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Hi Phoebe, the UK model is still outdated compared to the informed consent model used around most of Europe. The language and definitions have all changed but the routes and pathways haven't. On the NHS you still need a formal medical "diagnosis" before accessing a service. Otherwise the NHS simply would not provide for it. For them it is the best way to get past the rules lawyers, for us it is gatekeeping under a different name. I totally understand your pinocchio reference! When I had that realisation I was still scared to say it out loud, what has taken me a couple of years to realise (as my blog shows), is that I have been living the wrong story. I'm actually an ugly duckling looking for some help to turn me into a swan! 🧚‍♀️

Congratulations on clearing this hurdle. It is sad we need the permission of others to become our authentic selves. Don't get me wrong. I understand the why's and occasionally the timeline. But why must being ourselves be so difficult? I'm getting the impression I'm going from being type cast as Rambo to being forced into the role of Trans Pinoccio off Broadway. I want to be a real girl !!!

I'm still very new on my journey but so far I'm seeing a mixed bag here in the US. What I've found so far is there seem to be a number of gender clinics skirting the informed concent laws who will provide HRT services and maybe more but if you want your insurance to cover it you need the blessing of a psychiatrist to write an official letter of diagnosis. Also laws vary from state to state so somestates these clinics can working this others not. I've also read a few stories about inconsistency or quality of care at some. I won't mention who or how they failed their clients as I could only relate what I read and surely lack all the facts. But from what I gather so far getting that letter here can sometimes still be a daunting task in itself. So much depends on the subjective opinion of the therapist. Yet I think it's better to know someone is there to help us realize if we're making a huge mistake or not. I just wish it was a bit faster and easier. Maybe less out of the hands of others.