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Where to go to start transition??

Started by Broken, March 10, 2015, 04:35:52 AM

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Broken

Hi I've never really used forums before so please don't be mad if I put this somewhere wrong...

So I came out in 2013 as MTF and ever since the support from my family has been on and off. By the start of 2015 they have started to take it a bit more seriously and now I have been going to a gender clinic locally.

I would like to mention I'm not in the west so where I live there isn't much knowledge about trans people or lgbt in general. Me and my family don't really have any knowledge on how to help me transition so we went to a very new gender clinic here. Honestly I'm not sure if I'm taking a step forward by going locally or if I should travel and get help abroad. (I mostly heard about cases in the US)

So far I have been going to the clinic once a week and they have been trying to get me to do things like help out in the clinic (do typing on computers) and do arts and craft? Is this part of transitioning? Can someone who has already transitioned please tell me how long everything takes? Share with me your experiences please and if possible please give me locations in America where I can get help and start my transition.

I just really don't trust getting treatment here everything is very new and I don't feel they understand how I feel. (They don't seem to understand that I can't look myself without feeling depressed when I say this they seem confused)

Thank you for reading, if what I said doesn't make sense please tell me.
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Muffinheart

I recall my starting point as if it were yesterday, but it's been 7 years now. Whenever I suggest this, I always get shot down. F 'em....it worked for me.

I needed to get "out", but had no idea how or where to turn. I didn't know enough of gender clubs, clinic, support etc. I figured the only thing holding me back from being me, was being out there in the real world. I lacked confidence.
So I Googled makeup artists in my city, and one lady emailed me back. She said if I came to her house, she'd give me a tutorial.
She, in hindsight was a lifesaver. She is a pro, does makeup for movie sets, weddings and so on. She helped me see myself differently, that in turn allowed me to step out into the world that very day.
That day was Jun 8, 2007. Within days, brimming with confidence, I contacted a therapist, an electrologist, and came out to my friends. Was living full time by Xmas.
Within two short years, I had started and finished therapy, began hormones, tracheal shave, voice therapy, a new job and, my very first relationship.

All this happened, because of that one makeup session.
And look at me now lol

So I don't know where you're at, but getting "out" there and living, being yourself is a good first step.

Good luck!

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CB

It's a little difficult to answer your question without know more about where you are. The exact procedure varies considerably between countries. E.g. in the the US the route is via a therapist initially whereas in the UK it's via your GP and referral to  a Gender Identity Clinic and other countries different yet again. So it can really varies.

On the whole I would say it's best to try and stay within your own country as you are close to the services you need. It's not a quick process anywhere. What you can do while waiting to get appointments is to start on the other practicalities such as facial hair removal, laser or electrolysis, clothes if you don't have them and make up etc. Slow change is good and it builds confidence.
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suzifrommd

Hi Broken. Welcome to Susan's.  :icon_wave:

Here are some links to site policies and other helpful information:


The speed of transition varies considerably from person to person. I transitioned quickly - from the idea to going full time was barely a year. I know people who were even quicker. Others take many years.

Helping out at a clinic, while a nice service, is NOT a part of transition and I'm a bit troubled that they are letting you believe it is.

Here are things people do:
* See a gender therapist, either in-person or online
* Read posts here and learn how to adopt a female presentation.
* Build a female wardrobe
* Research surgeries and hormone therapies and decide which might be for you.
* Find a support group, if you think it will help, where people can work with you in-person.
* Read stories of people who transitioned to see how they did it.
* Find your own personal style. Get to know yourself as a woman.

I hope this helps.
Have you read my short story The Eve of Triumph?
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ImagineKate

Quote from: Broken on March 10, 2015, 04:35:52 AM
I would like to mention I'm not in the west so where I live there isn't much knowledge about trans people or lgbt in general. Me and my family don't really have any knowledge on how to help me transition so we went to a very new gender clinic here. Honestly I'm not sure if I'm taking a step forward by going locally or if I should travel and get help abroad. (I mostly heard about cases in the US)

Hey!

So it appears you are in the US,  which is a very big place. I am in the NYC metro area (just barely) but I get my care in the city. Maybe an approximate idea of where you are would be helpful.

Generally though, the (trans) care you get here in the northeast or in California is exceptional compared to some other parts of the US.

