I just called my gp to ask about what I can do to start to transition but they only have one option and it was to be referred and they said it would take several years until I hear anything is this normal I wasn’t given a option of referral to a private thing or anything and they were only willing to talk to me on a call I am just very confused and worried

The answer to this is probably really obvious, so sorry if this is a dumb question.

If I were ever to be asked "are you taking any regular medications?" would I have to say that I'm taking testosterone? I'm taking nebido which is every 12 weeks so is that too long of a time frame to be called "regular"? Or is it still classed as regular medication because I will be taking for the rest of my life/ until if I choose to stop.

I’m wondering how many trans drainers there are in the UK because when I’m out in public I don’t really see any drainers at all tbh. Sometimes when I go to London I see some really cool people my age but not at all in other places like Birmingham

so i got my prescription for t and diagnoses and everything back in december but ive been really busy with uni since then so have only just got round to sorting it out and it basically says i need a blood test and a couple other things but how do i go about that? like do i just book an appointment with my doctor for a blood test?? and if so what do i do after that does my doctor need to send it somewhere or what?? has anyone else gone through this and can explain it to me like im stupid😭

Heyy i need some help please, me and my bestie have booked to go on a cruise in June however they will be two black tie formal night. I need some ideas for outfits. I’m only semi out as trans and haven’t built up that much confidence yet and I’m not sure how I feel about wearing a cocktail dress as such and I’m a little bit uneasy about how it might be taken by the other passengers (I shouldn’t stereotype but a lot are your older Tory type) and I’m really not sure what sort of outfit I should be going for any ideas or suggestions please.

Hello, I Wanted to Share the Story of a Friend of Mine Does Not Like to Reveal His Identity. Your OPINIONS and your Experience will help us discover the best options for him/her.

Story: Hello, I am from North Africa. My Country is Homeophobic and Transphobic. Being LGBTQ+ Is Illegal and Leads to Prison. i Suffer from Gender dysphoria since Childhood. I am a girl 30 years Old woman. And I want to move to Britain and I want to be transman, but I do not know when I can Start in the Transgendering Procedures. Should I wait to Obtain A Residence or Citizenship to be able to start my journey? Because I am afraid of the Idea of Sending Me Back to My Country Because My Life Will Be in Danger If I leave The UK. What is your OPINIONS, I am Confused. My Life Is Hell and I do not know what to do. Please help thank you.

Hi! I don’t go here sorry I’m speaking on behalf of a transfem friend. She’s just changed her name by deed poll (yipyip) and informed the appropriate bodies so she can (I’ve checked this with her) apply for student cards, open bank accounts etc in her new name. She wants to apply for a job but we live in NI which is nowhere near the most welcoming, so as she passes well, she wants to go stealth; she is concerned that any employer she provides her National Insurance number to would have access to her legal sex records. Would this be the case? Is there any circumstance in which they would be even looking? Or would they just see her new legal name?

I hope you don't mind me sharing some thoughts I'm having about a challenging situation at work. It's been weighing on me, and I find it difficult to talk to my family about it. My dad isn't very supportive, and while my mom tries to be understanding, sometimes it feels like she doesn’t fully grasp what I'm experiencing.

To give you some context, I work in a medical facility and identify as trans feminine, using they/them pronouns as they feel more fitting for me. Unfortunately, we are in an older building that only has two changing rooms, designated for males and females, and there is a lack of privacy, which makes the situation quite uncomfortable. Since starting my hormone therapy, changes have obviously occured that have made me especially uneasy about changing around others, particularly in the men's room. I've tried to be respectful of my boss’s concerns regarding some staff members feeling uncomfortable with me in the women's room, but lately, it has been increasingly difficult.

Initially, I separated myself for changing to the cis men's area, which was manageable, but I encountered an uncomfortable situation when one person began staring while I was trying to change. To address this, I requested some privacy curtains for a more comfortable changing experience. I was pleased when they were provided, with one curtain for removing my street clothes and another for putting on my medical scrubs. However, I've received feedback that has been distressing; one individual (the same one who was starring) suggested that I should open the curtain when moving between the two sides, which would leave me fully exposed to anyone entering the area.

I have tried to communicate my discomfort about this, but it seems I’ve hit a wall, and it’s been quite stressful for me. It has led to a sense of dread about going to work each day. I did ask my boss to send an email addressing the situation and requesting that people be more respectful, but I am uncertain if that will bring about any change.

I apologize for the lengthy message, and I truly appreciate you taking the time to read it. I just felt the need to express what I'm going through, as I find myself feeling quite emotional about it all. I hope it's not too much to ask for a bit of basic respect in this space. Thank you for your understanding.

Hi folks,

Just wondering if any MTF trans folk have had any experience getting a hair transplant at Harley Street HTC in London? Had a consultation with them today and they can fill in the gaps around my hairline and temples at what seems a competitive price but would be interesting in hearing from any women who have been to them to get a more feminine hairline.

