Saks Fifth Avenue), a great cultural district, etc...
Avoid Market Street at night...I had a friend who was mugged and nearly raped there.
Get a good set of snow boots, too.
If you go down Boulevard of the Allies, remember to take a pic of Creation Rex, the mascot for the Art Institute (a giant T-Rex statue right outside the front entrance).
Be prepared to hear about the Steelers and Pens (Penguins) all the time.
As far as your situation, just keep in touch with housing and student services.
I'm sure things will work out for you.... ut keep us all posted.
There's a YMCA, a YWCA, lots of churches, Mellon Square park (which has a lovely steel pipe sculpture), a Macy's, lot's of upscale stores (like Saks Fifth Avenue), a great cultural district, etc...
Avoid Market Street at night...I had a friend who was mugged and nearly raped there.
Get a good set of snow boots, too.
If you go down Boulevard of the Allies, remember to take a pic of Creation Rex, the mascot for the Art Institute (a giant T-Rex statue right outside the front entrance).
Be prepared to hear about the Steelers and Pens (Penguins) all the time.
As far as your situation, just keep in touch with housing and student services.
I'm sure things will work out for you.... ut keep us all posted.
Title: Re: Pennsylvania.
Post by: tekla on July 11, 2011, 08:28:16 PM
Post by: tekla on July 11, 2011, 08:28:16 PM
Get a good set of snow boots, too.
http://www.sorel.com/1964-PREMIUM%E2%84%A2-T-CVS-%7C-048-%7C-8/803298485340,default,pd.html (http://www.sorel.com/1964-PREMIUM%E2%84%A2-T-CVS-%7C-048-%7C-8/803298485340,default,pd.html)
They were worth their weight in gold to me in Iowa. And remember, it's not the snow that sucks, it's the slush.
http://www.sorel.com/1964-PREMIUM%E2%84%A2-T-CVS-%7C-048-%7C-8/803298485340,default,pd.html (http://www.sorel.com/1964-PREMIUM%E2%84%A2-T-CVS-%7C-048-%7C-8/803298485340,default,pd.html)
They were worth their weight in gold to me in Iowa. And remember, it's not the snow that sucks, it's the slush.
Title: Re: Pennsylvania.
Post by: riccirules on July 11, 2011, 09:02:39 PM
Post by: riccirules on July 11, 2011, 09:02:39 PM
Quote from: tekla on July 11, 2011, 08:28:16 PM
And remember, it's not the snow that sucks, it's the slush.
Also, the ice.
It's like glass in PA.
I slipped on some ice twice in one night...Christmas of 2008, I believe.
First time, my leg folded up behind me to where my toes were touching my hip...nearly broke my ankle and knee.
Then, a little further down the road, I slid again and landed hard on my opposite hip, nearly breaking it.
I had bruises and hobbled around for weeks.
I still have problems with my right knee because of that.
Title: Re: Pennsylvania.
Post by: Ratchet on July 11, 2011, 10:27:10 PM
Post by: Ratchet on July 11, 2011, 10:27:10 PM
Quote from: riccirules on July 11, 2011, 08:05:16 PM
Get a good set of snow boots, too.
If you go down Boulevard of the Allies, remember to take a pic of Creation Rex, the mascot for the Art Institute (a giant T-Rex statue right outside the front entrance).
Be prepared to hear about the Steelers and Pens (Penguins) all the time.
Snow boots. Right. I didn't even think about that, I remember going to CMU in the fall this year, when there was no snow on the ground but previously snow and seeing snow boots littering the common room of my friend's dorm. I'll make sure to look into getting some snow foots, thanks. I've seen the dinosaurs that sort of pop up in several places of Pittsburgh, but I'm not sure I've seen that one or been to the Boulevard of the Allies.
As for the Steelers and Pens, I'm a fan. So I don't mind. :P
Thanks for the advice, I'll surely need it. Makes me feel a little more at ease with everything.
Title: Re: Pennsylvania.
Post by: riccirules on July 11, 2011, 11:24:01 PM
Post by: riccirules on July 11, 2011, 11:24:01 PM
If there's anything else you need to know about the area, just ask.
I lived there for 2 years, so I know a few things.
Not expert-level, but enough.
I lived there for 2 years, so I know a few things.
Not expert-level, but enough.
Title: Re: Pennsylvania.
Post by: kalshady on July 14, 2011, 09:54:39 AM
Post by: kalshady on July 14, 2011, 09:54:39 AM
Yo Ratchet,
I have more to say than what im posting here bc i gotta a meeting to run to. Wit that said,
I dont live very close to Pitt but i do live in PA (been here for bout 6yrs or so) and go to Penn State. While PA is still pretty damn conservative as a whole, im sure youll like it here. The colleges in the surrounding areas of Philly (mainly Temple U in Philly, Pitt, and PSU campuses) really do a lot to help us transguys (and gals). I wouldnt feel uncomfortable about the college admissions knowing youre trans, it might actually end up more beneficial. Ive found A LOT of help at my campus in Student Affairs (student activities, events, etc.)
Hit me up on FB: Kal Nichols or email me at kvn5054@psu.edu
It might be chill to talk wit you (or if you want more info since im runnin out for my meeting) and see how ->-bleeped-<- works out
I have more to say than what im posting here bc i gotta a meeting to run to. Wit that said,
I dont live very close to Pitt but i do live in PA (been here for bout 6yrs or so) and go to Penn State. While PA is still pretty damn conservative as a whole, im sure youll like it here. The colleges in the surrounding areas of Philly (mainly Temple U in Philly, Pitt, and PSU campuses) really do a lot to help us transguys (and gals). I wouldnt feel uncomfortable about the college admissions knowing youre trans, it might actually end up more beneficial. Ive found A LOT of help at my campus in Student Affairs (student activities, events, etc.)
Hit me up on FB: Kal Nichols or email me at kvn5054@psu.edu
It might be chill to talk wit you (or if you want more info since im runnin out for my meeting) and see how ->-bleeped-<- works out
Title: Re: Pennsylvania.
Post by: Ratchet on July 14, 2011, 07:53:44 PM
Post by: Ratchet on July 14, 2011, 07:53:44 PM
Awesome Kal, Thanks!
Title: Re: Pennsylvania.
Post by: Alex37 on July 15, 2011, 08:02:39 PM
Post by: Alex37 on July 15, 2011, 08:02:39 PM
Quote from: tekla on July 11, 2011, 08:28:16 PM
And remember, it's not the snow that sucks, it's the slush.
This is the reason I moved from the Pittsburgh area to Atlanta.
Unfortunately, I can't offer much more help as I hadn't even heard the word "transgender" until I moved to Atlanta. In general, I've found admissions counselors to be accepting. As long as you're giving the college money, they have no reason to be rude to you. Also, if you're living full time as male and on T, I doubt they'd try to put you in a women's dorm. If you're anxious about it, you can always contact them and confirm that they're not going to do that. And if they are, you'll have some time to convince them to change it.
Also, if you're going to be driving through Pittsburgh by at any point, I recommend a GPS or a map at least. It's insanely complicated to find your way around at first. And if you order a steak salad it will most likely come with french fries on top.