Gender Affirming Procedures
Trans People Discussing Trans Surgeries and Results
A reddit forum for and by transgender people for the discussion of surgeries, surgery results, surgeon satisfaction and the costs incurred by transgender, nonbinary and intersex people. Similar to Susan’s Place, but not as dated. They also have a wikipedia with lists of surgeons.
Animation of Penile Inversion Vaginoplasty
An animation of penile inversion vaginoplasty helps understand the different steps of the surgery. Warning, even though this is animated, it is graphic. You don’t need to know this level of detail to be informed and enjoy the results of vaginoplasty.
Facial Feminization Surgery
An animation of FFS including frontal sinus setback, orbital rim contouring, mandibal angle reduction and chin reduction. Warning, even though this is animated, it is graphic. You don’t need to know this level of detail to be informed and enjoy the results of FFS.
Financial Help: Washington Paid Medical Leave
You can qualify for a (small) portion of your pay to help cover your time away from work due to gender affirmation surgery and recovery time.
Apply here: https://paidleave.wa.gov
Gender Affirming Surgery; Scholarships, Surgeon Database, Education
We believe that there is no one way to be trans and that surgery is not for everyone.
QueerDoc provides referrals for gender affirming surgeries for our patients when desired.
I Never Wanted These Scars
Blake is a transgender patient who underwent FTM top surgery with Dr. Sajan. Having thought of surgery since he was in high school, Blake finally had his consultation with Dr. Sajan in December 2019. Blake shares his hopes for surgery, his surgery, and the scars he never wanted in the first place.
Old Approach, New Application: Peritoneal Pull-Through Vaginoplasty
This article talks about Peritoneal Pull-Through Vaginoplasty, or Peritoneal Vaginoplasty, as a new transgender surgery solution based on a gynecological procedure called the Davydov Procedure.
The article also offers a list of doctors who perform the surgery around the U.S.
Link: https://www.mtfsurgery.net/peritoneal-pull-through-vaginoplasty.htm
Phalloplasty Hospital Kit-The Essential List of What to Take With You
I frequently receive messages, from folks who are about to go into surgery, asking for my advice as to what to take with them to the hospital. In this blog, I will share my recommended phalloplasty hospital kit list with you.
Link: https://finlaygames.com/phalloplasty-surgery-hospital-kit-list/
Stiller Aesthetics
Dr. Stiller specializes in managing the different variations of procedures you may desire whether that be the standard top surgery, breast augmentation, facial and bottom surgery techniques. He works with you to create an individualized surgical plan that meets your goals to what best affirms your gender.
Stiller Aesthetics is committed to providing a safe, caring and understanding environment that promotes self-love, happiness and encourages all to embrace who they truly are.
The Great Wall of Vagina by Jamie McCartney
This artist’s photographs of plaster casts of hundreds of vaginas can be an important tool in helping feminine people understand the vast variety of vulvar variation, particularly when considering vaginoplasty and labiaplasty.
Top Surgery Recovery Videos
View recordings of Brian Sky’s recovery from top surgery, sharing stretching, strengthening, and self massage tools for healing along the way.
Unruhly Medicine
Dr Unruh provides inclusive gender affirming care for transgender and non-binary individuals of all ages. Note, this location is for gender affirming care only, NO PRIMARY CARE SERVICES are currently offered.
Call Now: 360-746-2013
Top Surgery Recovery Tips
A helpful Them article
Eight people told us about the hacks that helped them during recovery, from wedge pillows to meal prep scheduling apps to hygiene tips.
Hair Removal
Braun IPL Hair Removal
Braun IPL Hair Removal for Women and Men, Silk Expert Pro 5 PL5137 with Venus Swirl Razor, FDA Cleared, Permanent Reduction in Hair Regrowth for Body & Face, Corded
- EDITOR’S CHOICE: voted the best overall at-home IPL by Elle
- PERMANENT RESULTS: The most efficient Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) device for permanent hair reduction in just 4 week
- SAFE: Braun’s unique SensoAdaptTM technology automatically adapts the light intensity to your skin for the perfect balance between safety and efficiency, giving you lasting smooth results at home safely without the use of sunglasses
Link: https://www.amazon.com/Braun-Removal-Permanent-Reduction-Regrowth/dp/B07WYY6KKC
Dermatology Specialists of Spokane
Laser Hair Removal is a safe alternative to remove unwanted facial or body hair, including the cheeks, lip, legs, arms, underarms, and back, as well as sensitive areas like the bikini area, ears, neck, and chest.
