Im hoping to move there soon, and i was hoping to make some connections before i go so i feel a bit more comfortable when i do.
Is anyone there who would be ok with being a friend? Please let me know.
Thank you,
Noelle
I dont live in Philly but have visited a few times. Great town! I'll be down there for a weekend in March if you want to grab a drink or something.
Philly's a great town to live in when you're trans. The Mazzoni Center is a great place and a great resource.
Parking sucks. Public transit sucks. The meter maids are the worst. Despite all of that, I wouldn't trade it for anything. Also, South Philly's generally lawless, so that works for me.
What brings you here, and where are you now? What part of the city are you trying to move to?
I dig Philly. Maybe some day.
@michelle
lol not there yet.
but id love to hang out.
@psychonaut
yeah thats why im trying to move there. the clinic may be my best option for transition.
im in va now, an i have no idea which part of philly. never been before.
@gwynne
hopefully soon.
Not in philly specifically, but in the outer suburbs near King of Prussia. Will be going to mazzoni myself in a bit. Scheduling for me is rough at the moment so I can't promise much.
Thats ok. Im just looking to be comfortable there right off the bat instead of freaking out when i get there. Hence the suggested connections.
Is king of prussia in pennsylvania?
I was born and raised in Phila. and work there as well ( I try to not speak and type "Philadelphian" buy sometimes it slips in). I live 500 feet outside Phila. I hope to some day move to the gayborhood.
William Way LGBTI center is a 1315 Spruce. They have group on Thursday nights 7-9 pm.
Mazzoni Center, 809 Locust, LGBT primary care, sliding scale. Have group and I will be going to that group soon. This is my primary and where I get HRT (next door at Walgreens). Mazzoni owns the Walgreens and we get HRT at cost. Under 24 you can walk in others need an appointment. There is a 3 month wait for an appointment so when appropriate register on the portal. You will need to do an intake and then schedule an appointment (3 month wait), get blood work then the scripts are issued ( use the portal and try to move things via sending blood work electronically and if on HRT forward your chart so you are seamless if you have HRT already). The great thing is the patient portal. You can communicate through the portal with your PA. The coolest thing is all the people working there are variant and most of the patients Trans*. I feel so at ease there. It is clean, well run and has great PA's. Ask for Dusty Latimer, PA-C he is super cool and beautiful, in a male way. His eyes are to die for and when he looks into your eyes ......I forget the questions I wanted to ask. So next time I will have a written list.
Mazzoni sponsors the Transgender Conference in late May or April.
Depending on your age there is the ATTIC for younger persons (under 21).
Gayborhood is a 12 block area where being LGBTI is welcomed.
I plan to attend group at Mazzoni soon. Also, the Woman's Therapy Center has some good therapists. I am in the process of switching therapists and checking out new persons.
We can meet at group when you move.
Word of caution, Phila is like any large city in USA. Know where you are and where you should not be and when you should not be in certain areas.
I live in Philly. I'd hang out with you but im young or youngish, so if there is a significant age gap we might not have much to talk about. I go to Mazzoni. It's great but it's just a healthcare center, remember. But it'a not a bad city so you have nothing to worry about, at all. I live in N. Philly and have not had one problem.
@cynthia
the gayborhood thing is kinda odd sinse i am asexual.
im sure its a nice place tho.
still planning on going fo the mazzoni center. thanks for the names, ill be sure to put them in my notes.
for the younger ones would i have to pay for the therapist, blood work, and hrt myself? or will they cover it?
friendship? :3
@joanna
im youngish too. 21 actually. im sure we can think of something to talk about. :p
I love the Reading Terminal Market. It is a very cool place where you can get a lot of different types of foods from vendors indoors.
The Italian Market has some fantastic food too!
Then there is China Town,
Do not forget South Washington Ave and the Vietnam section,
Center City has a lot of shops,
The Gayborhood has acceptance,
There are museums and art museums too.
Yes, where I go is safe. I grew up in Philly, went to school in North Philly and Work in West Philly. 25 years ago I was at places that are dangerous.
Mazzoni uses a sliding scale.
lol you may just have to show me around cuz i get lost fairly easily. XD
also what do you mean by sliding scale?