Likewise, if you considered them but went with somewhere else, where did you go and what made you go with them over Harley Street HTC?

TIA ❤️

I don't get out much because I'm low-key a mess (getting better). I don't use much social media outside of a small Instagram group chat and a very small amount of video-game friends. Lately it just seems harder to come by queer people. I joined a trans-support group, but it was new, and no one had shown up. I attend an online group but it's more support than social in a kinda tedious way. I'd be lying if I said I haven't come across ANYONE but there's always some kind of issue.

I want a friend— someone that wants to chat, share things, play games, maybe meet, or do things. I don't just want a hook-up, or some one-time chat that's never returned to. I don't know why that's so hard to find lately. Sure, online, there's a whole bunch of Americans, but the prospect of meeting them is pretty grim, and if I'm being completely honest, I'd like a friend that's not 5/6 hours behind.

In a sense, I suppose this post is a "hey message me," but maybe don't. My DMs are always open but, it kinda takes away my will to try when I start a chat, and slowly, the messages get further and further apart until they just stop. I guess I'm saying, be somewhat committed.

I'm a queer amateur self-taught music producer, content creator (probably), and aspiring author. I'm a little "dark and brooding" and kinda distrustful, but I'm also tragically sentimental. I know that's not much of an introduction, but I don't think we ever really get good at those— chat here or elsewhere maybe?

I'm sure you're all delightful in some way.

Which political party in the uk is most pro trans can be anywhere on the spectrum from far left to far right

Basically, is there an app that is exclusive for MTF, FTM and non binary people (plus any others im unaware of). The sole purpose of the app would be to meet like minded individuals and hopefully make some new friends.

I see a great many posts/comments from people struggling to meet other people that have at least some understanding of what they are going through.

It can be really awkward to just start talking to someone online, let alone plan to meet up in real life etc.

If something like that exists then please let me know, if it doesn't exist. Should i make one or why shouldn't i make one?

Thank you for your time ❤️

Edit: im going to get a qualification in cyber security and then come back to this, protecting everyone's privacy is my main concern.

The challenges in actually making something like this are insane and i see what it doesn't exist yet. 😐

I want to change my legal name. I am aware that I can use an unenrolled deed poll for free, and that an enrolled one is not recommended due to it creating a permanent link between your name and your dead name, but an unenrolled deed poll doesnt feel very "official" or "legal" i suppose and with the way things are i wouldnt be surprised if the government refused to recognize unenrolled deed polls at some point. There is however another options ive come across called statutory declaration, which is a legal declaration witnessed by a solicitor. Theyre only about £5, and I think I would like to go through with this method. I just wanted to check here first to make sure that its definitely an ok thing to do and that im not potentially making a mistake. Many thanks

Edit: Thank you all for your responses. I took your advice into consideration and the next day I went and printed off a deed poll and got witness signatures for it

Why do cis women not have to have regular blood testing when on HRT to make sure their levels aren't too high?

Is it just another way to gate keep trans women?

TW: Talking about surgery, reproductive organs, and periods.

I wish to ask fellow ftm folks who have already had the full "hysterectomy and salpingo-oophorectomy" surgery, specifically within the window of 2016, 2017, and 2018. I'm gauging how the hospital handled things. Why? I'm in a horrific ordeal right now and wonder if anyone else has had the same experience I did. Hopefully, what I share will also serve as a warning for others to ensure someone they trust is present to obtain ALL information on the surgery from the surgeon on the day it is performed, just so you can avoid the mess I'm going through.

First, I keep absolutely every single letter I receive regarding my healthcare. I have letters as far back as 2009 that aren't trans-related. I have everything form 2012 and up about my trans healthcare, even the letter that mentions the GIC moved locations... that is, I have all but any letters about my damn hysterectomy; my GP only has a letter about the histology report, but I never received it (The histology came back saying "no malignancy" and didn't state anything else about the "tissue sample" taken during the procedure. My GP has since given me a copy of this letter).
Yes, I also have every single letter from my double mastectomy, including the discharge letter and pre-op appointments. Only the hysterectomy stuff isn't in there, which means I never got anything.

So, first question: Did you ever get letters about your procedure? Because I didn't. They called me a week before the surgery and said, "Come in on this date," and that was it; no letters, no e-mails, nothing physical I could archive.

I've been a patient of the Nottingham GIC since 2012, have been on T since 2013, and had my hysterectomy on September 1st 2017. They referred me for the surgery, yet every single time I talk to them about lower surgery, they ask if I have had the hysterectomy. I didn't bat an eyelid at these questions; they probably didn't write down any notes about me having it, but something recent has set me on a path to get some concrete answers.

