T Types

There isn't a lot of information out there about the different forms of testosterone and the pros and cons of each. So I decided to dig up some info and present it here for everyone who is considering starting T.

The most common form is injections. When using this type, you use a needle to inject the testosterone directly into a large muscle (usually a thigh).

Some people (including myself) choose to use patches instead. The testosterone is absorbed through the skin. These patches are placed on the thighs, arms, or back. I personally put them on my thigh.

AdroGel is another form of testosterone. It works similarly to the patches (that is the same stuff that is in the patches). It is absorbed through the skin.

Pills are the last form used in hormone therapy. They work like any other pill you have ever taken in your life. You swallow them with water or soda or whatever drink you prefer (non-alcoholic). I am also pretty sure you are not supposed to take them on an empty stomach.


There are pros and cons to each form. You have to pick which one is right for you. I just want to provide you with enough information to make an informed decision.

Injections

• Cheapest option
• Allows for an even distribution of hormones
• No spikes and crashes
• Having to poke yourself with a needle every day
• Have to be very careful and clean with everything

Patches

• Expensive
• Allows for an even distribution of hormones
• No spikes and crashes
• Residual adhesive left behind
• No needles involved

Gel

• Expensive
• Messy
• Fairly even distribution of hormones
• Doctors recommend against it because of how messy it is because if it gets on someone else, they absorb it into their skin
• No needles involved

Pills

• Cheaper than patches and gels
• More expensive than injections
• Spikes and crashes
• Not a very even distribution of hormones
• Negative effects on the liver
• No needles involved

They also make pellets that are implanted under the skin and buccal systems, but they are expensive and I haven't heard much about them other than that. My doctor didn't even mention those options when I went to get my prescription started.

I'm sure you can tell from the fact I put "no needles involved" under everything that wasn't injections, that I have issues with needles. That is the main reason I decided to go with the patches. You just have to weigh all the pros and cons of everything and make your decision. And if one form doesn't work well for you, talk to your doctor about switching.

If you feel I have left anything out, please feel free to shoot me an email so I can update this. My email is TheAidenApocalypse@gmail.com. Thanks for reading. 

Myths Of Testosterone

There are many misconceptions about trans people because unless you go through it, you don't really understand it. Even people who mean well can get a little mixed up about what is fact and what isn't too accurate. Testosterone causes a lot of these misunderstandings.

1. Taking T for transitioning will cause "roid rage."
2. Taking T will give you cancer.
3. Taking T will make you taller.
4. Taking T will make your breasts disappear completely.
5. If you stop taking T after chest surgery, your breasts will grow back.
6. Taking T will make you gay.
7. Taking large doses of T will make you transition faster.
8. Taking T will make you fat.

1. For the first, that is too broad of a statement. It's a generalization that is simply false. Yes, some experience being shorter tempered. In contrast, many say that they feel calmer on T. It all depends upon the individual.

2. This is a pretty big one. Many people have heard it causes cancer. Even on this blog, I have a warning about the possibility of the increased risk of cancer due to taking T. Trans people have not been studied enough to know if it increases the risk. Personally, I'd rather be prepared than thinking it's a total myth. As of right now, there is not enough evidence to prove or disprove this "myth."

3. If you're taking T after puberty, sorry. You pretty much don't have any hope of growing super tall. (Bummer, right?) If you start before puberty, you might grow to be tall.

4. The fat in your body will move from a female-like pattern to a more male-like pattern due to the use of T. So your breasts will shrink, but not be totally gone. You need surgery to get the rest of that breast tissue outta there.

5. Some fatty tissue might build back up, but nothing too significant.

6. Human sexuality is a complex subject. It isn't gonna make you just "turn" gay. Your attractions may shift a bit, but often times you stay attracted to the same sex you start with.

7. DO NOT DO THIS. It's not good for you. It won't make you transition any faster; it'll just kill you. Seriously, just don't do it.

8. No, it won't directly make you fat. There are many other factors that contribute to weight gain. Testosterone can affect your metabolic rate and things like that. Make sure you just keep yourself healthy when on T and you'll be just fine. 



