#hrt access

It'sssss... ✨ DOCTOR REVIEW ✨ time! (The trans kind. Of the sexologist sort.)

The subject of this review is MuDr R. Mužný (must be one of the top names for someone who can prescribe you T) of Fakultní nemocnice Ostrava. He's a sexologist currently accepting new patients.

My experience: I have only visited him once so far, so I have a concrete idea of his requirements to let you transition and his general attitude, but if something to add comes up in the future, I'll update and reblog the new version. It's also important to mention that I'm an adult transmasc, transfems or minors might have different experiences.

Attitude: The doctor's very young and seems laid-back and very friendly. He was affirming to me, and apologetic for some of the more sexual questions. He assured me that he didn't want to complicate my transition.

He didn't have any comments, derisive or supportive, when I mentioned having identified as non-binary in the past.

He thinks that even non-intersex people can transition. (yes, I was also surprised to learn about sexologists who don't)

He accepted a vague response to his question about sexuality. No need to pretend you're hetero if you aren't with this one.

He didn't seem to be against my ability to transition even though he was made aware I was autistic and had OCD.

Requirements: When making my first appointment, I mentioned to the nurse that I had spoken with a clinical psychologist about transsexuality before, and it led to them wanting a gender-related report from a different professional. I don't know to what extent is that a necessity, or if you can just come without any "recommendation" whatsoever.

Now here's the kicker: Dr. Mužný asks you for an essay (he calls it "životopis") in which you describe your relationship to your gender identity throughout your life, minimal length 3 A4s, written by hand. On top of that, it should include a written testimony from your PARENT. He also offered to invite the parent to come with me next time instead. I reiterate that I am not a minor, I'm in my mid twenties. The parental voice having to basically fact-check you if what you're writing about your childhood is true is, in my opinion, more than demeaning and terrifying. I voiced my disapproval and concern to him, to which he assured me that if the parent seems dismissive, unaccepting or simply transphobic, he won't give their words much weight. So at least there's that.

As for something positive, he doesn't do any violating, archaic physical examinations. (no physical examinations at all, actually) I was not asked to strip down.

The length of the real life test with him is 1 year. When he was answering this question of mine, he seemed to pause and ponder my case, since I came already fully socially transitioned (and had been for more than half a year), so there's a chance that it could be even shorter, if it turns out he takes your initiative into account.

The other doctors he sends you to are, as expected, an endocrinologist, a gynecologist (transmasc special, I don't know if transfems get sent for a "your genitals seem fine health-wise" paper somewhere, too, I'm sorry), but also a geneticist. (He told me that it was to complete a general patient anamnesis, but also to determine whether I was intersex. When I asked whether the result impacted my ability to transition, he said no.)

You may notice I didn't mention a psychiatrist. Neither did he. Whether that was because I already came armed with a paper saying that a clinical psychologist finds me sane enough to make medical decisions, or because he just doesn't do that (or forgot to tell me), I have no idea.

Oh yeah, and be prepared for the auto[insertgender]philia question. He will ask you whether transitioning turns you on and you will say no, because [even if you low-key think being trans is hot], your sexologist is not your friend and could only use it against you.

My sexologist: Hey, please understand that I don't want to make this harder for you. I believe that you're what you say you are, and I wish you all the best. First of all I will need your complete family anamnesis. Go research what your great-great-grandfather died of and get back to me. Also, I need a paper about your orthopedic condition. It has no bearing on your gender, I just need it to ward off evil spirits. Anyway, you probably already know that you'll need a report from your gynecologist, endocrinologist and psychiatrist. But I will also require you to make an appointment with a geneticist to find out whether you're intersex. No, don't worry, it will have no impact on your transition, I'm just curious. Oh, and I've just remembered, and I know that you've already given me a report saying that you're stable and capable of making your own decisions, but I'm going to need another one, just to get a second expert's opinion. It might sound strange, but bear with me, please. I need you to write an in-depth report on your feelings about your gender identity throughout your life. But! Write it by hand. Why? Well, I need to inspect your grammar and make sure you know your way around those pesky commas before we can give you HRT. Also, here's a referral to the oro-nasal. (for a good measure)

My endocrinologist: Nah, I won't do the blood test. You're giving off hormonally healthy vibes. Carry on.

Big actions help a fucking ton. But a volume of little actions do too.

none of these situations are hopeless. Many of them are up in the air, undecided. And we can do something about it.

Idk if this is relevant elsewhere, but usamericans - go to 5calls.org

after you enter your zip code, it'll give you a list of issues. Depending on how much time you've got, you can either pick your biggest issue and just call that one, or do a lot to make the most of your calls.

I did one today for one issue and the phone call duration was 48 seconds.

Here's a method I recommend if you have more like 10-15 minutes.

Get a pen and paper, or use your notes app. Pick the issues of importance to you. Make headings for each relevant phone number - usually it'll be your district's congressional representative and your two senators. Might also get some issues directing to your state/local officials.

Then, for each phone number, list the issues, how you want your reps to vote/act on them, and why it's important to you. The scripts are a good starting point. Once you're ready, place your calls.