Last week, March 15th, I was asked to speak to a group of Medical Residents who had just finished their medical training and were now starting their specialty training in psychiatry. The group consisted of 16 doctors about evenly split between males and females. The session lasted about 90 minutes and went really well. Although I was a little nervous at the beginning after about five or so minutes I was chatting away like a mad woman :)
I was asked a myriad of questions from what made me feel I was transsexual to my emotional state before and after the decision to transition. Of course there were simpler questions such as the washroom issue and how family and friends had reacted etc... and all in all I felt really good about the whole thing afterwards.
I received a card of thanks in the mail today from the professor who conducted the session and his comments were:
"Thank you Stephanie for sharing with the residents. From our discussions after your departure it was evident that you had a wholly positive impact.
It was clear to me that the residents supported the removal of GID from the DSM (DSM-IV - Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) as they felt it was not a mental health disorder."...
It felt good knowing that I was able to convey to them what I was about and that they even understood. 16 down and thousands to go :)
Steph
:eusa_clap:
It's good, as long as it's still classified as a medical problem, so we still can argue for coverage under medical plans.
I wish I had the opportunity to do the same as you, Steph. All I've been able to do is be a resource for school counsellors and probation officers.
Dennis
Hey there Dennis.
We all take advantage of the opportunities we have to state our side so I would say that what you do is every bit as important as what I do. I believe the key is education and information, the more of which we provide the better. :)
Steph
Congratulations Stephanie!! :eusa_clap:
You're an amazing woman, really, I couldn't do this, I would be way too nervous to talk :icon_redface: .
*hug*
Michelle
:eusa_clap:
hugs
Alex