Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Community Conversation => Transgender talk => Topic started by: Tig58072 on January 14, 2025, 10:31:15 AM

Title: My gender identity at the dr office
Post by: Tig58072 on January 14, 2025, 10:31:15 AM
I can select my gender identity online on my app and also assigned at birth plus my preferred name now. Think I can change my photo too..

So, what's my Dr gonna say if I do that? I would be be outing myself to her.

I'm living under the radar and have been for a while. If you know what your looking at you'd probably pick up on it. I just throw a bandana over my "hair" when I don't want anybody to see. This would be a move forward but I'm concerned about negativity.
Title: Re: My gender identity at the dr office
Post by: ChrissyRyan on January 14, 2025, 10:37:01 AM
Quote from: Tig58072 on January 14, 2025, 10:31:15 AMI can select my gender identity online on my app and also assigned at birth plus my preferred name now. Think I can change my photo too..

So, what's my Dr gonna say if I do that? I would be be outing myself to her.

I'm living under the radar and have been for a while. If you know what your looking at you'd probably pick up on it. I just throw a bandana over my "hair" when I don't want anybody to see. This would be a move forward but I'm concerned about negativity.


You are not required to select a gender identity and preferred name, at least, I would not think so if the program is designed correctly.  Yes, you would be revealing information about yourself.  I guess it is up to you if you wish to do so. 

Best to you,

Chrissy
Title: Re: My gender identity at the dr office
Post by: Lori Dee on January 14, 2025, 10:38:13 AM
Being open and honest with any healthcare professional is important. They need to know so that you can receive appropriate medical treatment for anything. They are trained professionals, so you should not encounter any negativity. You can also explain to the doctor that you are not "out" yet, but felt it important for them to know the truth.
Title: Re: My gender identity at the dr office
Post by: KathyLauren on January 14, 2025, 11:30:23 AM
My own feeling is that it is important for my doctor to know about my gender identity.  I present as a woman, so without that knowledge, my doctor would not know to check my prostate, for example.  Plus, I rely on her to prescribe my hormones, and she needs that information to do so effectively.

But it does out you.  If you are not ready for that, I can understand not telling them.  You may not have that degree of trust in the individual doctor, or in specialists that you might get referred to.  Perhaps the state you live in does not permit doctors to be supportive.

So there are reasons for and against.  My own preference is for my doctor to know all about me in order to receive the best possible care.
Title: Re: My gender identity at the dr office
Post by: Lilis on January 14, 2025, 11:32:43 AM
Quote from: Tig58072 on January 14, 2025, 10:31:15 AMSo, what's my Dr gonna say if I do that? I would be be outing myself to her.
Yes!

Before I did mine I told all my doctors that I was trans. Now everyone calls Lilis, even the receptionist.

For me it's so affirming, but it's up to you if want to do it.
Title: Re: My gender identity at the dr office
Post by: Tig58072 on January 21, 2025, 08:35:51 AM
I did change things up a bit. I took a new photo so I look like I do when if you were too meet me out here and I took my bandana off. I changed my gender identity to Non Binary for now. My appointment was yesterday, my Dr didn't say anything. I'm glad I made the changes. Maybe by next year I'll be willing to come completely out.
Title: Re: My gender identity at the dr office
Post by: Sephirah on January 21, 2025, 05:54:32 PM
Honey these people are trained to not judge you. And honestly, they probably have enough going on in their own lives, and see enough people daily that it really isn't a big deal for them. Not to sound cold but... you're a patient to them, not a friend. At least not initially. And it's kind of frowned upon to mix the two. Unless they're your therapist where it's kind of part of the job.

I know it's a big hurdle for you. But if you're going to be open with anyone, do it with people who've had lessons in how to not judge people for how they feel. It's far easier than people who've known you for ages and have a whole airport worth of baggage.
Title: Re: My gender identity at the dr office
Post by: coral on January 22, 2025, 01:45:22 PM
I started my gender journey nearly 6 years ago under doctor's care.  My gender status is all over my medical records.  I am totally open to the medical doctors and staff.  They have all been very professional.  I do enjoy virtual meetings as an opportunity to fully dress.  The doctors appear to look forward to seeing my outfits!
 
However, even though I under dress for in person visits, I have kept my male identity on my records.  I am not out to any family other than my wife.  I do not want the receptionist to call my female name if other friends or family are in the waiting room.

Thanks, and the best going forward,
   Coral