Anything I missed? Anything you want more info on? Shoot me an email: TheAidenApocalypse@gmail.com

As always, I hope I helped and I hope all is well with you. Thanks for reading guys! :)

Voice It

I want to get some of your feedback. I want to know your opinions on things. I want to get to know you. I am going to post some opinion questions below and I would appreciate it if you would take a little bit of your time to share your opinions with me. I'd love another point of view. Thanks!

1. Would you ever date someone who is transsexual? Pre-op? Post-op?

2. Which surgeries are you interested in? (If any)

3. How do you feel about the word "passing?"

4. Do you own/want a strap-on?

5. Do you go swimming? If so, what do you wear?

6. Do you wear a binder and/or compression shorts? Do you like them? Would you reccommend it?

7. Do you pack? If so, what do you use to pack with?

8. Are you interested in or do you have an STP device? If you have one, do you like it? And which one do you have?

9. What is your preferred name?

10. Do you plan on taking T?

As I said, I would love to hear from you. I want to post your opinions and things. I want to discuss with my readers. Please, do this little survey. It would mean a lot to me and could help add more depth to this blog.

Email your answers or anything else to TheAidenApocalypse@gmail.com
Thanks again! :D

A Look in the Mirror

I found a poem written by an FTM transsexual and I have found it to be heartwrenching. It's beautiful and I hope you will take the time to read and enjoy it. It was written by a transman named Diego.

I look in the mirror but It's not me
I look at the person that they can't see.
The church says no, you can't do that
you can't be Diego, or we'll turn our backs.
We'll kick you out, there's no excuse,
you must stop dreaming, there is no use.
You're not a boy, you're only a girl,
We don't care how much you world will swirl.
With confusion and pain, you cannot change
your gender is girl, anything else Is strange
and will not be tolerated within our walls
you change yourself and we'll make you fall.
I have my dreams of becoming a dad
and becoming a man but to them thats bad.
To them that's wrong, but how can this be?
Doesnt god love everyone? Even me?
If he loves me he'll want me to find my true self
If he loves me he knows me and knows how I felt.
If he knew how I felt then he sees in my eye,
If he see's me then why is he letting me cry?
To me, It's not just changing the way that I dress,
It's letting me sleep at night, letting me rest.
Laying my head down, feeling complete,
Introducing myself confidently to the people I meet.
Going through life atleast knowing my name,
Atleast knowing my identity without any shame.
Memories of pain, memories of sorrow,
Memores of maybe having a different tomarrow.
Nothing has changed, and it never will,
Seems like time has stopped and stood still.
I'll never get out of here, look's like I'm stuck,
Wish life was fair, but I'm all out of luck.

Sex I

I will make some more post about sex. This one isn't really my doing. I'm just giving you information from someone else. I think it's really good. It's for safe sex with transmen/women and their partners. There is a lot of information there, but read it. You'll be glad you did.
http://handbasketproductions.com/Trans%20Sex%20Ed%20%28ezine%29.pdf

Looking For A "Big Brother?"

I have found a mentor program for trans people. You can search for people near you. It's not a dating site, just helpful for you to talk to people who know what you're going through. And maybe they can help you know what to expect.

Just register, make a profile, and there you go. You can put as little or as much information on there as you want. You can send messages to other transguys for free and everything. I think this could be a great resource for you.

I hope you can find whatever kind of help you are looking for with your transition.
The link:
http://www.ftmmentors.org/main/index.php

Feel free to find me and send me a message. My name is Aiden_Apocalypse

Like A Fish

When I was little, I loved swimming. It was always so much fun. But after I realized I was trans, I didn't want to swim anymore. I'm tired of missing out on things I like/want to do. I'm sure there are more people like me out there. Realized you were trans, stopped swimming? Either way I'll give you some times so you no longer have to miss swimming.

Pre chest surgery: Obviously you aren't gonna wear a bikini or any of that stuff. But you can't exactly go shirtless either. Solution: surf shirts, rash guards, unitards, wetsuits, body suits, and/or swimvests. These are better than wearing t-shirts because they are designed to be worn in water and won't become heavy and water-logged (which can be extra bad for those with larger chests). You might need to bind in combination with one of these. On underworks, they have compression swimwear designed for FTMs that you might want to check out.