Mazzoni (LGBT primary care) and the Woman's Therapy Center use a sliding scale for fees.
For example:
I have insurance, The fee for an office visit, HRT, blood work and therapy are charge in full. My insurance covers all but the deductible. I switched insurances and TRANS* care is covered so now Therapy is costing me $2,200 per year not $6,000 per year.
Those who do not have means or insurance are charge a reduced amount appropriate to their ability (sliding scale of fee).
Mazzoni has a food bank too.
Elaine Dutton at Mazzoni is great, she is also at the Woman' s Therapy Center. I did my intake with her and she is very compassionate and understanding. She sees a lot of Trans*. There is an intake at the Woman's Therapy Center too.
I can show you around. The city ( down town) is easy to understand. Ben Franklin set up the road grid 250 years ago.
At group there are a lot of really nice people. I have talked to some who go to group at William Way (their group is 7-9 pm which is really late for me). There is a mixture of age and status. The centers are cool in that every variety of ethnicity is represented. I have no filters and am attracted to all races and mixtures, genders and gender variances.
Quote from: Emo on January 04, 2014, 10:52:50 PM
Is king of prussia in pennsylvania?
KoP is about 30ish min westish of phily. Largest mall on the east coast.
@cynthia
I found out that its free under 24. So i might be good. Unless i read it wrong.
It sounds very inviting. I might visit before i move just to see how it is.
I know ill be calling ahead to see about it.
@lg
Ive only been to Hershey for our senior trip. It was fun tho. :3
I am older so I never clicked on the link till now.
I just did a cut and paste for the drop in program. I do not know if trans* care is free, call and find out.
Youth Drop-In Hours
Caption:
weekly youth drop-in clinic
Programs:
Medical Care , HIV & STD Testing , Youth Services
Wednesdays from 5 to 7 pm Mazzoni Center offers youth drop-in hours at our Family and Community Medicine practice at 809 Locust Street.
Weekly Youth Drop-In Clinic
• Free medical care offered for individuals aged 14-24 years old.
• No appointment or insurance required.
• HIV testing and counseling offered, along with risk reduction tips, health education, and information on our safe school programs.
• Other services include: food, tokens, hyigene kits, assistance with benefit applications and housing, mental health, education and vocation referrals
• Legal, dental and vocational referrals also available.
For more information contact Bevin @ 215-563-0658 x 321 or via email.
The text lists medical care under the drop-in services offered. If you follow the link, there's a list of medical services included. HRT, therapy, and "trans-specific health" appear to all be included.
Quote from: Emo on January 04, 2014, 08:33:40 PM
Im hoping to move there soon, and i was hoping to make some connections before i go so i feel a bit more comfortable when i do.
Is anyone there who would be ok with being a friend? Please let me know.
Thank you,
Noelle
Hi Noelle,
I live in NE Philly & am happy to meet other transfolk :)
That said, I am in my mid-40s. I may not have too much in common with you outside of being trans.
Quote from: Cynthia Michelle on January 05, 2014, 07:52:42 AM
William Way LGBTI center is at 1315 Spruce St. They have group on Thursday nights 7-9 pm.
Mazzoni Center, 809 Locust St, LGBT primary care, sliding scale. Have group and I will be going to that group soon. This is my primary and where I get HRT (next door at Walgreens).
There is a 3 month wait for an appointment so when appropriate register on the portal. You will need to do an intake and then schedule an appointment (3 month wait), get blood work then the scripts are issued (use the portal and try to move things via sending blood work electronically and if on HRT forward your chart so you are seamless if you have HRT already). The great thing is the patient portal. You can communicate through the portal with your PA. The coolest thing is all the people working there are variant and most of the patients Trans*. I feel so at ease there. It is clean, well run and has great PA's. Ask for Dusty Latimer, PA-C he is super cool and beautiful, in a male way. His eyes are to die for and when he looks into your eyes ......I forget the questions I wanted to ask. So next time I will have a written list.
