complete gender transition

I wrote a my state senator (among others) the following:

I writing to ask that you sponsor a bill that would ban discrimination in healthcare against transgender Minnesotans. This position is supported by both the American Medical Association (http://www.ama-assn.org/ama1/pub/upload/mm/471/114.doc) and The World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) (http://www.wpath.org/documents/Med%20Nec%20on%202008%20Letterhead.pdf). I am transgender and have been through a great deal of hardship due to discriminatory practices in both private and public insurance plans. I have attempted suicide four times, and been hospitalized for suicidal ideation forty times. The hundreds of thousands of dollars those hospitalizations have cost could have paid for surgery to end my distress many times over. Money that is going toward mental healthcare for the transgender community could be much better spent. Please help by giving transgender Minnesotans hope by sponsoring a bill to end transgender discrimination in healthcare.

Sincerely,

Alena Neumann

He wrote me back today:
Thanks for your e-mail.

Any Legislator can introduce any bill on any topic. However, we tend to let those legislators who actually serve on the subject’s committees to carry the bills relating to that committee. I do not serve on the Senate’s Health, Housing and Family Security Committee which would have jurisdiction on this topic. Again, that does mean that I cannot introduce a bill, but it would be smarter if a member of that committee does so. The committee members would have a better sense of the likelihood of getting a bill through a committee.

I would be concerned that even if such a bill passed the Legislature, the Governor may veto it. Two years ago, the Legislature approved healthcare benefits for same sex couples and that provision was added to the State Government Budget bill, which I carried. The Governor vetoed the whole bill, basically because that provision was included.

State Senator Don Betzold

I guess my next move is to write every member of the Health, Housing and Family Security Committee, and the governor. I know a lot of people who are in my life have been touched by this too, watching me go through things, so please write too.

I’ve had gender issues for years and have always wanted to be a woman.
Growing up I had little self esteem about my appearance because I have always felt femine…and even looked quite feminine for a guy.
I wish I started this when I was young… but I never did because I’ve never had much support in my life and I left home early at 15 and got into homelessness, drinking and smoking pot.
Doing this…I’ve whiped many years off which could of been great years living the life I have always desired.
Im hoping to make some new friends here…and share support as I know we all need it.
Having positive energy around me is something I need.

ox

mic

I taken a big step and submitted paperwork to the court for a legal name change, and requested they order a change to my legal sex on my birth certificate too. I have a hearing on June 25th, so I’ll know more then. You need to have a couple witnesses at the hearing to verify your identity. I asked my mom and my sister. My sister said she would, but acted like she wasn’t happy about having to miss work. I found out from my mom later that my sister doesn’t approve of my transition, and doesn’t want me to change my name or sex. Very disappointing. I’ve asked a few other people, and I think I should have another witness to take her place, but not having the support of family really sucks. She’s seen how many times I’ve been in the hospital and struggled with this. It’s like she wants me to remain miserable for her. What’s the deal?

So I’ve completed my initial assessment sessions (3 in total) and I’ve been accepted onto the programme at the clinic which is awesome. They’ve referred me to the endo which they sai I’ll be seeing them in around 2-3 months and in the mean time I’ve been invited to some group voice sessions starting next month. They’ve told me my RLE starts next month too.

awesome awesome awesome!

So I’ve been transitioning for 4 years now, been living full time for 3 years and have been employed for 2 years. My journey so far has had it’s ups and downs, threats and friendships, everything that I’ve accomplished so far was by myself with the occasional support of friends.

What has been frustrating is the post code lottery when it comes to the NHS. It’s taken 3 1/2 years just for it to be my turn on the waiting list and I’ve only just managed to see a psychologist for him to say “Yes, you have GID” and for him to write a letter to the clinic to allow the go-ahead.

I’m expected to hear from them within the space of a month which is great, I just wish it had come a lot sooner.

One thing I’ve come to realise (which isn’t a bad thing) is that my transition will never end, we’re always changing, learning and growing no matter our gender.

not just passable but to be PRETTY

I want to do this.

I want to transition completely to female and live my life as a woman.

I had an appointment with my endocrinologist on Friday that went pretty well. After talking with my psychiatrist, they’ve decided that hormones probably haven’t had anything to do with my hospitalizations. Interesting…since I’ve told them that a million times. Grr. He’s finally going to just prescribe the hormones with no more hassle, and I don’t have to go back for six months. I’m a happy camper. =)

I’ve been full time since 10/9/2007. It’s been a hard journey, and there is still a long way to go. When do you know you are done with transition?

-ell