 ndividuals
wishing to explore gender transition can experience
the process from beginning to end privately within
the American model. Transition is viewed
as more an expression of self-care than merely a sequence
of physical changes. It is a process of discovery
and exploration, with the goal of fully becoming yourself.
Other services relevant to transition--hormones, surgery,
voice, for instance--are provided by referral to specialists
as needed. Preparation for living in a new
gender proceeds in a highly individualised fashion that
acknowledges established guidelines without losing sight
of the ultimate goal of self-development. Letters
of support for hormones and surgery can be provided.
In addition, supportive
and knowledgeable counselling with reference to one's
relationships and dealing with the work setting is available. Significant
Others dealing with these issues are also most welcome.
A gender specialist
since 1992, Kenneth Demsky is a former postdoctoral fellow
of the Program in Human Sexuality of the University of
Minnesota Medical School, a founding member of the Transgender
Task Force of Fenway Community Medical Center (Boston,
Massachusetts), a full member of the Harry Benjamin International
Gender Dysphoria Association and a Trustee of Gender
Trust. He has been quoted as an expert on transgenderism
in the New York
Times and has lectured on the subject in America, the UK and Europe. |
