Community Conversation => Transsexual talk => Male to female transsexual talk (MTF) => Topic started by: finewine on November 28, 2009, 03:10:17 AM Return to Full Version
Title: our first visit to a gender clinic!
Post by: finewine on November 28, 2009, 03:10:17 AM
Post by: finewine on November 28, 2009, 03:10:17 AM
Yesterday, Shayna and I saw Dr Richard Curtis (of TransHealth, London) to get his assessment for a report to the Gender Recognition Panel - so that we can apply for a gender recognition certificate for Shayna.
We're happy to report that it went well, although Shayna was a little shy at first. Dr Curtis indicated that he'd be happy to write the report and also gave Shayna some information about HRT and the risks associated with self-medication (because she, like most transgendered persons in the Philippines, go down that route due to there being no official medical recognition or support there despite the generally accepting public culture). This made me happy as I'd already discussed my concerns over the same with her and was hoping we could get her on a medically supervised regime. Dr. Curtis pointed us at a nearby lab so Shayna could leave a blood sample for testing after our appointment - which we did.
I was personally impressed with the good doctor and his warm, friendly attitude. His expertise, confidence and intelligence (not to mention obvious lack of any prejudice) was really reassuring (and I'm guessing he has first hand experience of trans issues although I would never have been so rudely disrespectful as to ask).
We also met a nice lady when we arrived who had come in for a little more electrolysis "down there" and she was telling us that we'd come to the right place. She was very sweet, actually. She had a bit of a cold coming on and when she coughed, she got a little self-conscious and said something about how hard it is to "feminize" a cough - I replied that she really didn't need to say anything as I wouldn't have otherwise noticed. She said it was probably just her own self confidence, although personally I thought she passed very well (in fact, if we hadn't already been talking while sat in a gender clinic, I probably wouldn't have "read" her at all if we passed in the street).
Oh, on related news I spoke to our regional registrar's office and managed to get through to one of their staff who specializes in civil partnerships and trans-persons. As the Gender Recognition Panel is taking ~12 weeks to deliberate cases (according to them) and we're against the clock with Shayna's visa, her advice was to get the civil partnership done now and, if we get the GRC, they'll annul the CP and "replace" it with a marriage certificate.
This is great news - although it leaves us with a slight issue for witnesses as we don't want my friends to witness a civil partnership and effectively "out" Shayna. The lady at the registrar said not to worry, quite often people walk over to the neighbouring taxi rank and ask for volunteer witnesses! lol! :)
Maybe if there are folks here at Susan's who are in the south-east of the UK and fancy being a witness? :) hehe ... of course all travel expenses refunded, dinner & accommodation paid by me.
We're happy to report that it went well, although Shayna was a little shy at first. Dr Curtis indicated that he'd be happy to write the report and also gave Shayna some information about HRT and the risks associated with self-medication (because she, like most transgendered persons in the Philippines, go down that route due to there being no official medical recognition or support there despite the generally accepting public culture). This made me happy as I'd already discussed my concerns over the same with her and was hoping we could get her on a medically supervised regime. Dr. Curtis pointed us at a nearby lab so Shayna could leave a blood sample for testing after our appointment - which we did.
I was personally impressed with the good doctor and his warm, friendly attitude. His expertise, confidence and intelligence (not to mention obvious lack of any prejudice) was really reassuring (and I'm guessing he has first hand experience of trans issues although I would never have been so rudely disrespectful as to ask).
We also met a nice lady when we arrived who had come in for a little more electrolysis "down there" and she was telling us that we'd come to the right place. She was very sweet, actually. She had a bit of a cold coming on and when she coughed, she got a little self-conscious and said something about how hard it is to "feminize" a cough - I replied that she really didn't need to say anything as I wouldn't have otherwise noticed. She said it was probably just her own self confidence, although personally I thought she passed very well (in fact, if we hadn't already been talking while sat in a gender clinic, I probably wouldn't have "read" her at all if we passed in the street).
Oh, on related news I spoke to our regional registrar's office and managed to get through to one of their staff who specializes in civil partnerships and trans-persons. As the Gender Recognition Panel is taking ~12 weeks to deliberate cases (according to them) and we're against the clock with Shayna's visa, her advice was to get the civil partnership done now and, if we get the GRC, they'll annul the CP and "replace" it with a marriage certificate.