Some pools have rules against people wearing t-shirts or other "street clothes" in the pool. Check the rules of where you are going before you go. Many bio males keep their shirts on in the water due to sunburn or self-confidence issues. So no one will look at you and judge you (trust me, I've done it).

Packing: When swimming, your trunks tend to cling to your body. This clinging can show off your genital area. You might want to pack while swimming. Your packer needs to be able to be submerged in water without losing shape or taking on water. Most store-bought soft packers would be fine.

Some links for getting swimwear to cover your chest:

www.neosportusa.com

www.scuba.com

www.ftm.underworks.com

www.swimoutlet.com

www.diversdirect.com

Know any more links? Have more to add? Shoot me an email: TheAidenApocalypse@gmail.com

Let me see your hips SWING!

Sad fact: FTMs generally have larger hips than bio males. I know my hips are larger than I would like them to be (especially since I wear skinny jeans). I get quite frustrated with them.

Did you know that there are boxers that you can get that will slim your hips? The lovely website where most FTMs buy their binders, underworks.com, has those boxers. They call them "compression shorts." On that website, they cost $25.

I had been considering getting a pair or two in order to help my hips slim down. I will have to pay for my surgeries and t and everything out of pocket, so I wasn't sure if I wanted to fork over money for those too.

I needed some new boxers, but I didn't want to pay $25 a pair. So I went to Walmart to get some regular boxer-briefs. I was looking around and what did I find? Compression shorts. They aren't designed for FTMs, but I thought, "Why not?" They were only $7 and I didn't really have anything to lose.

I bought a pair. I think they are amazing. They might not give as smooth of hips as the ones designed for us would, but it's enough for me. They are Starter brand. They are made for guys to work out in so they aren't "free-ballin." They come in different colors. I believe they had black, blue, gray, and red. I got the red ones.

I thought you guys might like to know about this great opportunity to acquire some good compression shorts. I mean, there are Walmarts everywhere.

I hope this helped you guys! Have a great day!

The Problem With "Passing"

Alright, there is somewhat of a controversy over the word "passing" when refering to trans people. Some feel like it implies that we are trying to "pass" as something we are not. These people that oppose the word prefer the word "presenting." They feel it is more appropriate.

Honestly, I think this is just stupid. "Passing" is a term that has been used for a long time and I think it still works well. I take it as you are able to "pass" society's standards for what a male/female is. If society can see you as what you want it to, it's like you "passed" a test. I just think it makes sense and is easy.

I don't quite understand "presenting." I get that it's like you're "presenting" yourself as male/female, but how is that any better than "passing?" I just think it is a stupid change that doesn't really make anything better. But that's just my opinion.

Feel free to email me your opinions. I would love to get your opinions on the issue so I could post what you feel too. Or if you feel I left something out, I'd love to know. You will, of course, be credited with whatever you share with me.

So please let me know.
TheAidenApocalypse@gmail.com

FTM Terminology

Binding: flattening one's breast tissue to make a male-appearing chest

Cypionate: Short for testosterone cypionate. One of the most common testosterone types for ftms.

Enanthate: Short for testosterone enanthate. Another one of the most common testosterone types for ftms.

F2M: See "FTM"

Female-to-male transsexual: A person who was born in a female body, but whose gender identity is male.

FTM: Short for "female-to-male"

Gender dysphoria: A term coined by psychologists and medical doctors that refers to the state of discomfort felt by transsexuals and some transgender people caused by the incongruity between one's physical sex and one's gender identity. When you want to make an appointment with a therapist, this is the reason you give them for the need to meet with them.

Gender Identity: One's internal feeling of being male, female, or somewhere in between.

Genderqueer: Someone whose gender identity is neither male or female.

Hermaphrodite: An outdated term for intersexed

Packing: Creating a male-looking/male-feeling bulge in one's crotch

Passing: In FTM terms, being seen as male by others. (Many object to this term and I'll make a post about the controversy)

STP device: Short for "stand-to-pee" device. A device designed to pee into a urinal or toilet standing up.

