What to do now?

Rommie

So, first time posting here, but longtime lurker. I've recently come out as transgender, something I've known for years, but after a conversation with a new friend, he pretty much picked up on it straight away, asked me if i was and I had that kind of clear moment when I was actually able to say, "Yes, that's exactly what I am." I've identified myself as male for years, and a lot of people I know think I'm a lesbian (I'm not, i have no interest in women, though that's a whole other thing as it basically means I'm not only trans, but also a homosexual. Fun one to explain to people. Maybe T will change that, I dont know). Anyway, after talking to him about it, I started to come out to the rest of my friends; most of whom were like "Duh, it's kinda obvious" and admitted that they saw me as a guy already anyway. Which is great, they're really supportive and not at all bothered by the whole thing.
Next obstacle was family, and though it went a bit better than I thought, there are still some issues with siblings not accepting it. Whatever, i dont really care that much.
But, now I have no idea what to do. Do i go to a doctor first? Do i start looking for a psychiatrist? Or am I trying to rush into this, I've only been out since March and I'm impatient to get started, but I dont know how or if I might be taking this a bit too fast.

fizzyorange

Firstly well done on coming out. I'm not trans myself, but I know people who are and this seems to be the pattern that they have all followed. First they all seemed to get binders, hair chopped and clothes that they felt more comfortable in. Then a few of them started hitting the gym a lot more than they would have. They all waited a fair while before seeing psychiatrists or anything, but that doesn't mean you have to. If you are completely comfortable and know that this is what you want to do and you want to do it now, why not? Then they went to see a psychiatrist (cannot for the life of me remember his name though, but I'm sure they all went to the same one) and I think it takes 3 visits to be diagnosed with Gender Identity Disorder. As far as I can tell, that is what you need for any surgeries/to get hormones.

As I mentioned, I'm not trans, so I am sure there is so much more to it than that. Just giving my 2 cents.

L.Jenkins

If you wish to proceeding with transitioning, you might want to see Dr. James Kelly in Dublin. You can ring him to make an appointment on 087 622 9972 if you wish.

Rommie

Thanks for the number. I've actually just purchased my first binder this morning so cant wait for that to arrive, but otherwise I wear 'masculine' clothes and I've had short hair a while now. Like I said, I've always known, just hadn't come out until a few months back. What worries me the most is I have an extremely annoying job where I work with the public and I'm worried testosterone will really push me over the edge. I'm hoping to leave it and start out my own business, but that wont be until september onwards, so not sure if I should wait until then. Plus the problem of telling workmates

Is James Kelly the only doctor that deals with this, I live in Cork so it'll be a bit awkward getting up and down, but I can manage it if he's the best to go to.

One other thing, I've heard that you need a fairly clean bill of health. Are there certain things that would stop you from being allowed hormone treatment?

L.Jenkins

Your health will be assesed, but I can't tell you for certain what will and will not set you back. There is a support group in Cork and one of the guys that runs it, Darren is FTM, so he should be able to offer alot of help and support.

The Cork group can be found here:
http://teni.ie/page.aspx?contentid=14