It is our commitment to serve you by providing excellent, comprehensive, compassionate, and timely care.
Link: https://dermsos.com/
Mill Creek Skin & Laser Center
Mill Creek Skin & Laser Center is perfectly located in the middle of the Seattle area.
Unwanted hair can be frustrating, whether you’re a woman, man, or transitioning to your true identity. Temporary removal methods can be expensive, short term, and irritate the skin. Laser hair removal can provide a permanent reduction in hair growth with minimal recovery time.
Queen Anne Medical Center
Queen Anne Medical Center is a family medicine practice founded by Linda Gromko MD in 1989. They offer family medicine, transgender care, and have now added Transformative Aesthetics providing a full range of services.
Wherever you are in your transition, come to us for hormone care, pre and post surgical care, and trans-honoring aesthetics. We provide puberty blockers for youth, hormone pellets, and sensitive hair removal services.
Tria Hair Removal Laser 4X
Powered by the same in-office Diode Laser Technology used by dermatologists, the Tria Hair Removal Laser 4X is the first and only FDA-cleared at-home laser to remove unwanted hair at a fraction of the in-office treatment.
Link: https://www.beautylish.com/s/tria-beauty-hair-removal-laser-4x-white-fuschia
Hair Loss Treatment
Hair Regrowth Serum- What does the research show?
Dr Crystal Beal from QueerDoc reviews head hair treatments and out of the box care.
Link: https://queerdoc.com/reddit-hair-regrowth-serum-what-does-the-research-show/
For Primary Care Providers
Communicating With Patients Who Have Nonbinary Gender Identities
The increasing visibility of transgender people and others who do not conform to traditional gender norms challenges us to think about gender in new ways, and to use new terminology when communicating with patients. People who describe themselves as nonbinary have a gender identity that is not exclusively girl/woman or boy/man. A small but growing body of research indicates they experience high levels of societal victimization and discrimination, and are misunderstood by health care clinicians. Using language that is inclusive of all gender identities can reduce these burdens and barriers. In this essay, we use a case scenario that illustrates ways to interact respectfully and affirmatively with nonbinary people throughout the patient care experience.
Hormone Therapy
HRT Prescriber in Bellingham
Are you seeking guidance in health restoration and prevention?
Dr. Ervin, a.k.a. Dr. Sunshine, is a naturopathic physician offering video, phone, and in-person consultations.
Introduction to Feminizing Hormone Therapy
Dr. Maddie Deutsch, MD, Director of Clinical Services and Assistant Clinical Professor at the University of California – Center of Excellence for Transgender Health discusses male-to-female hormone therapy (estrogen).
Introduction to Masculinizing Hormone Therapy
Dr. Maddie Deutsch, MD, Director of Clinical Services and Assistant Clinical Professor at the University of California Center of Excellence for Transgender Health discusses female-to-male hormone therapy (testosterone).
Overview of Feminizing Hormone Therapy (written)
Overview of feminizing hormone therapy from UCSF’s Center of Excellence for Transgender Health, a very reliable source that also sponsors the biennial National Transgender Health Summit (NTHS).
Authored by Madeline B. Deutsch, MD, MPH
Link: https://transcare.ucsf.edu/guidelines/feminizing-hormone-therapy
Transfeminine Science
Transfeminine Science is a resource for original informational content on the subject of transfeminine hormone therapy.
By transgender people, for transgender people and their medical providers.
Queer Doc's To use or not to use progesterone?
For people born with testes whose bodies primarily produce testosterone and who want hormonal gender affirming treatment…
Queer Doc, a trusted resource, goes over risks and benefits of adding progesterone.
Insurance
Kaiser Washington Gender
Kaiser has a dedicated gender health team which helps trans and nonbinary members better access the health they need.
Call now: (206) 630-1929
Link: https://healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/washington/get-care/additional-services/gender-health
TLDEF's Trans Health Project
Learn how health insurance works and how to get the trans health care coverage to which you are entitled.
Intersex
Special Thanks to Niki Khanna, MA LMFT (she/her) for curating most of these intersex resources.
Niki is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Consultant, & Educator
Affirming Primary Care for Intersex People 2020
This community-informed clinical guide on primary care for intersex people provides an overview of intersex terms and concepts, the health concerns of intersex people, intersex-affirming practices, and resources for further learning.