Mazzoni sponsors the Philly Trans Health Conference in the Philly Convention Centre. This year it is on 12-14 June: http://www.trans-health.org (http://www.trans-health.org)
I second Cynthia's comments about the Mazzoni Centre (although I had a 2-month wait: Apr-Jun 2013). It was a great relief to be able to get HRT without being required to present as female first. Even 6.5 months after starting E, I am still too scared of socially transitioning to bring myself to present as female outside of my house.
Cynthia mentioned a Thursday evening support group at 1315 Spruce St. I see there is also another group meeting on Thursdays, from 6-7pm at 21 S 12th St (Mazzoni's other location, docs are all at 809 Locust though). I have been lazy about going to anything down in Centre City, even though I also go to the Mazzoni Centre for my HRT. Centre City isn't too awkward for me to get to since I have parking a few blocks from the Mazzoni Centre, so I am hoping to show up at least a few Thursdays per month this year - starting this coming Thursday. I do hope attending in guy-mode will be OK.
If you're here by June, do check out the PTHC (there is no entry fee). I definitely aim to be there; findable at each of the 12-step meetings.
Bye for now,
Tessa :)
Thanks Tessa!
i dont know how soon ill be heading up there but it seems to be my best option so i hope to get there soon.
ill try to make it to those meetings if i do get there.
also anyone who thinks we wont have anything to talk about, i can talk about anything if im comfortable enough. :p
Quote from: Emo on January 06, 2014, 09:25:58 AM
also anyone who thinks we wont have anything to talk about, i can talk about anything if im comfortable enough. :p
Alright, tell me about electoral reform and its effect on foreign policy! ;)
I think it should be popular vote. Not electoral. And... Wait.. Youre joking, arent you...
Rescinded.
So i can get care without having lived in philly?
How was your process?
Absolutely, in fact I came in from MD. My other option was Baltimore, but I opted for Philly as it's closer to where I work.
I simply called and made an appointment, telling them that I was interested in starting HRT. I was lucky in that there was a cancellation that had just occurred and I got in later that week (which I've since learned was a miracle).
I met with a PA, discussed my situation and he ordered blood tests (the lab is on site). He had me set an appointment to come back in a month.
A few days later the blood tests came back and using the online portal I got to see all of the details along with a note indicating that everything looked good enough to proceed.
So when I returned in a month I met with an intake person then with the PA again, then filled my prescriptions at the attached Walgreens and that was it. Beyond that I go back every four months or so for blood tests to make sure everything is ok.
One piece of advice- the place is particularly busy so I'd strongly suggest including ample time for your commute or you'll risk losing your appointment. They're pretty strict on lateness; twice I've seen them having to turn people away who had been running late, and the waiting room seems to nearly always be full (at least when I've gone).
That seems much easier than i thought it would be.
Wait.. Theres one in baltimore?
It took me exactly one week from sending a message to going to Mazoni. But I was self medding and told them so they saw me with a quickness. It cost me nothing though they keep emailing me about the $25. That is the cost of each visit which includes bloodwork. But you dont have to pay until you can. What you will have to pay for are hormones. It costs $18.36 for a one month supply of a rather high dose of E and $46 for a 90 day supply of the normal dose of Spiro.
I went to one group, Evolutions, at 12 and Market. Or something like that. Mt BF thinks I need more friends and should stop being his shadow (which I get he is only trying to help) but at that group there were two people but it was Halloween. I might go this week. But I made a new friend that I go shopping and hang with nightly so...yeah.
But if you come to Philly I'd love to met you Emo. We could go SHOPPING!
Quote from: Joanna Dark on January 07, 2014, 09:31:56 AM
It took me exactly one week from sending a message to going to Mazoni. But I was self medding and told them so they saw me with a quickness. It cost me nothing though they keep emailing me about the $25. That is the cost of each visit which includes bloodwork. But you dont have to pay until you can. What you will have to pay for are hormones. It costs $18.36 for a one month supply of a rather high dose of E and $46 for a 90 day supply of the normal dose of Spiro.
I went to one group, Evolutions, at 12 and Market. Or something like that. Mt BF thinks I need more friends and should stop being his shadow (which I get he is only trying to help) but at that group there were two people but it was Halloween. I might go this week. But I made a new friend that I go shopping and hang with nightly so...yeah.
