Transition isn’t easy. As Rain describes, it’s expensive and it takes a long time (I believe the fastest complete transition I’ve ever heard of was just shy of two years). There’s no quick and easy route for anyone. And if you want/need it, you WILL have to work for it. Period.
But this is not intended to scare anyone from following through with it if they think it’s something they need to do. Rather, I think it’s a good idea - for especially the trans youth - to really know and understand the reality of what you need to do and what has to happen to go through with it. As much as it would be nice to wave a magic wand or find a genie’s lamp or fall into a cursed spring, these options don’t exist. I’m sorry; escapism is nice and fun, but the sooner you accept the truth and prepare for the ordeal that is required of you with transition, the sooner you can go through with it and no longer require the escapism.
I've heard of Transitionings being as short as 1 year. The USA's HBIGDA-SOC* rules say a minimum of 2 years psychiatric / psychological supervision, but in other countries different rules may apply.' Iran, for all it's other shortcomings, has one of the fastest if not best protocols. Because Muhammed (their great prophet) himself, more than 1400 years ago, said that the Mukhannath "shall not be put to death".In English, Mukhannath could variously be translated as "eunuch", "transgender" or even "pre-op transsexual" Islam very strictly forbids all Sodomy and homosexual sex (either male or female) After Muhammed's death, some later Imam's insisted on performing a radical castration of all external male genitalia, (not just the testes, but the phallus as well) but the Prophet Muhammed, in his time, did not insist on any castration at all. The Mukhannath, whether partially or fully castrated or, not castrated at all, filled an important place in society, as they could move freely between male only and female only areas, and were therefore welcomed as messengers and matchmakers. In modern day Iran, those born apparently male who identify as pre-op male to female trasngenders are progressed very rapidly, rapidly given hormone treatment then in a year or so, have full SRS surgery subsidised by the govt. They are then issued new birth certificates as females and can marry (a man). One could argue it's the Iranian govt's way of keeping a lid on the situation without offending any of the strict Muslims, and fully in compliance with Muhammed's original actions in his day-and-age. There's a greater question here...are USA's human rights (with respect to trans-folk at least) really 1400 years BEHIND Iran's ? Mmm, that's saying something, isn't it. (*Harry Benjamin International Gender Dysphoria Association, Standards of Care) These guidelines were developed some years ago for USA conditions, but have become the de-facto standard for most Western World nations.
You should really watch a documentary called "Transsexual in Iran". It's quite an eye opener. Transition and surgery while available for those who want it, is also used to force gay males into that role as well. :(
I hadn't heard that, but am not surprised, indeed I guessed as much might happen, sometimes at least. Given that male homosexuality would likely get you a sentence of death, it's probably still a preferable outcome If you come across that docu, send it onto me honey.
My doctor said that given my psychology background, that she did not need to recommend a therapist for me. She also said she wanted to get all of my stuff done before I leave for a four-year college in September. Hormones, surgery, and all. I was a little nervous at first, but now that I'm thinking about it, I actually want it to move as fast as possible. Less awkward in between parts for me. I doubt it'll actually happen, but still.
I'm glad the indigent insurance here covers the hormones. The problem is that it only covers three prescriptions so once I get the progesterone like I'll have to decide which of my stomach pills I'd have to give up possibly.
Sadly covers no surgery... or dental work... which I guess is a kind of surgery really. XD
There is one thing that saddens me a lot - transition seems to be almost exclusive to upper middle class and higher. It is hard to be transgender from well situated family in USA. It is harder to be transgender from some poor village in Eastern Europe, where only "help" you can get is "it's just a phase". Or punch in the face during our Independence Day - tearing down rainbow flags is kind of a national sport here.
I would REALLY like to read a book, watch a movie or see a webcomic about LGBT people from lower classes. Not all of us are wealthy Westeners.
Sadly covers no surgery... or dental work... which I guess is a kind of surgery really. XD
I would REALLY like to read a book, watch a movie or see a webcomic about LGBT people from lower classes. Not all of us are wealthy Westeners.