Link: https://www.lgbtqiahealtheducation.org/publication/affirming-primary-care-for-intersex-people-2020/
Human Rights Watch Report on Human Rights Violations of Intersex People
In this report, based on interviews with intersex adults, parents of intersex children, and medical practitioners working with intersex people, interACT and Human Rights Watch document the fall-out from doctors recommending surgical solutions to the supposed “problem” of intersex traits and the failure of the medical community to regulate itself effectively. They make detailed recommendations for lawmakers to standards of care.
InterACT
Interconnect
InterConnect is a compassionate community that provides a support group for youth, adults and families of people with any intersex variations. They also have a great newsletter and do a conference each year.
Intersex adults can email us directly to access the twice monthly Zoom support group and meeting. We have a blog that has many posts from individuals in the group from over the years. We also run several private Facebook groups which someone would also need to contact us to be added to. We can also add anyone to our email list.
Link: http://www.interconnect.support
Intersex 101
A helpful start to understanding “Intersex”, and umbrella term that refers to people who are born with any of a range of characteristics that may not fit traditional conceptions about male or female bodies.
Link: https://live-interact-advocates.pantheonsite.io/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/INTERSEX101.pdf
Intersex 102
Responses to Common Pro-Surgery Statements, InterACT Combats the fallacies that sustain infant surgery practices with truths about the irreversable harm they cause.
Link: https://live-interact-advocates.pantheonsite.io/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/INTERSEX101.pdf
Intersex Affirming Hospital Policies
Providing Ethical and Compassionate Health Care to Intersex Patients
Studies have shown that up to 80 percent of inter-sex patients have changed their care based on discomfort with their medical providers. Solid policy that takes into consideration the needs of the community is essential to giving intersex patients the care that they deserve.
Intersexion -A Documentary Film about being intersex
A documentary film about Intersex People (created with Intersex people)
Intersex Ally Dos and Don'ts
What does it mean to be an ally? Guide to Allyship is a fantastic starting point for
understanding the concept. This document offers intersex-specific allyship tips.
Intersex Brochures and Guides
Intersex Justice Project
Intersex Justice Project is an Intersex POC lead activist organization.
The implementation of an intersex justice framework should include the following components:
- Informed consent
- Reparations
- Legal protections
- Accountability
- Language
- Children’s rights
- Patient-centered healthcare
They have a whole resource section for medical students.
Link: https://www.intersexjusticeproject.org
People to Follow -Alicia Roth Weigel (she/they)
Alicia is a human rights commissioner in Austin, Texas who came out as intersex advocating for intersex rights in front of the Texas legislature.
People to Follow-Hans (pronouns: Hans)
YouTube:
Hans created a series of informative videos about what it is to be intersex.
Hans is a writer and artist known for expansive commentary on intersex issues. This work builds on the blessing of a childhood spent among multiple generations of intersex activists, and formative experiences in Bay Area queer comics and activism communities.
While in California, Hans’s organizing and digital strategies as the former Communications Director of interACT helped pass the country’s first legislation denouncing infant genital surgeries. Hans’s articles, videos, and comics promoting affirming and non-medical views of intersex people have been translated into four languages.
Following this, Hans aims to write a graphic novel that will make a banned books list.
Pronouns: Hans
People to Follow-Mari Wrobi (they/them)
Mari Wrobi is a queer, transgender and intersex person of color born and raised in Sacramento, California. They have worked at the first and only shelter for LGBTQ youth experiencing homelessness in Sacrament, interned at the Gender Health Center; and advocated with interACT: Advocates for Intersex Youth. Outside of their advocacy, Mari is also a short-film director, a photographer, and a spoken word artist – with most of their art centering the LGBTQ experience.
Link: https://www.genderunbound.org/project/mari-wrobi/
Medical/Health Resources
Cedar River Clinics’ Transgender Healthcare Toolkit
This toolkit includes resources for providers and/or clinic systems to add transgender health care to their services.
Our LGBTQ Wellness Services offers you quality health care in a safe and culturally responsive environment. Every patient who receives care at Cedar River Clinics is treated with dignity and respect.
Center of Excellence for Transgender Health
UCSF’s Center of Excellence for Transgender Health (Trans CoE) formed in 2009 and has a mission to increase access to comprehensive, effective, and affirming health care services for trans and gender diverse communities.
Clue: Live in Sync With Your Cycle
Clue is a period tracking app, a trusted menstrual health resource, and a thought leader in femtech.
We want Clue to be useful for all people with periods. Some trans people might want to track their periods or log changes to their body after starting gender-affirming hormone therapy, and deserve to use an app that doesn’t cause unnecessary dysphoria.
