antipsych
Newbie
I'm recovering without the mental health services
Posts: 17
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Post by antipsych on Apr 6, 2014 22:06:11 GMT
Hey, I'm a 20 year old guy. I am seriously considering a male to female sex change, does anyone know what this involves (as in what I need to do to qualify etc) and cost? Thank you
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Post by lucyrob on Apr 6, 2014 22:59:52 GMT
My knowledge of this is very very limited. I've only ever seen a couple of documentaries on it and I've not researched into it...but I honestly think speaking to your GP will be your way forward if you could? They'll be able to talk things through with you and advise you on the next steps etc
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Post by Helen on Apr 6, 2014 23:17:46 GMT
From my knowledge (which is not all encompassing) you should see your GP and they will refer you onwards to specialist clinics or to the mental health team. A transman I know has had to go to a psychiatrist to have gender dysphoria diagnosed before they could be treated. The NHS approach can be seen on their website: www.nhs.uk/Livewell/Transhealth/Pages/Transoverview.aspxThere's a document that the NHS recommend you look through: www.nhs.uk/Livewell/Transhealth/Documents/gender-dysphoria-guide-for-gps-and-other-health-care-staff.pdfOne of the steps you can take is to legally change your title and name if you want via Deed Poll (http://www.ukdps.co.uk/AdviceForTranssexuals.html). To legally change your gender you need to apply to do this (http://www.justice.gov.uk/tribunals/gender-recognition-panel/application). They look to see that: You have, or have had, gender dysphoria; You have lived fully for the last two years in your acquired gender, and You intend to live permanently in your acquired gender (new gender). I really hope some of this helps!
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antipsych
Newbie
I'm recovering without the mental health services
Posts: 17
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Post by antipsych on Apr 7, 2014 9:42:16 GMT
That's really offensive though. I'm transsexual, not mentally ill. That's really quite sick that the mental health services think being transsexual/transgendered is a mental illness. Homosexuality hasn't been a 'disorder' for maybe forty years now!
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Post by lucyrob on Apr 7, 2014 11:32:53 GMT
My knowledge is limited, but everything in this world gets a label to be able to identify it. Whether that's right or wrong is another matter. I think one of the key areas they need to take care with is making sure it's not a symptom of mental illness. That's why you'd have to go through all that. It's definitely a lot to take in and a lot to go through, but if you chose to go through with it, you'd get the support you need here and provided by the nhs and hopefully friends/family
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Post by Helen on Apr 7, 2014 16:55:32 GMT
I had a discussion about this with my friend who is a psychologist a couple of months ago actually. The thing is, there has to be a gateway to access the services. I don't think the point is that psychiatrists want to say that it is wrong to be transgender. However, if you are going to go through with hormone replacement therapies and surgery there have to be certain criteria that must be met. With hormones and surgery your body can change very radically. I think the fear is that someone may have a mental illness that is manifesting with those feelings and that is not truly how they feel and that is why a psychiatrist is deemed the person able to make the call. I have been watching this guy's videos for a year or so and it tracks from him deciding that he was not female to taking testosterone and coming out. I found it really interesting so will share with you below: www.youtube.com/user/thegreatwhaley/videos
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antipsych
Newbie
I'm recovering without the mental health services
Posts: 17
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Post by antipsych on Apr 7, 2014 19:54:58 GMT
Hmm :/ 'gender dysphoria' is a mental disorder. Admittedly not one I've looked into much before, but psychiatrists are doing what they always do. Making something that may be normal for a group of people a "disorder" (imagine the outcry if they made homosexuality a mental disorder again?), makes me sick, it really makes me sick Thank you for the link I will watch the videos, but in all likelihood the stuff I've gone through with my ex girlfriend (an online sexual predator of sorts) I have an issue with the thing that makes me a guy, so, it's reasonable to assume getting rid of it will help somewhat. I'm not mentally disordered for being in the wrong body, even before the predatory ex, I hated myself and my body
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Post by Helen on Apr 8, 2014 16:49:04 GMT
I don't think the point of the label 'gender dysphoria' is to say people are ill. I see it as a label that can help people get access to the healthcare they want/need. If someone was to change gender and feel that they were happy with their body then they would no longer have gender dysphoria, if you see what I mean.
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antipsych
Newbie
I'm recovering without the mental health services
Posts: 17
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Post by antipsych on Apr 10, 2014 10:54:58 GMT
I brought a dress yesterday, as well as a few other girlie bits and pieces a few days ago. To be honest, it feels so good and freeing to wear a dress. Still don't approve of the mental health services' involvement in the change proceedings. I am certain I'm not mentally unwell, but no doubt the psychiatric scumbags would take that (me saying I'm not) as a sign that I AM, they have no right to diagnose me with a mental illness because I am different. Besides, I have no intention of EVER telling them about my sexually abusive ex girlfriend, very few people know about that, certainly nobody with medial/mh authority
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Post by Helen on Apr 11, 2014 9:32:05 GMT
I'm glad you're getting some enjoyment out of doing girlie things. I do wish you luck navigating to a place where you feel you can be who you are.
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antipsych
Newbie
I'm recovering without the mental health services
Posts: 17
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Post by antipsych on Apr 13, 2014 20:54:30 GMT
Haven't done anything harmful since I realised that I may be transsexual and people who I've talked to (online friends) have said I have a happiness that wasn't there before I started wearing girlie clothes.
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