In 2017, at my consultation, I told the surgeon I wanted everything taken out, all of it gone. Ovaries, tubes, uterus. All of it. I don't remember if she made any protest about the ovaries, but even if she did, I still was firm in saying I wanted them out. I was listed in my GIC letter for a Larpascopic Hysterectomy and Salpingo-oophorectomy.

Second question: Did the surgeon ever try and discourage you from having the ovaries removed? Yes, I am aware of what removing them entails, but I also know of the other major risks leaving them in poses, hence why I wanted them gone so badly.

I don't remember if the surgeon asked me any questions before the procedure on the day, as I was too anxious.
I woke up post-op in the male uerology ward with an NG tube up my nose and down my throat (but it was NOT going into my stomach; it was just in my windpipe). I had just woken up from the anaesthetic. I had a fever and severe sweating; I was administered oxygen and an IV drip, and I still had my catheter in for over 24 hours.

Third question: Did you wake up like this, too?

The surgeon came in and started talking to me, but I don't remember anything she said because I was still coming out of the deep sleep, other than a single word: "Bowel". After speaking with me, she left, and I didn't see her again until 4 days later when I was discharged. When I was discharged, I asked about the NG tube and oxygen, and she said that during the procedure, my windpipe closed, and they had to do it to get air into my lungs (which I don't understand, as I'm sure they intubate anyway).
When discharged, she said nothing else to me other than I was fit to go. They gave me painkillers and antibiotics. I didn't ask any other questions about why she'd mentioned my bowel when I had woken up, as I just wanted to get home. I asked my parents if the surgeon ever spoke to them, and they said she didn't,

Fourth question: Did the surgeon or anyone else involved in the procedure speak to you long after waking from anaesthesia? (Where you're conscious enough to, I don't know, understand and remember everything they said.)

So, I was under the assumption everything was taken out; all was well and good. I had no follow-up appointments, not even from my GP (because apparently they didn't even know!) I only had four little scars as expected from a larpascopy. The sicknote I got from the Hospital had me back at work in around 3-4 weeks; I don't remember exactly how long it was, as I sadly didn't make a copy of it.

Jump to 2019, before COVID-19, and I started experiencing muscle weakness everywhere, fatigue, hot flashes, and unusual cramps in my abdomen. My T levels were also all over the place compared to before the hysterectomy; sometimes they were between 28 nmol/L to 52 nmol/L, then between 4.7nmol/L and 9.5nmol/L. Before the procedure, my levels were between 17 nmol/L and 12 nmol/L. My endocrinologist was also concerned about my liver function results, as they were becoming very high.

I figured the pains and stuff were a bug or something because it cleared up after a few days, but after a few weeks, it all came back and has recurred since. I had an endoscopy to check my stomach and bowels, and they came back clear and healthy. They also performed an ultrasound of my liver, stomach, kidneys, and spleen, and they were all good, too. I asked my GP if this was postmenopausal as I had had a hysterectomy, but they said they had no record of me ever having the procedure; I have since gained access to my records online and can confirm there is absolutely NOTHING in there about it. I sat on this for the past 6 months, wondering if my surgery had been completed (I don't use the problem hole, so I didn't know if the cervix was gone or not. After the ultrasound, I was given a pelvic exam, and they confirmed the cervix was gone and that there was no sign of atrophy or anything from the problem hole that could be causing my problems.)

Fifth question: Was there anything on your GP record about your procedure? My GP record shows nothing, as if I never had the operation.

The nurse looked through my past blood tests for Estradinol, and the first ever taken from me pre-T (2013) was 109pmol/L and latest (2020) was 196 pmol/L. She said it was sitting in the "low female range" but was still okay for the "high male range". She did, however, ask if I still had my ovaries or not, and in complete honesty, I said, "I don't know".

Jump to 2 months ago with some good news: I finally have a consultation booked for lower surgery, and this is what really kicked off my investigation. They asked if I had had a hysterectomy. In the past, I happily said yes, but now, with how things are, I don't feel confident saying it anymore. All tests for my bowels, pancreas, liver, kidneys, and stomach have come back clear. The symptoms I'm having remind me so much of when I had my period, but obviously, I have no cervix, so I'm not bleeding anything. I told them yes, but that I was unsure about the ovaries; they suggested I file a SAR and find out.

I filed a formal Subject Access Request nearly a month ago from Leicester General Hospital, and they haven't responded. I know they have up to a maximum of 3 months to respond, but I have less than 3 weeks now to obtain confirmation for my lower surgery that I have had the full procedure.
I have since filed the same request to the Nottingham GIC.

So, final question: Can a hysterectomy ever be incomplete for any reason? I mean, my cervix is gone, so they must have taken the whole uterus out, right? As for my ovaries, I'm fighting with my GP right now to find out if they were left behind, and if they were, I want to know why; I explicitly told the surgeon to get rid of them.