Link: https://helloclue.com/
Edward Thomas House Medical Respite
Harborview’s Medical Respite Program (Edward Thomas House Medical Respite) is a unique harm reduction program that provides recuperative care to people experiencing homelessness who are too sick to return to the shelter or streets, but do not require a hospital level of care.
Link: https://www.uwmedicine.org/provider-resource/refer-patient/medical-respite
Gay City
Gay City is the definitive hub for LGBTQ individuals seeking affirming and responsive resources, wellness, and community.
Gay City: Seattle’s LGBTQ Center cultivates access and connections to promote self-determination, liberation and joy in our communities.
“Gay City provides a safe space for the LGBTQ community. Not only do they provide safe STD testing services, but they also care about every individual and ensure the privacy and security of each one. They are our top-rated clinic for STD testing in Washington.”
Link: https://www.gaycity.org/
Ingersoll Gender Center
Ingersoll offers a Healthcare Provider Database.
Ingersoll is one of the oldest organizations by and for transgender and gender nonconforming communities in the United States. Officially formed in 1977, Ingersoll Gender Center has been building community, connecting folks to resources and advocating for our communities in the Puget Sound region for over four decades.
Philadelphia Trans Health Conference
The Philadelphia Trans Health Conference is an annual free conference supporting trans health.
Join thousands of transgender, non-binary, gender-variant people and their allies when they come together in the name of trans wellness in all senses of the word at the largest free conference in the world.
Link: https://web.cvent.com/event/f03ff02b-43b8-4340-b2ff-69b4f34cc260/summary
Planned Parenthood
Planned Parenthood is a non-profit family planning organization that has been helping folks make responsible choices about their sexual health since 1969.
Planned Parenthood believes you deserve high-quality, compassionate health care that’s appropriate for your needs — no matter your gender identity.
Our health centers provide gender-affirming hormone therapy for transgender and nonbinary patients.
Link: https://www.plannedparenthood.org
How to find a trans-friendly OB/GYN
This article contains information and resources for trans folks looking to find an OB/GYN.
The World Professional Association for Transgender Health offers a list of recommended healthcare providers worldwide, and there are many more organizations working at a local level.
Link: https://helloclue.com/articles/cycle-a-z/how-to-find-trans-friendly-obgyn
Queerdoc
Services to improve LGBTQ+ lives for individuals, providers, and organizations.
At QueerDoc, we ARE queer, gender diverse, trauma-informed, body-positive, sex-positive, and kink-positive. We PASSIONATELY want to increase access to expert, affirming, & culturally competent care for queer and gender expansive children, adolescents, & adults
Link: https://queerdoc.com/
Reddit Discussion & Results of Transgender Surgeries
Discussion & Results of Transgender Surgeries
A sub for the discussion of surgeries, surgery results, surgeon satisfaction and the costs incurred by transgender people. Rule 5: This sub is by and for trans people. Partners, carers, etc, with a legitimate interest in surgery may post if its of clear benefit to a trans individual or the community. Intersex people who have related surgical interests may post.
The Pediatric Endocrine Society Guidelines & Resources
The Pediatric Endocrine Society has guidelines and resources to support evidence-based medical care of transgender youth.
Link: https://pedsendo.org/patient-resource/transgender-care/
Trans Health
World Professional Association for Transgender health (WPATH)
The World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH), formerly known as the (Harry Benjamin International Gender Dysphoria Association (HBIGDA), is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, interdisciplinary professional and educational organization devoted to transgender health.
We envision a world wherein people of all gender identities and gender expressions have access to evidence-based healthcare, social services, justice and equality.
Link: https://www.wpath.org/
Medicaid
Surgeons Who Accept Medicaid for Top Surgery
Medicaid is a state-run health insurance program that provides payment for medical services for low-income citizens. The map shows which states have have clarified that the state Medicaid program covers transition-related care.
Washington Medicaid Programs Transgender Health
Find information about the Apple Health (Medicaid) Transhealth Program.
Primary care, behavioral health services, and hormone therapy, including puberty blockers, are covered under Apple Health. If you are enrolled in a managed care plan these services will be covered through your plan. Contact your plan to request a list of providers.
Other gender-affirming treatments are covered directly by Apple Health using your ProviderOne services card, and not by your managed care plan. If you have questions about this coverage, email applehealth.transhealth@hca.wa.gov.
Sexual Health Information
Brazen - Trans-Women Safer Sex Guide
Brazen 2.0 is a safer sex guide for trans women.