But please, let us know where you are if you can. Metro area, or even the general area of the state you are in.


QuoteSo far I have been going to the clinic once a week and they have been trying to get me to do things like help out in the clinic (do typing on computers) and do arts and craft? Is this part of transitioning? Can someone who has already transitioned please tell me how long everything takes? Share with me your experiences please and if possible please give me locations in America where I can get help and start my transition.

This doesn't sound like treatment. It sounds like they are trying to get you to do volunteer work.

As for "how long it takes" that varies a lot.

If you go the therapist route it can take a couple of months to a year and change, but usually no more than a few months. If you go informed consent you can get on HRT (if that is your goal) even on the first visit. However the former is more common than the latter in the US.

QuoteI just really don't trust getting treatment here everything is very new and I don't feel they understand how I feel. (They don't seem to understand that I can't look myself without feeling depressed when I say this they seem confused)

If you don't feel comfortable then the place is not for you and not going to help you. However your choices may be limited depending on where you are, but if you're willing to travel you can get better help. It's tough, I know.
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MelissaAnn

Hi Broken!

First let me start with A big warm welcome to Susan's Place. It's always nice to welcome another sister to our ever growing family! It's really hard to answer your question without knowing where you live but I can say this, if you are not comfortable with where you are going then it's not the place for you. You did however come to the right place to find help! There are many wonderful people here that either have gone through or are going through the same feelings you are and there are some wonderful resources available here and everything is right at your finger tips. so pull up a chair, relax and let your fingers do the walking. Ask all the questions you need to here it's a very safe place to do so! I wish you nothing but the best of luck on your journey and may the Angels always look upon you and help guide you on your path. I look forward to seeing you around the forums and getting to know you!

Much Love,

Melissa Ann

Broken

Thank you everyone for being so kind and welcoming me here. I was really nervous just to sign up. I didn't want to discourage anyone when I say where I am since they may feel they can't relate however I am more than willing to travel to UK or any of the states for help. I am from the middle east if that helps, specifically "Qatar" it's a small country and there isn't much support or knowledge about lgbt. Anyone in the lgbt category mostly leaves to America for treatment of any kind which is why I bring up America a lot. (Also my siblings are American and I'm hoping one of them can guide me around and help me find my way around)

Thank you MuffinHeart I was considering doing the same thing since my mom isn't a fan of make up or dressing up haha so I thought I have to start somewhere as well.Glad to see everything has worked out well for you.

Just as you said CB the process does vary I know that much but considering this whole system is new in Qatar and they currently don't even have a permanent location I'm very skeptical.

Thanks for the links suzifrommd I was a little confused with everything, was wondering why I had no avatar option and thank you for the information I hardly know much about how other people have dealt with all of this.

ImagineKate sorry I'm not in the US and it is a very big place so it confuses me as to where I should go for transitioning.


MelissaAnn Thanks for the welcome! I didn't expect many replies I'm so happy to see so much support.

Hopefully the location can give a better understanding now. It does seem a lot like volunteer work and considering how new the place is and understaffed it is makes me question everything even more. I've been getting the impression they have been trying to get me to stay with the gender I was born with and to be female when I'm at home which seems to have worked with some of their patients according to them but I don't want act like someone else in public I want to be comfortable in my own skin. Time never bothers me but I would like to find a place/genderclinic/therapist where I truly feel like it will be worth the wait by the end of it. If there is any state in the US that can be recommended would be very nice, I just don't want to drag this out forever I just want to start my life and be able to go out and feel confident and proud of myself for not giving up.  If I need to explain something more please tell me, my english is kind of wonky so I hope wrote everything clearly...
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ImagineKate

Hi Broken.

Qatar is a decent place, a bit more progressive than the rest of the middle east. I had a very good Qatari friend, a photographer and amateur radio operator (like myself) but unfortunately he had cancer and passed away. Very friendly people.

I'm not exactly sure how it would work with getting care overseas. I do know some therapists do skype or telephone sessions so you can talk to them first for getting a handle on how to proceed. Do you have gender therapists in Qatar? This may be a good place to start.

Best wishes on your journey.
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Eveline

Broken, are you thinking you might move to the US and stay for a long period, or just visit here for certain services?

Also, the thread Transgender Rights: A State-By-State Guide has good information on transgender rights by US state. You can see that there are some states you definitely want to avoid.
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