Stealth: After a transman has transitioned, he may not disclose the fact that he is transsexual to those around him

Shoes And Lifts

Most stores don't carry shoes smaller than a men's size 7. Trans guys tend to have smaller feet than bio males. So it's harder to find shoes. (I'm lucky because I have big feet. Size 9)

The internet is the best place for you to find smaller sizes. First, you should get your feet measured by a professional at a shoe store. If they don't have shoes in your size, go home and order some from online. If they have your size, you're a lucky duck and can choose to get a pair from the store or go home and order some.

Another issue can be helped/solved by shoes: height. You can get lifts for inside your shoes to give you a little more height. You could also get shoes with lifts made into them. The issue with shoes with lifts inside is that only that pair of shoes will add height, where as lifts can be moved from pair to pair. However, shoes with lifts already inside tend to be more comfortable and fit better.

I'm going to focus on the removable lifts because I find them to be a better option. I have a lot of shoes and would like to be taller in all of them. Lifts can be made of cork, plastic, or foam. They should be replaced every few months because of hygienic reasons. You might want to use lifts gradually so you don't get really tall really fast. Lifts can be uncomfortable and might not fit in smaller size shoes.

Obviously there are advantages and disadvantages to both lift options. I find the removable ones better, but that's just my opinion. I'm about 5'6" and would love a little extra height. And I want to be able to wear all my pairs of shoes.

Choose whatever option you like best. Maybe you don't need either because you're tall enough. I hope I helped at least a little.

Here are links to lifts:
http://www.tallerheels.com/
http://www.talleryou.com/
I think the second link has better availible heights and also has sample packs with great deals.


And here are links to lifting shoes:
http://www.elevatorshoes.com/
http://www.walktallshoes.com/
http://www.tallmenshoes.com/
The last link has the most options.

Binder Help

Let's face it, the economy is bad. And binders aren't exactly cheap. After transguys have their surgery, they don't need binders anymore. What do you think happens to those binders? There are sites that will help trans guys get the binders they need. After guys have their surgery, a lot of them donate them to programs that will recycle them and give them to guys that need them. After I have surgery, you can bet I'll be donating my binders. I wish I could have found these programs when I needed them.
I'll link it up for you guys.
http://inabind.transactiveonline.org/
http://www.thetransitionalmale.com/BBUB.html

The first link is for guys 21 and younger. The second is for 22 and up.

Any questions about the programs, ask the people in charge.

Packing

Not all trans guys pack. Personally, I do. There a places all over the web where you can purchase packers. They cost money which you might not have right now. I use a sock right now. I just turn it halfway inside-out. Use a decent sized sock when doing this. Little ankle socks probably won't make any visible difference. I think it works well enough for right now.

If you are packing for the first time, you might want to do a bit of research. Look at pictures of men in swin trunks, underwear, and jeans. You want your pack to look realistic, not like you have a tumor or something.

If you are buying a packer, be realistic. If you are a short guy, don't get the biggest packer you can find! Get one to match your skin tone. They aren't super expensive and will work the best for packing.

In my post about STP devices, I talked about packers that can be used in the restroom. They kill two birds with one stone; they pack your pants AND make it so you can pee standing. They are more expensive but probably worth it over all. I plan on getting one.

Any questions I didn't answer? Shoot me an email. TheAidenApocalypse@gmail.com

STP Devices

STP stands for "stand-to-pee." Having an STP device can be really useful for ftm's. You could potentially use a urinal in the mens restroom. There are different kinds of devices. Some devices you can make at home. Others must be bought. There are two groups of the kind you can buy: packers and non-packers.

If you want to make an STP devise for yourself, you can use a coffe can lid or a plastic disk. Cut the lip off of the lid so that it is flat. The plastic needs to be flexible enough to be rolled up into a funnel or "u-shape." Figure out what rolled up shape works best for you and there you go.

