Susan's Place Transgender Resources

(Hopefully I posted this in the right place)
I am curious to know if anyone here is living in Ontario, Canada, and has had experience in transitioning. I am very new to the world of transitioning (as in I haven't started yet), and would like to know what people's experiences have been in Ontario. I have only gotten as far as telling my psychiatrist about the fact I wish to transition, so I basically know nothing. I know there's a clinic or two in Toronto, but I have no idea how you get in or whatever. Any info would be appreciated! :)

Well I'm posting because I'm an Ontario resident as well  ;D. Other than that my transitioning hasn't gotten very far  :(. If you're in the Toronto area definitely sign up for Sherbourne NOW because the waiting list is ridiculous and you may as well have that as a back up. Depending on what exactly you're looking for there are a few places. Are you looking for therapy, an LGBT friendly doctor, support groups, etc.? Let me know and I'll try to give you as much info. as I know (though I'm somewhat lost myself  ::)). May I ask who your psychiatrist is and would you recommend them? The fact that you have a psychiatrist is already one step ahead of me  :o apparently they can hand out prescriptions as well so awesome on finding a psychIATRist as opposed to a psychOLOGist  ;D.

I'm in the neighbourhood but I can't help you, as I'm not transitioning.  :-\  Sorry.

I transitioned in Ontario, albeit a few years back.  You shouldn't have too much of a problem other than wait times.  You can PM me, email me or reach me through my Facebook page (The link is in my sig).

Steph

I'm in Ontario also, and in the very early stages of transition - so far just cross-dressing, waxing, and finding resources.  I have what seems to be a GREAT gender psychologist, who's in Milton, and I'll be glad to give you her info by PM if you want it.  I've connected with three good friends in the area, one post-op, and two in later transition (basically waiting for SRS), and I'm attending a good support group in Hamilton.  Sherbourne has a program called "Gender Journeys", which is an 11-week workshop geared to helping trans people explore their options, I'm signed up for the next session, which starts in October.  Call the Sherbourne for info on that if it interests you.  Note that if you do not live in the CITY of Toronto, the Sherbourne will not be able to help you further than that - their catchment area includes ONLY the City Of Toronto, apparently, and they have a 2-year waiting list, and there is now a waiting list to get on the waiting list... (phew).

If you're outside Toronto and you want to have a shot at SRS on the OHIP tab, you need to see your doctor (GP) immediately and get them to refer you to the Gender Identity Clinic at CAMH for assessment.  At the moment, other than Sherbourne, that is the ONLY option, other than going ahead at your own expense.  After your doc sends the referral letter, plan to wait about 4 weeks for the intake questionnaire to arrive in the mail.  Meantime, you can begin writing your Life Story from a gender POV, which they ask for but it's not required (good to provide, tho).  Once you send in the completed questionnaire, you'll wait another 4 weeks or so for them to contact you to set up an appointment.  That's where I'm at now, having sent in my questionnaire a couple weeks ago.  The appointment will be anywhere from 3-6 months in the future, so I'm hoping mine will be in the January-March time frame.  The thing is to GET IN THE PROGRAM ASAP, because there's an election coming up next fall, and if the Conservatives get elected, they'll very probably de-list SRS first chance they get. 

Anyway, that's where I'm at, and what I know.  I'm currently thinking about how soon I can go ahead with laser hair removal - I want to start it soon, but finances are an issue.  It's about $200/session, and I'm already paying $110/session for my therapist.  This gets expensive quickly...

Hi dear!  I am transitioning in Ontario too.  The posts above have very good information already.

I just finished the last Gender Journey in Sherbourne and its a great program for people thinking about, just begining or transitioning.  This program covers many aspects of transition and the facilitators are very helpful if you need any info or resources about transition.  I heard the coming one is full and you may need to sign-up for the next one.

Sherbourne has a extremely long waiting for new clients for medical care and HRT.  I signed up in March and I was told the waiting list is 1.5 years, now is even longer.  Luckily, I got my family doctor agree to refer me to see an endocrinologist.   You can still call Sherbourne as I know they can give you some info of some other places which may able to take trans clients.

Other than CAMH,   Sherbourne and Rainbow Health may be the next two assessment centres for SRS in the coming two years to help for the long waiting list.  I hope it is true.  I am still waiting for the CAMH questionaire to arrive....then I may try CAMH although it is not a place people recommended. But CAMH is the only place to go for OHIP covered SRS service, so its not much choice at all.  Let us know if you need more info....

Erikka :)

Thanks, this information has been very helpful! I am working on getting into the Gender Journeys thing, and will see about someone referring me to CAMH. I've heard about its reputation but if it's the only way to go then I will do it. I also know they've been made aware of the concerns the trans community has expressed, so that's a step in the right direction.

Meepit: My psychiatrist is through my school, so I don't think people outside can use him. He's admitted to me that he's not experienced enough with trans issues to be the primary overseeer of my treatment, but he's definitely got the right attitude. He is understanding and willing to learn, which is the best way to be when one doesn't know as much about something as they should.

Colleen: Do you know if my psychiatrist can refer me to CAMH, or does it have to be a GP/physician?