This is great news - although it leaves us with a slight issue for witnesses as we don't want my friends to witness a civil partnership and effectively "out" Shayna. The lady at the registrar said not to worry, quite often people walk over to the neighbouring taxi rank and ask for volunteer witnesses! lol! :)
Maybe if there are folks here at Susan's who are in the south-east of the UK and fancy being a witness? :) hehe ... of course all travel expenses refunded, dinner & accommodation paid by me.
Title: Re: our first visit to a gender clinic!
Post by: LordKAT on November 28, 2009, 03:16:33 AM
Post by: LordKAT on November 28, 2009, 03:16:33 AM
Wow finewine. It sounds like things are going in the right direction for you and Shayna. I hope that continues in the right direction.
I would volunteer as a witness for you but I live in the states. If you ever have a anniversary with a vow renewal and I have some cash.....
anyway, I'm smiling at your post as good news is good to hear.
I would volunteer as a witness for you but I live in the states. If you ever have a anniversary with a vow renewal and I have some cash.....
anyway, I'm smiling at your post as good news is good to hear.
Title: Re: our first visit to a gender clinic!
Post by: Cindy on November 28, 2009, 04:13:53 AM
Post by: Cindy on November 28, 2009, 04:13:53 AM
Lovely post again Finewine and Shayna
Take your time gorgeous (Shayana) but I know that are a lot of us girls want to have a good long gossip with you. Finewine's ears (and other bits) may burn but that is what a good gossip is about. You need not read the last sentence FW :laugh: :laugh:.
I'm so glad the legal proceedings are going OK, I was going to be in the UK about the right time - even had the right dress :-\. but HM has declined my application to be the next governer general for SA. Sad really, the last 10 did nothing and I was willing to be the same hard worker.
Bet you don't his name FW :laugh:
Love to you both,\
And Shayna, FW keeps telling us he is stinking rich, so buy a beut gown, and pics please.
Sorry Huns for making jokes
Love to you both Hugs.
Wish I could be there you sound a great couple
Take your time gorgeous (Shayana) but I know that are a lot of us girls want to have a good long gossip with you. Finewine's ears (and other bits) may burn but that is what a good gossip is about. You need not read the last sentence FW :laugh: :laugh:.
I'm so glad the legal proceedings are going OK, I was going to be in the UK about the right time - even had the right dress :-\. but HM has declined my application to be the next governer general for SA. Sad really, the last 10 did nothing and I was willing to be the same hard worker.
Bet you don't his name FW :laugh:
Love to you both,\
And Shayna, FW keeps telling us he is stinking rich, so buy a beut gown, and pics please.
Sorry Huns for making jokes
Love to you both Hugs.
Wish I could be there you sound a great couple
Title: Re: our first visit to a gender clinic!
Post by: biikcoolexpress on November 28, 2009, 05:33:34 AM
Post by: biikcoolexpress on November 28, 2009, 05:33:34 AM
lordkat and cindyjames thank you for being so sweet for me and jim, i really appreciate the message :)
yah we are very happy that everythings well about yesterday appointment with dr curtis :angel:
cindyjames you make me smile with your jokes here:P
actually i already have the gown made from philippines, it's really look good and i love the design. i'm so excited to wear it soon..yipeyy;))hehe
thank you again and have a nice day
mrs. finewine haha ;D :laugh:
shayna :angel:ciao
yah we are very happy that everythings well about yesterday appointment with dr curtis :angel:
cindyjames you make me smile with your jokes here:P
actually i already have the gown made from philippines, it's really look good and i love the design. i'm so excited to wear it soon..yipeyy;))hehe
thank you again and have a nice day
mrs. finewine haha ;D :laugh:
shayna :angel:ciao
Title: Re: our first visit to a gender clinic!
Post by: Renate on November 28, 2009, 05:54:29 AM
Post by: Renate on November 28, 2009, 05:54:29 AM
I'd love to come to the ceremony but I think that I'd probably cry too much.
Note: I'm crying now!
Oh, I'm in the States, too.
Best wishes and good luck on the bureaucracy.
Note: I'm crying now!
Oh, I'm in the States, too.
Best wishes and good luck on the bureaucracy.