But if you come to Philly I'd love to met you Emo. We could go SHOPPING!
Thats under 24 yo also?
I might be able to pay for it as long as i keep my job and dont have too many extra expences.
Id love to go shopping! I dont really have a reason to as of now but i will when i start being myself. :)
Right now i just window shop or shop online. I even draw designs myself altho unintentionally. Lol
Quote from: Emo on January 07, 2014, 08:58:52 AM
That seems much easier than i thought it would be.
Wait.. Theres one in baltimore?
No- but with where I live it was the only other (known) option in terms of finding an endocrinologist or doc who had experience in this arena.
Sorry for any confusion!
Quote from: Embracing Eva on January 07, 2014, 02:15:05 AM
One piece of advice- the place is particularly busy so I'd strongly suggest including ample time for your commute or you'll risk losing your appointment. They're pretty strict on lateness; twice I've seen them having to turn people away who had been running late, and the waiting room seems to nearly always be full (at least when I've gone).
She's not kidding. I got to my appointment two minutes late the other day and had to reschedule. Thanks, Septa!*
(For those who don't know, Philly's public transit system is notoriously awful!)
Quote from: Joanna Dark on January 07, 2014, 09:31:56 AM
I went to one group, Evolutions, at 12 and Market. Or something like that. Mt BF thinks I need more friends and should stop being his shadow (which I get he is only trying to help) but at that group there were two people but it was Halloween. I might go this week. But I made a new friend that I go shopping and hang with nightly so...yeah.
But if you come to Philly I'd love to met you Emo. We could go SHOPPING!
I went to Evolutions twice, I think. It was pretty boring, and I didn't get much out of it. I don't feel a need to go to trans meetings, but that's just me.
If you guys are gonna shop, shop at AIDS Thrift! It's the best goddamn thrift store on the planet!
Quote from: MugwortPsychonaut on January 07, 2014, 09:35:48 PM
I went to Evolutions twice, I think. It was pretty boring, and I didn't get much out of it. I don't feel a need to go to trans meetings, but that's just me.
Quote from: Joanna Dark on January 07, 2014, 09:31:56 AM
I went to one group, Evolutions, at 12 and Market. ... but at that group there were two people but it was Halloween. I might go this week.
Oh dear. Sounds like the 6-7 meeting @ 21 S 12th St isn't as helpful as I thought it might be.
I'll still make a point of going to it to see for myself, but I can't get there this week or next :(
I had forgotten that Thursday this week is the wife's birthday. I would be quite severely wifed if I were to try abandoning her on her birthday.
I have Group Therapy out in Malvern on Thursday of next week.
Has anyone been to the group at the William Way Centre, 1315 Spruce St @ 7-9pm on Thursdays ?
I am planning to go from S 12th to 1315 & see what both are like (but not until the 23rd Jan).
How often would you have to go for checkups?
Is it more than once a month?
I am on a 6 month checkup and blood work schedule now.
Howd you start out tho? Or was it that way forever?
Quote from: TessaMarie on January 07, 2014, 10:17:21 PM
Has anyone been to the group at the William Way Centre, 1315 Spruce St @ 7-9pm on Thursdays ?
I am planning to go from S 12th to 1315 & see what both are like (but not until the 23rd Jan).
I've been to a couple of those. It's more laid back. Evolutions was uptight. At one of the Way Center meetings, we watched an episode of
Orange is the New Black. That's alright, I guess. Maybe group meetings just aren't for me.
I had blood work already done and electronically available ( I had just increased my life insurance significantly and had blood work done) . I did an intake with Elaine Dutton and sent her the blood work electronically to give to Dusty. I had made an appointment for HRT at intake. The first available appointment was 3 months away. 2 weeks prior to the appointment I had to make a presentation and reschedule which added 2 months. I meet with Dusty and originally wanted low dose but by then I was really ready and started full does ( I was in therapy about 4 months by then). HRT was the best thing I have ever done.
I had self medicated with Finasteride for 5 months prior to HRT. HRT is E, AA and Fin. My therapist reasoned to me to not self medicate when I had to reschedule my HRT appointment, a good decision. My T at 3 months HRT was not detected on the test <20 ng/dl. If I self medicated HRT I would have way over done it.