You could also use a medicine spoon to make an Stp. You put the wide end of the spoon up against you and angle the other end downward. You need to practice at home so you don't have leakage. If there are rough edges or a lip on the spoon, you can sand them down. Fine-grit sandpaper should do the trick nicely.

Non-packers do not remain in your underwear all the time. You normally keep them in your back pocket and take them out as you need them. There are different brands and types available:

   - Urinall is a lightweight, hard funnel. It is about the size of a large medicine spoon. It comes with a length of latex tubing that can be removed and replaced. http://www.urinall.com/home/

   - TravelMate is a modification of the medicine spoon. http://www.whenyagottago.com/



   - There are plenty of others, but I don't have time to explain all of them. Here are the links:

http://www.kristascups.com/
http://www.kristascups.com/
http://www.whizproducts.co.uk/en/
http://pee-zees.tripod.com/
http://www.shewee.com/
http://www.freshette.com/
http://www.campmor.com/
http://www.magellans.com/
http://whizzy4you.com/


Now, let's discuss the most popular type of STP's: packers. Most transguys find it's easier to get the STP packer because then you don't have to buy a regular packer and and STP seperately. STP packers can fool men in the restroom and locker room. You don't have to use a stall if you have one of these. They are generally more expensive, but I think they are worth it. You pee through a tube that runs through the shaft. You usually wear a harness with it.

Here are some links:

http://www.toolshedtoys.com/results.php?keywords=stp+packer

http://djknowsdicks.com/



http://www.peecockproducts.com/
http://www.likerealusa.com/
http://www.hg-prosthetics.com/

Mango products is another option, but I strongly suggest against it. People have been complaining about not receiving their paid orders and don't hear back from customer service.

So there are some different options for you to check out. Let me know if you know any other sites or if one of these sites is no good. And I have been getting quite a few page views, thanks guys! Give me any feedback and I hope I have been helping you! Have a great day :D

Support Groups and Chat

I wanted to give you some sites/places where you can connect with other trans people. I am a mamber of some of these (or will be in the future). I'll give you my screen name you you can add me. I like these kinds of sites; they make me feel like I'm not alone. You're not alone, there are others like you, and they are willing to help you. Check them out.

On vampirefreaks.com there is a "cult" of trans people and trans supporters. I post on there a lot. I think it's fun and a great way to discuss things.
My name is: emovamp177 (I made it a long time ago so I know it's a stupid name)
The cult: http://vampirefreaks.com/cult/Support_Trans_Rights

http://transmentors.org/online-support-groups.html

http://www.lauras-playground.com/trans_support_groups.htm

It's called a dating site but I consider it to just be a way to connect with other trans people. It's called transpassions.com.
My name is: AidenApocalypse
Site: http://transpassions.com/

I'll add more sites whenever I find some. The two links that don't have anything written with them I haven't checked out yet, but they seem legit. I'll look at them later and let you know. Or you can let me know in an email.

Some VIdeos

I have found a couple videos that I would like you to watch. They are FTM videos. I found them inspirational/beautiful and I hope you will too.

http://youtu.be/2xpf2aYbyWk


http://youtu.be/UHIhf7u6E00


And this video has good tips:

http://youtu.be/6HgkX--VZaQ

Changing Your Name

There are certain organizations that you need to notify about a name change. Everyone who has to change their name (for whatever reason) has to notify the same groups.
A few you NEED to remember:
- Social Security
- Drivers License
- Passport
- Post Office
- IRS
- Voter Registration
- Banks
- Credit Cards
- Doctors
- Insurance Companies
- State Tax Board
- Clubs
- Memberships
- Employer
- Retirement plans
Changing your name on your social security card is not legally changing your name. You need a court oreder name change.

Many organizations may have issues with you changing your name. It's your right to change your name so try to:

1. Show documentation of your new name
2. Discuss the state laws that support your name change in a non-confrontational manner
3. Speak with someone who is in charge, like a supervisor
4. A local official or state representative may be a successful last resort

Well there you have it. If you have questions about anything, make sure to ask them. You will save a lot of trouble if you ask the people at offices questions before you do anything. Use your head.

