Getting Started

I will list here the steps I took (or in some cases, should have taken) in starting my transition process, and the resources involved. Hopefully, this will be a guide to those of you who are just starting out on your journey.

1. Gender and Sexuality 101
I've put together a page that quickly and simply explains the difference between gender identity, sexual preference and other related terms. This may help in identifying or labelling your feelings, and is an important first step in dealing with your sexual identity.

2. Seek a counsellor
It is important that you speak to someone who has had experience with gender issues before doing anything else.

3. Find out what it takes
a) The Harry Benjamin Standards of Care
So you're sure you're transgendered and that you rightfully belong in a man's body. Check out the Harry Benjamin Standards of Care (currently up to the 6th version) that explains what you should expect of health care professionals with regards to your transgenderism.

b) Hormone Therapy and Surgery [coming soon]
Before deciding on transitioning and exactly how you'd like to alter your body, you need to find out what options there are out there and the risks and limitations involved with each and every one of them.

c) Real-Life Experiences [coming soon]
So you're all excited, you know what you want to do and can't wait to get started. Make sure you read through some successful (and not-so-successful) transmen's experiences with transition and their new lives.

4. See a psychiatrist
No, I'm not saying you're insane. You will need to see a psychiatrist as part of the "procedure" to starting transition.

5. Pick an endocrinologist [coming soon]
So you're ready to start on hormones? Well, you'll need someone to provide you with a prescription and make sure that you're not killing yourself with it.