He says that he can refer me to a gender support service in London which is cool. However, I have to live full time as female for two years before I can be prescribed hormones. When did this become a rule!?
Well, I looked at the laws. It says that I have to live as female for two years before I can transition. I never heard of that before, but at least I get stuff free on the NHS... (Eventually.) I really don't have a right to be annoyed seeing as in some countries I could be killed for being this way.
I have heard this before. It does make sense, as some people may rush into this kind of thing without proper thought. It's a pretty massive step to take without serious considerations. Congrats on things though! Sounds like a positive step for you
That's weird, at least to me. I've heard of having to live full time for a year or two to be eligible for SRS being covered but not to start hormones. Heck when I went to see the doctor and NP to discuss hormones I was in male clothes totally presenting male, apart from makeup. Try to look at the positive things that'll come from it though. This will be a great time to learn all the things, makeup, walking, talking, clothes, all the mannerisms. You can do all of those things without hormones. Congrats! It's definitely a nice feeling knowing you'll be on hormones in the future.
Congratulations. My advice here is to discuss all issues and concerns in full with your specialist. Since you're 15 there still may be time to slow some of the advancement of puberty, and they may prescribe this for you after a few meetings if you push the issue.
The rule is there first and foremost to protect you, feeling like you want to live as a female is radically different to physically being one. They need to know you are happy and comfortable living in the shoes of a woman before they physically alter your hormones, and if you decide to take it further; your penis won't grow back!
In my experience this is untrue. After two visits to the gender clinic in London, I was prescribed hormones. This was just back in October. By "transition" they mean surgery. It's weird they mess up the wording so much, but I was worried about this at first too for the same reason. The two year test also applies to getting your gender marker officially changed. Then again, this is just my experience. Hope it goes well for you!
Hmm, well maybe my GP misread the wording? I understand what the rules are for, but it doesn't stop me being mildly annoyed.
Aye, my GP didn't know much about it either and I think that's where the confusion arises. The London gender clinic offer hormones as early as the 2nd visit depending on their judgement, so just remember it isn't the end of the world.
Hey I know this was a while ago , but I've been referred there and my mum said she was talking to some other parents who said they were offered hormones earlier and one who just said they lied and said their son had been living as male for 2 years...
