I've begun the transition process and I'm going through my health care provder, Kaiser Permanente, because they have lots of resources and my insurance will cover many aspects of the transitioning process.
However they have protocols in place that you must navigate in order to advance. Gatekeepers, if you will.
I first went to see my regular physician. She referred me to a therapist. He referred me to the doctor who oversees the "transgender orientation" meeting. During that meeting, I was told I needed a "gender assessment" by a gender "specialist" who was supposed to contact me.
I waited and waited. No contact. Finally, I started reaching out to Kaiser to find out why I hadn't been contacted. Long story short, the therapist I'd been seeing IS a specialist. My first meeting with him WAS my assessment.
That means, in the eyes of my health care provider anyway, I am "officially" transgender.
I know there is no such thing as being officially transgender but to me this was such a relief. I've been questioning myself, wondering if I'm crazy or giving in to self delusion or stupid for even thinking this is possible for me. But to hear it from a trained professional was very validating. It feels real to me finally. Not just a subjective desire but an objective reality.
Your persistence is paying off and I want to compliment you for asking very important questions.
Some of the hoops to jump through can be frustrating at times but if you are determined to find the best answer for yourself, you will find a way.
Thanks Kendra! I'm going to keep moving forward and pursuing my dream.
I'm so happy for you!!!! It is sorta wonderful when people recognize you for who you are...who I'm kidding its amazing. I'm with Kendra persistence is key. I always call it fighting for inches because a lot of the time it can feel like that but when finally cross a hurdle you know you deserved every inch :P Silly I know but hey, I'm a bit silly.