Susan's Place Transgender Resources

I have cancelled my hormone appointment for the second time. I can't decide whether I should transition or not and I may be losing my medical insurance so there's no point in starting T and being partially male if I can't continue. I also want to see what happens with Trump's presidency. Now is a better time to be in the closet. I'm afraid for my safety and well being. Is anyone else waiting until Trump's presidency is possibly over? I may transition if a democrat is in power next.

I did my first shot a week before the election, sure that I would be protected. My first thought was "Oh heck, what have I done" when the returns came in. But putting myself on hold wasn't an option, nor was giving up. All that would mean to me was that I let those that hate me win. That said, you have to make the decision as to what is right for you. If you don't feel that in your personal circumstances you are safe, then wait. But do it because it is right for you, not because you feel bullied into it

I think that would be the worst reason not to transition. I started treatment about 1974 and the only time in all those years the government has meddled in my medical care has been in the last 3 years by greatly increasing the cost of my medical insurance. My treatment by the medical community, the quality of my care and the way I have been treated by the community as a person is the same or better.

Once you start T, the cost should be minimal after the initial visit. In my transition, the Endo placed the least drain on my cash with therapy, electrolysis and surgery burning up almost anything I could save. I would expect that T out of pocket might range between $400 and $1000 out of pocket a year including doctors cost. For me, that was a small price to pay in order to become myself.

I pay $25 every 2 months for my T and syringes. My doctor runs $125 every 3 months. The lab work is about the same as the doctor. Most clinics or doctors may have a reduced rate if you don't have insurance.

I wouldn't wait for idiot politicians to come around, or everyone else. You'll be waiting a long time for the perfect conditions.

If politics is whats holding you back I think I would recommend going ahead with it. I started up at a pretty ->-bleeped-<-ty time in my country, but I don't think I would be here today if I tried to maintain the status quo. Of course you may be much stronger than me, and in the end only you can decide for you.

If HRT is within range right away I'd jump at the chance. Best of luck, regardless of choice <3.

For me, it came to a point in my life where I felt like it was detrimental to my mental health and continued well being to remain un-transitioned. I don't know how I'd be feeling if I was still pre-everything currently. It is definitely an unsettling time to be sure, but I don't know that it would make me feel deterred from transitioning.

There are dedicated providers out there who will continue to find ways to ensure that we are properly cared for despite all the political mess. Even if you were to lose insurance coverage, knowing where you are located I can tell you there is an income based LGBTQ clinic not too far away that would happily provide you with HRT regardless of your coverage.

I think the bigger worry for many of us should be our communities. This election has emboldened a segment of the population with more extreme views, many of whom have expressed a dislike for trans people. It would not surprise me to hear that hate crimes go up over the next four years. So my bigger piece of advice would be to look around you. Do you think it is safe to transition where you are? Are your friends and family supportive? Do you have local support groups with members who look out for each other? If you're alone often, do you feel comfortable taking care of yourself?

I would not wait. But I am only saying that because I did wait and regret waiting for another 2 years. Now there is no way I will ever go back. The mental benefits alone are worth it. I have a good life right now and I would give it all up for the mental stability it gives me.

Agree with not waiting around for 'the perfect time'. There's no such thing. Something will always seem to come up to make transitioning or coming out slightly harder. The important thing is whether mentally you can manage anymore without transitioning. From my experience it wasn't worth it for me to simply coast through life anymore; I wanted to actually feel more alive instead of just about coping with a messed up brain which hindered everything from interacting with people to finding a job.

You could argue that any medical condition you have may be affected by Trump in terms of what health insurance is available and costs; but that doesn't mean you should live life being untreated for said condition. Also could argue that with T making you look like a typical guy you'll actually be safer from the alt right pro Trump supporters than if you looked typically female.

Thanks for everyone's input. For the record I am somewhat out of the closet. My family says they're supportive but don't think I should transition and think being trans is part of my mental illness. My legal name is already my male one. So if I start a new job in the next few months at least I won't have to ask them to call me a different name later on when I transition for real. I have already canceled my hormone appointment. It was going to be at the beginning of February. After I've thought it through some more I'll reschedule. I hate to sound unbrave but another thing about the T is I don't know if I can handle sticking myself in the butt.

A lot of things are changing in my life right now. I think at this point in time it will do me more damage to transition.

I fully expect to lose my health insurance some time in the next 4 years owing to the disturbed political situation.  And I will now have a pre-existing condition that will most likely prevent me from being able to purchase health insurance.   It's called being transgender. 
But I would still do it all over again.  The rewards are too great.  I've seen the grass on the other side of the fence now. And it's way greener.  I couldn't imagine not transitioning at this point. 

Quote from: alienbodybuilder on January 29, 2017, 01:47:51 PM
A lot of things are changing in my life right now. I think at this point in time it will do me more damage to transition.

Do what is best for you. You can always change your mind.

Thanks Kylo.

Jane Emily, I'm in the same boat. I have a disability.

You can never feel 100% sure about transitioning but if the thought of it is really distressing you it's definitely not cowardice to wait until you feel better about it mentally :).

As for sticking yourself in the butt I could never do that and am on gel. If that option is too expensive for you now it still might be a positive thing for you to aim for in the future.

Quote from: alienbodybuilder on January 29, 2017, 01:47:51 PM
I hate to sound unbrave but another thing about the T is I don't know if I can handle sticking myself in the butt.

I stick myself in the leg. My doctor said it's really easy to mess up a butt shot.

   To be me or not to be me, that is the question. No one could answer that for me nor can anyone do it for you.  I have to agree with the masses here, Don't let the current political situation stop you from doing what is right for you.  Politics change. I'll not go into how I view our current president. (It wouldn't be ladylike or good for my blood pressure). Okay I guess I just did.
   Back to the topic. My own decision was a spur of the moment one. It was only more than 50 years it the making. I discovered I could obtain the meds and did so. Shortly thereafter I told my doctor. I recommend other change this order and do it the right way. 
   You will find support here whatever decision you make for yourself, but that decision will have to be your.

   Jeanette