> My counseling was paid for by insurance.
> My HRT, including monitoring my levels, cost about $200 a year, although less after GRS. The balance was paid by insurance. (Incidently, they never balked at providing me hormones while still legally male.)
> I went to a voice coach at the university. She gave me tips which I have practiced on my own. She never charged me. (I'm a good friend of her father-in-law, but I think she would have done it for free anyway.)
> Hair removal will probably cost in the neighborhood of $10K, much of which is because I had a lot of gray in my beard and so needed (and still need) a lot of electrolysis.
> GRS and tracheal shave (done at the same time) cost about $28K, including all expenses (flying my daughter to Trinidad, etc.).
> I doubt that I will get a BA. I'm already as big as my sister after 17 months HRT.
> I won't get FFS or any of the other stuff. I'm not young and in competition on the basis of my looks (thank goodness
), and everyone sees me as a woman already.
> I spent a lot for a new wardrobe and grooming, but that's a highly variable cost. There's also legal costs to change name and sex, plus incidental costs.
So, my transition probably cost me, in US dollars (not counting emotional costs and all that) between $40,000 and $50,000. A bargain, for receiving my life in exchange.
- Kate
