Will my ability to travel and live independently be greatly harmed if I transition?

[Kara]

I've always wanted to travel the world and explore when my financial situation was better but I recently realized that if I need to take hormones all the time there are many places and things I won't be able to do (there are many areas where transgender issues aren't recognized so pharmacies giving estrogen won't be a thing as far as I know). I have always wanted to grow and experience as much as possible in this world and my freedom is something that means the world to me so now I'm in the hellish situation where I feel have to choose between either living as myself or my freedom to a large extent (chained to pharmacies and international politics on the trans issue). I don't think many if any of you might relate to this HUGE worry of mine but I'd like your opinion/advice on if there is answer I haven't thought of to escape or handle this problem. Sorry if this is a strange or depressing question, feel free to ignore it if you want. Note: any information about something like growing ovaries so taking hormones all the time won't be an issue (even if it is just in clinical trials stage) would really lift my spirits, even though it likely is not possible yet

[VickySGV]

I think your imagination on this one has gone out a bit far, but the medications are a tiny part of your whole  picture, which is not as glum as you may think it.  First, we can go for extended periods without our E after we have gotten to a certain point < a little over 3 years per the WPATH  SOC 7 charts> and not suffer anything that is irreversible upon re-starting the hormones.  Second, most countries do not have the restrictions that we do in the U.S,. and do not care what you buy with or without a prescription.  That actually can be dangerous especially if you realize that you can take several times your prescribed dosage and go hog wild.  The is also the question about the drug quality, since they are not qualify inspected quite the same degree.  The point is that they will be available to you.  

A bigger problem than your meds will be whether the foreign country is even safe for Trans* people at all.  Brazil, which hosted the recent Olympics posts the highest number of TG murders every year at TDOR.  Granted, that most of the victims are citizens, and not Trans* tourists.  On the other hand, almost all of the European countries are even better in safety than the U.S. is.  We just hit #20 here on our murder list.  Some African countries will not even allow you a visa to go there if you are Trans* and presenting as other than your birth gender.  Sooo, meds are just the tiny part of things.  Nevertheless, Trans* people are found throughout the world and do have lives that are theirs.

If you truly think you need to medically transition, then you do cut your options for travel a bit, but your U.S. citizenship alone carries many risks due to our political impacts on the other countries some  places, as well as your religious and ethnic heritage.  The world is big enough for a whole lot of adventure that you will have to evaluate for safety even before Trans* and meds kick into the picture. 

[Drea]

I feel you are creating needless limitations.   

Reality is there are many parts of the world aren't particularly good for travel for one reason or another.  There are some places of the world, as a woman, aren't the smartest places to visit.  There are places that just being an American are risky to visit.

Rather than focus on problems and what you can't do, look to do what you can and how.

[Jani]

Hello Kara and welcome, 

I agree with my friends comments about travel abroad.  However there are lots of interesting places in the US to explore as a start.  I don't recall reading your intro (sorry) but it seems like you're just starting on your transgender journey.  Aside from the issue of hormones there is being comfortable in your chosen gender and all that entails when visiting or living in a foreign country.  

As to whether your ability to live independently will be harmed by transition, that is totally up to you.  As there are many successful transgender people, there are also those who's life stalled because they either couldn't assimilate, weren't financially stable enough, or had medical concerns that held them back.  Some are successful through sheer force of will.  Many people will tell you the transition experience is expensive.  Transition is not a decision to be taken lightly as it deeply affects us and those around us (family & friends).  Through your own personal motivations and drive you will find the answer to the question you ask.

All my best to you,

Jani

[tracy_j]

Speaking as one from outside the US I would have to say (drug availability aside, although I do wonder how diabetics etc sort their drug issues in some countries) that it is a case of doing your homework on where you are going. With the US I see places like California may be generally OK but small places in the south could be dicey. I see, in comparison, that it may well be that areas where there is much predudice of other forms (race etc) are probable dicey places for trans people as well. Certain areas of cities etc. I may be wrong as I have never visited but just read around. If I were to be going to a US city I would ask here for opinions from people who live there.

That is my thought process on the US. If I were to compare that with the UK I would say that being trans is not a problem in itself but I would be very wary of some run down areas of big cities whatever your status as standing out is not good. Out in the country you would have to be just unlucky to have issues (as would anyone else) as most people are very friendly.

If I were travelling I would look up local laws, drug availability, country stability and attitude toward US citizens then with the contacts you have (even here) ask local to the country trans people or groups what the position is. With planning I think most of your concerns would be covered well enough to make good decision.

Tracy

 

[Charlize]

I doubt your medications will be as much of an issue as you think.  At this point one can normally fill any prescription that you need on a daily or weekly basis for 90 days.  Unless you plan a long term stay that should be adequate for most travel.

 

Hugs,

 

Charlize