this post was submitted on 27 Nov 2024
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For reference:
According to the DSM-5, the diagnostic criteria for gender dysphoria include a marked incongruence between one's experienced or expressed gender and their assigned sex, lasting for at least six months, manifested by at least two of the following: a strong desire to be rid of one's primary and secondary sex characteristics, a strong desire for the primary and secondary sex characteristics of the other gender, a strong desire to be of the other gender, a strong desire to be treated as the other gender, and a strong conviction that one has the typical feelings and reactions of the other gender. Key points about gender dysphoria diagnosis: Significant incongruence: There must be a noticeable difference between the individual's experienced gender and their assigned sex. Duration: Symptoms must be present for at least six months. Multiple criteria needed: A diagnosis requires experiencing at least two of the listed criteria. Distress or impairment: The incongruence must cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other areas of functioning.
Ahh fuck. Turns out I have gender dysphoria by this definition.
I've spent a bit thinking I don't have it because I don't have one of these. And now I'm told I only need 2? I got way more than 2.
This website also lists some different kinds of dysphoria that you can have: https://genderdysphoria.fyi/ You don't need to fit the 'perfect' stereotypical trans picture to be trans.
Well, what are you waiting for? I wouldn't hold out hope that things will change!
My main reason for holding out is a younger sibling who is in their final years of high school, thus a minor, and parents who are qanon level crazy. Don't want to do something that would endanger their chances of going to college or make their life a living hell until they graduate high school.
There's a high chance my parents will think college brainwashed me, not let my younger sibling go to college, leave this "corrupted country full of alphabet mobs" with my younger sibling, etc.
My parents are not originally from the US and have been talking about leaving the US once my sibling graduates college because of the woke virus, so the last option is quite likely.
So I'm not gonna come out publicly/to my parents until until my sibling is in college and out of my parents' house. I'd rather continue a depressed shut in life for a year or two than ruin my sibling's whole life.
That makes sense. However, there are still things you can probably do depending on how financially independent you are. Even working towards independence in housing and health insurance would be a big move. If you live away from your parents, you can wear and act how you like when not at their house. If you have your own insurance, you can get HRT without them knowing. You can prepare for and start your transition in lead-up to your sibling becoming an adult.
Transitioning is a lot of work, but it's very satisfying and motivating. I wouldn't start HRT till your sibling's last semester, as it will probably become harder to hide over time. Planned Parenthood is very affordable, so long as you have insurance for once you get the medication. You should also look to live in a heavily democratic state, as there'll be more support in those places, even if care becomes illegal.
Yeah, I am financially independent, moved out to my own apartment in a different city and just got on my own healthcare. I'm thinking about moving to a blue state during last sem just before I begin transitioning. But I'm not sure how the therapist requirements for HRT work. I heard something about needing to talk to a therapist about it for 6 months before starting? Should I move and start talking to a therapist in the destination state 6 months before I want to start HRT or can I talk to a therapist in the source state for 6 months and then move and I would be able to start HRT immediately even though the therapist is elsewhere?
Reasons for waiting to move is to save up more money before moving so I can better afford medical treatments, potentially getting fired/laid off, and chip in to my sibling's living/college expenses if necessary.
Under current rules, you don't need a referral because we have informed consent. So long as you pass a medical check, you can accept responsibility for the effects and start HRT, with no psychological gatekeeping or dysphoria diagnosis. Like I said, places like Planned Parenthood can get you a prescription for a few hundred dollars out of pocket, which is less expensive than jumping through insurance hoops in the long run (I say from firsthand experience)
A ton of progress has been made in the American psychology community, especially compared to places like the UK. Gender affirmation is fairly accepted as the only evidence based method to handle trans patients, at least by academic consensus. Even the trans medicalists here have a hard time denying that we exist and are best helped by affirmation. The data doesn't support any other treatment being anywhere near as effective. It's probably one of THE MOST effective treatments for any psychological issue.
The biggest issue is that the new fascist government will illegally force the psychology community's hand without approval from congress. There will be fierce resistance in academia, but the government will use economic coercion and override the science in the law. However, this will take time, and you will be safest in blue states. Medical science is in grave danger for trans people, women, and anyone who doesn't fit their mold.
I honestly can't predict all the challenges we'll face, but the economy will also tank, so prepare to work outside official channels to get basic things done.
yeah, I am planning to offline archive diy hrt info once Thanksgiving is over just in case.