Therapist Surgery Letter

   I found this while searching on the internet. It has taken me a really long to find an example of what has to be in the letter for surgery. I thought it might save you guys some time if I shared it with you.


[Name, address, and phone number]

Dear [ Dr. Preforming Surgery]:

   [Patient name] is a [Patients appropriate age] year old female to male transgender individual who has established a longstanding and strong identity as male. He has been living as male consistently and on hormones since [date patient start HRT or social transition]. He has had [if any previous surgeries put here with dates if no other procedures remove this line]. He is now seeking [name of surgery] to aid in his complete medical transition.
   [Patient name] reports a prior history of anxiety which appears to have been in response to the stressors during his early stages of transitioning. He was entered into therapy in [date patient began therapy]. At this time, he presents with no apparent residual psychiatric symptoms and is quite stable. He intends to continue his therapy regime which he believes has been helpful.
   [Patient name] seems to have significant progress in his transitioning and seems very happy in his decision to be male. He has a strong support system that includes a loving partner and family. He has steady employment that provides his benefits and is attending school for his professional aspirations. His judgment appears sound and good. He has good knowledge of, and had the ability to follow to Standards of Care for surgery.
   I met with [Patient name] for an evaluation on [date of evaluation] . I have no hesitation in recommending him for the procedure he has requested. He meets and exceeds the criteria as set forth by the Harry Benjamin International Gender Dysphoria Association. If you need any more information or have questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at [therapist phone number].

Sincerely,

[Therapist name], [qualifications]

Therapists

So there are tons of great therapists out there. I have found huge lists all over the web. I'll give you links to some of those lists at the end of this post. I want to talk about some therapists that look really good, have good reviews, or just seem interesting that you might want to check out. I'll try to get at least one for every region of the U.S. Hope it helps.


Online:

John D Moore LCPC, CADC
E-mail: john@johndmoore.net
Website: http://www.johndmoore.net/
You must be a resident of Illinois


http://www.gendertherapist.com/


Caroline Gibbs
Transgender Institute
7140 Wornall Road, Suite 203
Kansas City, MO. 64114
Phone : (816) 305-0943Email : gibbsassist@yahoo.com
She does appointments using Skype. She will provide you with a Skype camera free of charge.


B.E. Budd
699 B Piedmont Ave, NE
Atlanta, Ga. 30324
Phone : (404) 873-5517
or
1216 Mars Hill Road, #C
Watkinsville, Ga. 30677bebudd@bebuddphd.com
http://www.bebuddphd.com/ 


South East:

Daniel McKeever, Ph.D.
Hill Crest Associates
6869 5th Avenue South
Birmingham, AL. 35212
Phone : (205) 838-2031

Margaret Morgan-Cohen, LCSW
210 Pulaski St.
Little Rock, AR. 72201
Phone : (501) 255-0561
Website : http://www.margaretmorgancohen.com

Jennifer McBlaine MA, RMHCI
Diplomate, American Board of Clinical Sexology
Professional Counseling Centers of Sarasota/Manatee
1808 Orchid Street
Sarasota, FL 34239
Phone : (941) 951-0548jennifer@sextherapysarasota.com
http://www.sextherapysarasota.com 

Joel Bagby
7193 Douglas Blvd, Suite 205
Douglasville, GA. 30135
Phone : (404) 920-0551

Northeast:

Gary E. Alger, M.Div., LADC, CEAP
Counseling Psychotherapy EAP
670 Prospect Avenue
Hartford, CT. 06105
Phone : (860) 233-4022
Cell : (860) 309-7655garyalger@sbcglobal.net

Amy L. Herb, L.C.S.W.
4735 Ogletown-Stanton Road
Medical Arts Pavilion 2, Suite 1201
Newark, DE. 19718
Phone : (302) 623-4335aherb@christianacare.org

Maine Gender Resource and Support Service
c/o Jean Churchill
P.O. Box 1894
Bangor, ME. 04402-1894

Midwest: (My area)

