Let me first preface this by saying this is the first time I have started a post, and I am not sure if there was a section on travel specifically.

So, I currently live in the US (Colorado to be more specific), and am applying for a graduate school that would take place in several other countries. Those countries being Iceland, Tanzania (on Zanzibar), and a third location yet to be determined (I get to choose later). I am currently taking the first few steps on my MtF journey (just had my first therapist visit, wow did that feel good to finally get out), and if things progress at the pace I prefer, I would like to start hormones at least a few months before departing. Assuming I can get in of course, the program begins in the fall (around August/September), would be in Iceland fall semester, Zanzibar spring semester, and the third location over next summer/fall. I have already verified the program itself as being very trans-friendly, which brings me to my questions:

Has anyone ever visited/lived in either of these countries (Iceland, Tanzania), and know how safe it is to be "out" while among the local populace (I have read good things about Iceland, not so great things about Tanzania)?

Does anyone have any experience with getting hormones while in a foreign country (would I need to try to bring a large supply, can I get them locally, should I have them shipped)?

I really don't want to make this an either/or type of choice (regarding grad school and transitioning), anything I can do to make both work I would like to pursue.  Even if it means I have to be closeted while there, I absolutely need both of these things to happen.

Any advice is so greatly appreciated, thanks!

-Sky

I've no experience myself, but it sounds really dangerous

How are you going to explain having estrogen if you get caught with it?

https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/campaigns/2018/11/tanzania-one-transgender-womans-pain-amid-fears-of-arrest/

Yeah, being caught with hormones is one of my biggest concerns, since I will be there within the first year of HRT I figure most of the changes I should be able to hide in public.  The school I am getting this degree with (if I'm accepted of course) is a US school, with American instructors/staff mostly, so they could be a big help in advocating for my possession of drugs.  So far most of the things I have read are that it is the local populace LGBTQ+ people that are at risk, and that there aren't any know foreign people who have been persecuted. I know it isn't much of a stretch for authorities to make the leap from just locals to include myself as well. I am talking to my academic adviser on options and what I can do to minimize risk.

I doubt estrogen itself is a problem. Many countries you can buy it over the counter without prescription. It's just going to out you. The risk may not just be the authorities, bug getting assaulted when people find out.

Is your future career going to involve travel or interaction with people in countries like this? If it is it may not be the best choice. Apart from being dangerous it would might limit your career growth. And how do women get on in this career?

Yeah, sorry when I said authorities I meant authorities and the public, as I discovered homosexuality is very taboo, and transgender-ism is seen as "hidden homosexuality".

Quote from: AnonyMs on March 20, 2019, 02:00:38 PM
Is your future career going to involve travel or interaction with people in countries like this?

I am planning on getting a career in Climate Science research and/or Ecology/Conservation, which could involve lots of travel (at least I hope so), though I would certainly be picky about where I go. So as to the second part of the question, I would severely limit my interaction (best case to 0) with countries that are hostile to LGBTQ people.

Quote from: AnonyMs on March 20, 2019, 02:00:38 PM
And how do women get on in this career?

As far as I can tell women are not treated better or worse in this profession than in any other scientific profession (sexism, unequal wages, and the usual B.S.).

But as I said hopefully speaking with my adviser and maybe even the professors themselves might clear up some confusion.

WOW, that's some pretty intense stuff to have to deal with!  Stay safe, okay?   

Climate Science research and/or Ecology/Conservation is really helpful to Mother Earth!  Keep it up and I wish you the best of luck! 

Ryuichi

Thanks, I appreciate it! I love what I do, and will try to be as safe as possible.

I attended a talk last night by Jessica Lynn https://www.jessicalynn.website

I asked about foreign travel. First, she passes convincingly, but she is an out-there and public figure.

She said the most important thing is to be self confident and straightforward. People who appear to be hiding something attract the attention of security and border guards. They have a refined sense for this. She has even traveled through Dubai without issues. TSA never bothers her, but they inspect some other trans people probably for this reason.

I hope it goes well for you.

Sent from my Victor 9000 using Tapatalk

Wow, I really appreciate the advice, thank you!