Great News for Trans People!

My health will be better soon. My mental and physical health will improve. I’ll be able to walk around outside!!! with no pain. I’ll be able to take deep breaths when I’m out in the world, at school, at work. I won’t have to skip out on social things to go home just so I can take my binder off. I won’t have to choose anymore between being hot and uncomfortable in a binder and layered clothing or hot and uncomfortable not binding but in a sweatshirt or jacket to cover the chest I want no one but me and the person I’m dating to see. I won’t feel like I have a weight on my heart/chest or that I can’t breathe.
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I started medical transition in 2009. This upcoming Tuesday will be my 5 year T(estosterone) Anniversary! I started binding about 9 or 10 months into transition, (so for over 4 years now), because a co-worker made a comment about my chest and I had a total freak out.

I felt super uncomfortable/exposed/vulnerable/bad.

I remember going to Rite Aid right after work that day and picking up an ace bandage. Ace bandages are a big no no for binding. A quick google search will tell you. I started doing research about binders and took a chance and ordered one. I found one style I liked and have been using them for years. I usually buy 2 or 3 per year in black. I just bought some in March. That may have been the last time! Binding is THE WORST! I feel so much hope and relief right now that there is an end in sight.

Here’s why!: http://transgenderlawcenter.org/archives/10393

Earlier this afternoon, I was riding the bus to the small shopping center near my place. As I was nearing my stop I saw this on my FB newsfeed: Victory! Medicare Ends Discriminatory Exclusions

I unexpectedly started to cry. I was out in public crying for like 15 minutes while I walked over to a friend’s house, who lives near where I was. She gave me and a long hug while I cried some more. She got all teary too.

I am moving forward with things. I have a full physical scheduled in two weeks. I made the appointment back in April. I haven’t had a physical in almost 3 years. Way over due. I’ll ask my new doctor for a referral and go from there.

This means everything to me. Everything.

Thanks to the Transgender Law Center, the American Medical Association, the Endocrine Society, the American Psychological Association, the American Academy of Family Physicians, and the World Professional Association for Transgender Health, and all the people who have worked and fought for us to have the care we need.

Thank you.