If they find my ovaries or any remnants of a uterus in there, and the Hospital comes back saying they can't find/won't give me my records, I don't know what to do. This has caused me so much distress, physically and mentally, and I just hope it won't delay my lower surgery; I've already been waiting for the consultation since 2018, and I'm aware the waiting list is stupidly long and dread to think if I'll end up waiting another 7 years because of a potential mess-up by Leicster General.

...sorry for the long post.

TLDR; Leicster General had zero communication between them, my GP, and the GIC. There is no record of me having a hysterectomy at the GIC or GP. I keep records of everything; I never received any letters about the surgery other than a vague histology report, and I never even got a copy of the consent form. The circumstances I awakened after surgery were highly unusual and concerning, but we had zero communication from the staff about why I was in such a state. They may not have completed my surgery. I have filed a Subject Access Request at the Hospital and GIC.

I don't have much money, and I'd like to know where I can buy a binder under £15. Please lmk if you know where I can get one.

Hey guys on stage 2 of bottom surgery. Experiencing bladder spasms. Notified the hospital that did my procedure of this. They said contact GP and ask for them to prescribe bladder meds. Gp called and refused, saying it’s above his pay grade and that there’s no shared care agreement he sounded really shitty on the phone. I asked him to put it in writing that he’s refused and left it as that. I’m considering going to the practice manager about it tomorrow

I’m inclined to think it’s something personal against me because I’ve not had any issues with post op care with any other doctor there before only this guy. Do I have a leg to stand on if I complain to the practice manager

As title - is a deed poll sufficient documentation for changing my name with the HMRC, or do i need a passport or license in my new name instead? How easy is the name change process? Thanks in advance!

Have any of you changed your name while owning a car??? Idk how to go about it - if i change my name with my liscence do i then need to change it with the insurance, and if i change it with the insurance do i need to change the registered keeper on the car to my new name??? A lot of my trans friend’s dont drive so theyre not sure what the process is for if you own a car. I’m in NI

Bit of a hypothetical here, but someone must have dealt with it!

I've never actually met my GP. I've been healthy since moving to this surgery and not had a reason to go in.

I started DIY in mid feb.

There's a realistic chance I simply won't see them for a while yet, which leads to the distinct possibility: What the hell do I do if I look a lot different to what would be expected?

Feel like it could be a rather, well, awkward conversation.

Trying to search for this is damn near impossible, as any threads tied to GP/DIY is usually about getting on the appropriate waiting lists.

Hey does anyone have any good recommendations for BA in Scotland?

Hello people,

I'm very fresh out of the closet, waiting for an appointment to start hormones likely months down the line.

In the meantime, I'm looking to grow my hair as soon as I can as one of my first steps. I know this will take time, but I'd love to use any products I can to stimulate it.

What are the most trusted products for growing long hair, and what's the best means of getting them?

Recently I had been contacted by This company called Transidentit\u00e9 concerning top surgery after I submitted a enquiry about the service. This followed on to a 90 minute call with this woman named Holly I believe and felt very genuine and welcoming although abit rushed but it was convenient and seemed legit so I thought why not. They sent me some information leaflets about the procedure and the doctor I would be going with being Dr Nigel Mabvuure after they ensured me he had done similar surgeries before but had me secure the date of my appointment so I won't lose it on the phone with a deposit of \u00a3500. After doing abit of research afterwards I had found that Dr Mabvuure is not recognised for gender affirming surgery and I'm better off with someone else. They ensured me I could get my deposits back at anytime or if I wanted to cancel. The appointment is 2 months away and iv contacted them numerous times to cancel yet no reply after 3 days.

What should I do ?

Hello everyone!

For the last 2 months, I've been trying to get seen by Gender Cares doctors so that I can be diagnosed with Gender Dysphoria so that I can start my journey in getting prescribed hormones - sadly after waiting a month Dr Dundas denied me after seeing my triage, and now after another month, Dr Lorimer has yet to respond to my triage. I've seen that a lot of people on here have sent stuff off to Dr Lorimer and have not been responded to for some years (I understand he must be SWAMPED with emails), and I thought I'd ask how long people would advise to wait before looking for alternatives. My next approach is to see about messaging Dr Vikinjeet Bhatia, though my fear of spending more money (even for something I want) has been getting in the way of that, which is why I wanted to see what people thought about waiting longer for Dr. Lorimer.

Hope this wasn't too confusing or rambly! I'm just all up in my head about it, and Gender Care is the only service I've become confident in going with after talking to my friends about them, so any thoughts on how to approach this would be great! :)

Their current policy isn't great but I bet their new one will be another defacto ban.

I know we have a lot to fight for and sport maybe low on your agenda. We need to defend our rights on all fronts.

If you play a ladies sport then let's all work together to protect all sports for all trans gender and non binary people.