Michele O'Mara, LCSW
2680 E. Main Street, Suite 121
Plainfield, IN. 46167
Phone : (317) 517-0065
TG Counseling : http://www.transgenderindiana.com
michele@micheleomara.com
Main Website : http://www.transgenderindiana.com
Net Counseling : http://omaram.hypermart.net/thelesbiantherapist/online-counseling/
orhttp://www.onlinegendercounseling.com
Her online scheduler : http://www.appointmentquest.com/provider/2000319224
Social Networking Website : http://www.genderconnection.com

Milwaukee Transgender Program
Gretchen Finke, MSSW
Roger Northway, MS
Pathways Counseling Center
2645 N. Mayfair Road, Suite 230, First Financial Building
Milwaukee, WI. 53226-1304
Phone : (414) 774-4111
This is what I'm looking into for myself.

Willow Counseling Services, LLC
Veronica L. Senkyr, MA, LMFT
1821 University Ave. W., S329
St. Paul, MN. 55104
Phone : (651) 647-1022vsenkyr@willowcounselingservices.com
http://www.willowcounselingservices.com

Southwest:

Lewis Nemes, Ph.D.
8005 Pennsylvania Circle, NE
Albuquerque, NM. 87110
Phone : (505) 248-0698

Gender Center Of The Southwest
Transitions Medical and Counseling Associates
3626 Nort Hall Street, Suite 623
Dallas, TX. 75205
Phone : (214) 528-8901

West:

Roberta Vande Voort, MS MFT
AAMFT Approved Supervisor
9402 W. Lake Mead Blvd.
Las Vegas, NV. 8914
Phone : (702) 878-0554roberta@kayentabhc.com
http://www.kayentabhc.com/index.html

Joshua M. Simmons, Psy.D.
Clinical Psychologist (PSY 23334)
3821 23rd Street
San Francisco, CA. 94114
Phone : (415) 820-1554drsimmons@sftherapy.info
http://www.sftherapy.info

There are tons and tons more. I just wanted to list some of them for you. Find one in your state/near you.

Here's the link to the list that I used for this post: http://www.lauras-playground.com/gender_therapists.htm

Some states don't have any listed. You should always check other lists and google search. Make sure you find the right therapist for you.

The 3 Magic Steps

There are three general steps to transitioning: thearapy, hormone treatment, and surgery. I will outline the steps and how to go about them. I haven't gone through them yet, but I have a job and am saving every dollar for it.

1. Therapy:
   - You may be thinking to yourself "I don't need therapy, I already know everything I need to." WRONG! You can learn a lot through therapy, if you have a good therapist.
   - Now is the time to make sure this is what you really want. Some of the changes from Testosterone are permanent, so be 100% sure this is what you want before you move on to step 2.
   - This part won't be fun: calling to set up your appointment. You have to be brave and make the call. When they ask what you need to be seen for, you must tell them "Gender Dysphoria" or "Gender Issues."
   - Depending on the person, this step could take months or longer. It's life changing and shouldn't be taken lightly.
   - You may lose family. You may lose some gay friends if you are active in the gay community. You could lose your job. You could get harassed at school. The list never ends, but if you want to transition, just do it. Be strong.
   - You will face challenges. Be brave and face them head-on!
   - I will be posting more about therapy and therapists soon.


2. Testosterone Hormone Therapy:
   - I have posted a bit about testosterone on this blog. Please make sure to look at those posts.
   - Get the letter of recommendation for hormone therapy from your therapist. That letter will halp you get your prescription for testosterone.
   - Testosterone is a steroid; it's not to be played around with.
   - T is a safe drug when it is used under supervision and is controlled. So use the correct dosage and see your doctor as regularly as you are told to.
   - The changes take years, taking more will not make changes happen faster. You could end up really ill or dead.


3. Surgery:
   - Quite a few surgeons require you to have had hormone therapy before they will operate on you, but just as many don't require it.
   - If you were planning chest surgery first, you don't need to be on testosterone (in most cases) before surgery.
   - You need to have a letter from your therapist recommending you for surgery before a surgeon will operate on you.
   - You can read about the types of surgeries in my "Types Of Surgeries" post.


If I missed anything, send me an email. TheAidenApocalypse@gmail.com