Community Conversation => Military Veterans Confab => Topic started by: Robbyv213 on October 30, 2024, 01:33:46 PM Return to Full Version

Title: Va gender affirming care after elections
Post by: Robbyv213 on October 30, 2024, 01:33:46 PM
Typically during most elections all candidates seem to be taken out of context on almost everything they say on just about all issues, this is nothing new right.

When researching policies for both Harris and trump specifically in regards to trans health care I can't seem to find any source that doesn't have any biased on what each candidate says their stance is.

I admit I was never worried in the past about an election. This year I am worried to say the least.

How worried should I be if trump wins the election? Will all gender affirming care provided by the VA stop? Will we lose our benefits as veterans for being trans/having used the VA for gender affirming care?

I haven't started my hrt yet, and I feel I should wait till after the election just in case. I have also been refilling my prescriptions on Spiro and ev as much as the VA will allow me to do before the election also just incase.

I can't seem to find any source that doesn't seem like it's just bashing one candidate or the other to tell what's actually true or not.

Does anyone have a good go to source for what each candidates stance/policy towards trans/gender affirming care. Google seems to not be all that great for just about any searches anymore.
Title: Re: Va gender affirming care after elections
Post by: Lori Dee on October 30, 2024, 02:37:53 PM
All politicians lie and seldom live up to their campaign promises. However, Harris (and Biden before her), said that transgender issues are not their priority in the election campaign. They have a long track record in support of LGBTQ communities, but they don't want to focus on that and take away other important issues that the majority of people want to have addressed.

Trump has clearly stated several times, that if elected he will use Executive Orders to prohibit gender-affirming care for all ages.

However, Executive Orders do not apply to citizens. They are orders to government agencies on how to apply rules and regulations. An Executive Order is illegal if it violates Federal Law or the Constitution. Therefore, his orders will have no weight and most likely will be challenged in court. BUT he could tie it up in court for years.

Federal Law currently prohibits discrimination against us. If you have a current prescription, it will continue to be honored no matter what. No need to stockpile them. My Endocrinologist initially had the prescription label say "For Gender Transition". They now say "For Hormone Replacement". Many women are on prescriptions for hormone replacement, so a transgender ban would not affect yours.

Under Harris, I expect the VA to change its policy banning surgeries. Trump could ban transition care, but that would be illegal. I had a VA executive tell me that the VA is very slow to implement any policy change, so would continue with "business as usual" until the courts settled the matter. Worst case scenario, surgeries might never get approved, but all other care would continue.

It's not a problem until it is. Don't panic yet.
(hmm, maybe I need a passport.  ;D )
Title: Re: Va gender affirming care after elections
Post by: Robbyv213 on October 30, 2024, 02:58:52 PM
Right... I was worried since I'm not sure how quickly the VA works when something is passed. But that is a bit of relief in worry for now.

I'm sure the pharmacy thinks I'm over dosing lol since I now have three bottles of ev and Spiro in my possession, but I'd rather be safe than sorry.

Hopefully it's business as normal for who ever gets into office, and like you said if the VA really does move that slowly then I'm sure it will be fine for the near future.
Title: Re: Va gender affirming care after elections
Post by: Robbyv213 on October 30, 2024, 03:33:44 PM
Ok maybe I won't wait to start hormones any longer than I had originally intended vs waiting till after the election.
Title: Re: Va gender affirming care after elections
Post by: Lori Dee on October 30, 2024, 03:37:28 PM
Quote from: Robbyv213 on October 30, 2024, 03:33:44 PMOk maybe I won't wait to start hormones any longer than I had originally intended vs waiting till after the election.

They can prevent you from starting, but if you are already on them the can't stop refills.
Title: Re: Va gender affirming care after elections
Post by: Robbyv213 on October 30, 2024, 03:43:01 PM
Yea I already have the prescriptions, I was just going to make myself hold off just to wait and see how the election turns out.
Title: Re: Va gender affirming care after elections
Post by: Lori Dee on October 30, 2024, 03:44:17 PM
Quote from: Robbyv213 on October 30, 2024, 03:43:01 PMYea I already have the prescriptions, I was just going to make myself hold off just to wait and see how the election turns out.

I wouldn't. Take as prescribed. When you run out, they need to refill them. They are not going to deny your ongoing treatment.
Title: Re: Va gender affirming care after elections
Post by: Robbyv213 on October 30, 2024, 03:46:34 PM
Ok sounds good. Thanks for the reassurance
Title: Re: Va gender affirming care after elections
Post by: Northern Star Girl on October 30, 2024, 04:02:19 PM
  @Robbyv213
Dear Robby:
I have been closely following your journey on your Blog Thread, and here on
the Military Veterans Confab and I am excited for your ongoing progress.

I see that Lori Dee has been mentoring your journey with her wise and experienced
advice...  please be certain to listen to what she says.

Along with the rest of your avid followers, I will eagerly be looking for your
updates as you feel comfortable sharing.

HUGS, and best wishes to you for success and happiness.
Danielle
[Northern Star Girl]
The Forum Administrator


Quote from: Robbyv213 on October 30, 2024, 03:46:34 PMOk sounds good. Thanks for the reassurance
 
Quote from: Lori Dee on October 30, 2024, 03:44:17 PMI wouldn't. Take as prescribed. When you run out, they need to refill them. They are not going to deny your ongoing treatment.
Title: Re: Va gender affirming care after elections
Post by: Robbyv213 on October 30, 2024, 04:13:37 PM
I feel like I could have been misunderstood. I am not, nor do I intend to use my prescriptions in any way other than directed.
Title: Re: Va gender affirming care after elections
Post by: Lori Dee on October 30, 2024, 04:20:47 PM
Quote from: Robbyv213 on October 30, 2024, 04:13:37 PMI feel like I could have been misunderstood. I am not, nor do I intend to use my prescriptions in any way other than directed.

No, I got that.

I just didn't want you to wait to start them. It is better if you are already on them if any changes happen.
Title: Re: Va gender affirming care after elections
Post by: Northern Star Girl on October 30, 2024, 04:29:22 PM
@Robbyv213
Dear Robby:
I am very glad to read what you stated... yes, always use your prescriptions as
directed and when directed by your doctors. 
In the past here on the Forum I have seen a few members get in trouble with less
than satisfactory high or low blood test results and even some unwanted more serious
medical issues by not following the doctor's orders. 

HRT is a powerful tool for your transition
but it is also a powerful tool that can mess up your body's balance
of hormones and affect your vital organs in a bad way if mis-used.

Again, I always wish you the best possible success.
HUGS, Danielle


Quote from: Robbyv213 on October 30, 2024, 04:13:37 PMI feel like I could have been misunderstood. I am not, nor do I intend to use my prescriptions in any way other than directed.
Title: Re: Va gender affirming care after elections
Post by: Robbyv213 on October 30, 2024, 05:05:36 PM
@Lori Dee oh I see, I guess I missed understood you. Lol.

@Northern Star Girl yes I agree, it is Definitely not meant to be used lightly and without supervision that is for sure.