Gender- Ask a Pro Live with Kai and Olivia July 25th 2019

[WheresMySquishy]

What are your top three things/pieces of advice you have for those questioning their gender?

• Take all the time you need to find out more about your identity.
• You're not alone. Many young people question their gender.
• How you express your gender is up to you. Different people prefer to express their gender in different ways.

[KaiRoe]

@WheresMySquishy these are some really good tips! 

[Jess1-RO]

@KaiRoe your third tip "Don’t feel pressured to come out until you’re ready and feel safe" has been something that has come up in a few recent forums conversations So important!

[ecla34]

@KaiRoe @WheresMySquishy love those!! So so important. You hear so often about people feeling so pressured to figure out their identity straight away and made to feel obligated to share it immediately, which is so wrong! It's your life, your journey, and your truth: not theirs

[Olivia_QLDchildrensHospital]

What are your top three things/pieces of advice you have for those questioning their gender?

1. Be your authentic self - you are perfect how you are and the world is brighter because you exist within it
2. Stay strong and keep reaching out for support until you get to the right people - they are out there
3. Connect with the LGBTIQAP+ community to see yourself reflected and celebrated

[KaiRoe]

[Jess1-RO]

@Olivia_QLDchildrensHospital Be your authentic self - love this

Here is our next question:

What is the process for starting HRT in Australia? And which medical professionals are involved in the prescription of hormones?

[KaiRoe]

So, I’m currently in the process of getting hormones, so far I’ve had to see my GP, who referred me to a psychologist, who I need to see a few times before seeing a Psychiatrist and getting referred to an endocrinologist to eventually be able to start HRT. almost like a wild goose chase for testosterone, but  I get why it's done this was and I know that it will be more than worth it! 

[Tiny_leaf]

What are your top three things/pieces of advice you have for those questioning their gender?

• See how it feels referring to yourself with different names, pronouns and genders.

• Take advantage of changing rooms in shopping centers, they can give you a chance to try on different clothes and see how you feel more comfortable presenting. 

• Sometimes people will try to tell you what you "actually" are, but you know yourself better than anyone. Trust how you feel.

[Olivia_QLDchildrensHospital]

What is the process for starting HRT in Australia? And which medical professionals are involved in the prescription of hormones?

Gender affirming hormones are prescribed by medical specialists with experience in this such as gender specialist GP’s, endocrinologists and sexual health physicians. 

If you have not finished puberty yet or are are younger adolescent you would probably start with pubertal suppression first (before hormones)

For young people we have the Australian Standards of Care which outline the process for young people under 18 years, you can read them here: 

https://www.rch.org.au/adolescent-medicine/gender-service/

The guidelines for adults are the World Professional Association of Transgender health (WPATH) Standards of Care

https://www.wpath.org/publications/soc