Brazen 2.0 covers disclosure, negotiation and consent, sex work, safer sex, transition-related surgeries, and provides up-to-date information on advances in HIV prevention and treatment, the realities of online dating and internet culture, and access to trans-inclusive health care.
Link: https://www.the519.org/education-training/training-resources/our-resources/brazen
Consent Video for Youth and Us All
Tea and Consent is a clear, simple, fun video to initiate conversation with youth about consent.
My Body, My Health (Black and Latinx LGBTQ+ sexual health)
The Human Rights Campaign has joined Gilead Sciences to launch the coast to coast initiative “My Body, My Health,” to break through the barriers and systemic injustice affecting the sexual health of our Black and Latinx LGBTQ+ communities.
Across the country we’re collaborating with LGBTQ+ activists, students and content creators to embrace sex positivity and sexual health by sharing our stories with our own voices.
myONE Condoms (Custom Fit Condoms for Every Size)
First and only condoms FDA approved for anal.
Standard condoms can sometimes feel too tight, too loose, too short, too long. Sound familiar? That’s because most condoms were the same size. Until now.
You wouldn’t settle for one-size-fits-all pants or shoes. Penises come in many different sizes. Isn’t it about time condoms did, too?
Find a condom that’s perfectly fit for you.
Scarleteen
Sex-ed for the real world.
Inclusive, comprehensive, and supportive sexuality and relationships info for teens and emerging adults.
Sexual Health for Transgender & Gender Non-Conforming People
This guide is for transgender and gender non-conforming people and their partners and lovers.
This guide is about the sexual health of transgender and gender non-conforming people. It aims to tell you about:
• your body and what you can do with it
• how to have safe and enjoyable sex
• the risks of sex and how to negotiate them
Link: http://transgenderinfo.be/wp-content/uploads/Gender-Dynamix-Safe-Sex-Guide.pdf
Voice Therapy &
Pitch Elevation Surgery
Catalyst Therapies
Speech-Language Pathology Services
We offer a safe space to evaluate your voice and how that relates to your gender presentation. Our goal is to help you find the voice that is most authentically you and affirming to who you truly are.
Call now: (360) 398-3468
Dr Jeffrey Spiegel - Advanced Facial Aesthetics
Dr. Jeffrey Spiegel, a Boston based facial plastic surgeon discusses a voice surgery procedure.
At The Spiegel Center we have a mission statement, ‘Through innovative solutions and extraordinary care, we provide the best results and highest quality experience in the world.’
Give Voice
Give Voice focuses on all areas of voice, gender affirming voice and communication training, accent modification, and training public speakers and business professionals.
Sandy Hirsch has almost 30 years of experience working with transgender and non-binary people to help them develop voice and communication that affirm their gender identity and individuality. She has experience working with trans women, trans men, non-binary people, and a wide range of people along the gender spectrum. She is a longstanding ally and advocate for the transgender and non-binary community.
Link: https://givevoice.com
The Voice Book for Trans and Non-Binary People
A Practical Guide to Creating and Sustaining Authentic Voice and Communication written by two specialist speech and language therapists.
This book explains how voice and communication therapy can help transgender and non-binary people to find their authentic voice. Each chapter features insider accounts from trans and gender diverse individuals who have explored or are exploring voice and communication related to their gender expression.
Link: https://www.amazon.com/Voice-Book-Trans-Non-Binary-People/dp/1785921282
Top Ten Vocal Feminization Videos
Top Ten Vocal Feminization Videos.
Find your voice. We need to hear what you’ve been waiting to say.
Link: https://medium.com/@TransgenderSoapbox/top-ten-vocal-feminization-videos-6ef033e8a7e8
Transgender Voice Training: How to Make Your Voice Higher
For many transgender people, one’s voice can bring a lot of stress and dysphoria. Thankfully, there are more and more resources for trans voice training both on and offline. This article explores voice training and offers useful resources.
Link: https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2021/12/transgender-voice-training-make-voice-higher/
Trans Voice Lessons
It’s best to have an individualized plan with a voice therapist, but Zheanna Erose is a passionate, knowledgeable educator who can be helpful as an adjunct… or to get started when you don’t have access to voice therapy.
hi. i love sound so much. i worship audio in all forms. i use my passion and love of sound to help my fellow trans and GNC individuals.
Voice Feminization Surgery: My Experience and Some Tips
I wanted to give back to the trans community so I pulled out my phone and recorded this. This video is for you if you have anxiety about getting voice feminization surgery (Wendler Glattoplasty)
I’m a transwoman who makes videos with the intent of documenting some of my transition and simultaneously helping others like me.