Quote from: Cynthia Michelle on January 08, 2014, 07:16:21 PM
I had self medicated with Finasteride for 5 months prior to HRT. HRT is E, AA and Fin. My therapist reasoned to me to not self medicate when I had to reschedule my HRT appointment, a good decision. My T at 3 months HRT was not detected on the test <20 ng/dl. If I self medicated HRT I would have way over done it.
Yes! This is a great example of why not to self-medicate! Always transition with the guidance of your doctor.
Quote from: TessaMarie on January 07, 2014, 10:17:21 PM
Has anyone been to the group at the William Way Centre, 1315 Spruce St @ 7-9pm on Thursdays ?
I am planning to go from S 12th to 1315 & see what both are like (but not until the 23rd Jan).
Quote from: MugwortPsychonaut on January 08, 2014, 07:12:29 PM
I've been to a couple of those. It's more laid back. Evolutions was uptight. At one of the Way Center meetings, we watched an episode of Orange is the New Black. That's alright, I guess. Maybe group meetings just aren't for me.
Ugh. 'Uptight' does not sound inviting, & I am not much of a telly fan :icon_blah:
Ah well. I'm still going to show up a few times to each of them. Maybe I'll find something to like.
TY for the heads up, M.P.
Tessa
The more I hear about support group in general the more I think they aren't for me. I feel like I am just looking to meet people and not in that kind of setting really. Mainly since I am awful at giving advise and not one to really share.
Just have to actually get out there then...
I hope to be moving there in the spring or summer, and I'll be going to Mazzoni for my HRT sooner than that (hopefully).
Most years my only complaints about the Philly winter is that it is too short & there isn't enough snow.
This year, that is not the case. We have loads of nice snow right now :D
I had to shorten my walk this evening 'coz the wife needed help with her homework (& food). I got a little walking done by going to Acme on the Blvd, realising I had forgotten my bank cards while at the register, returning home to get them & then back to the Acme for the groceries. 2.5 miles all told ... not too far off the 4 I would have preferred. And I made the wife laugh by finding enough cash in my pocket to pay for the groceries after I got home the second time.
Anyway, to return to the topic:
I am intending to go to the William Way Centre this Thursday (23/Jan) for the 7-9pm support group meeting. I will be driving in from NE Philly & parking at 4th & Arch.
Is there anyone here interested in meeting up in Centre City ? If the support group ain't so great, we can always go chat somewhere else.
I will admit that I am more interested in meeting one or two other transfolk than any particular need for a "support group". My support system is already strong.
Tessa :)
I went to the support group at the William Way Centre again this evening.
I enjoyed the discussion. There were 3 transmen & 4 transwomen there, plus 2 allies. No-one monopolised the conversation, and the differences of opinion that did arise were addressed respectfully without any rancour or hurt feelings. I don't know that I would really consider it a support group in the 'group therapy' sense, it was more a social gathering of transfolk in a friendly & safe setting. More than once the conversation wandered away from trans-specific topics to matters of more immediate concern, like the freezing cold weather outside ;o) It felt like meeting up with a few old friends I didn't know I had.
I fully intend to return, and made a point of making sure I had a couple of phone numbers so I could keep in touch between now & next Thursday.
I was there two weeks ago after the missus crashed on the couch on her birthday. Two weeks ago it was terrible. If I hadn't spoken at length with one of the women I met there afterwards, I doubt I would have considered returning. One cis-person held the entire room hostage for the whole time I was there, demanding we answer his questions in ways that suited his preconceived notions. Because of who he was, the person newly assigned to run the group didn't feel confident enough to intervene. This was addressed privately later & that particular issue appears to have been resolved by last Thursday.
For anyone in or near Philly who is looking to connect with some other transfolk, this group as it is now seems to be an emotionally safe place for us to meet.
For those looking for a free group therapy session, other options might be a better fit.
Finally: I was very happy to connect with Embracing Eva (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php?action=profile;u=23945) from here via phone after the meeting. TY for reaching out to me via PM :)
Tessa