TransActual
I have encountered access issues just trying to physically gain access to my GP surgery. The GP provided in my local town offers 2 disabled parking bays outside. However, neither bay is for wheelchair use, and so does not have the space next to them to be able to get into/out of the car into a wheelchair.
My best trans healthcare tip is: meet other trans people, support them, and allow them to support you.
I think no one teaches you how to be a patient, or how to advocate for yourself. It’s important to know yourself and your body and even do a bit of research before you go to an appointment.
While being treated with legitimacy and validity is rare in a medical field and legal system that doesn’t recognise us, there are those who will listen. And it couldn’t be more liberating.
I really hope in the future that trans healthcare is free, fair and available to everybody and people won’t have to spend years waiting for it.
A friendly support group chat, with boundaries to avoid burnout, is great for sharing the mental, emotional, and administrative load!