Category: Healthcare

Getting on PrEP as a Trans Man

Post author By TransActual Editor
Post date 10 May 2021

PrEP pills

PrEP (Pre Exposure Prophylaxis) is a drug designed to reduce the chances of getting HIV for people who are at a higher risk of exposure, including men who have sex with men (MSM), injection drug users, and sex workers. Thanks to the efforts of HIV activist groups, over the past few years, PrEP has become available on the NHS in the UK. Those who meet certain criteria can access it through a sexual health clinic. As a queer trans man, I felt that it was important for my health and peace of mind to get on PrEP. Moreover, studies have shown that the drug is safe for transgender people to take, and does not interfere with HRT.

Tags Alex Jacobs, HIV, LGBTQ, PrEP, sexual health, sexually transmitted illnesses, trans, TransMan

Features Healthcare

Why should you complain about your GP?

Post author By TransActual Editor
Post date 17 March 2021

If you’re being messed about by your GP; if your GP is not taking you seriously or is failing to provide care you are entitled to; then our message is simple: complain! Complain loud. Complain long. And do not let go. Because trans healthcare in the UK is a disgrace. But medical practitioners get away with abysmal because people do not think it worth the while to complain.

Why? Because nothing ever happens to trans-hostile GPs. But do you know why nothing ever happens to them? Because no-one complains!

Tags complaints, General Medical Council, GP, jane fae, Transition Denied

Features Healthcare

The Future of Trans Healthcare: Less is More

Post author By TransActual Editor
Post date 22 February 2021

Calls for more funding are an understandable and desperate plea for improvements to the only system we’ve known. But funneling more money into a system which continues to fail us is not the answer.

Tags Emma Underwood, gender dysphoria clinics, Gender Identity Clinics, healthcare, Indigo Gender Service, LGBT Foundation, transition, waiting lists

Features Healthcare Lived Experience

My learning disabilities don’t make me any less trans, or any less of a man.

Post author By TransActual Editor
Post date 30 January 2021

Alex Lloyd, aged 36

But when I started to transition medically, it took a lot longer than other transgender people. When I asked for treatment, I had to wait a long time. They asked me loads of questions, like “you have a learning disability, so do you understand what transgender means?” Someone told me I couldn’t possibly be trans, because it was “too complicated for me.”

Tags Alex Lloyd, Easy Read documents, learning disabilities, transition

Features Healthcare Lived Experience

What difference does inclusive cancer screening make?

Post author By TransActual Editor
Post date 21 November 2020

I let the nurse persuade me to make an appointment for a check up and went along to the trans specific clinic. I live in London so actually had a choice of two trans specific clinics to go to. I think it being a trans specific clinic made it better somehow. I didn’t have that fear of being misgendered, judged or pitied. I knew that my genitals wouldn’t faze them. There is no way I would have gone to my GP surgery for a smear.

Tags cancer, screening, waiting lists