Covering Gender Related Costs
Donation protected
When I was little, I knew that I was different. I liked girly TV shows, and I wanted to play with dolls. Due to social conditioning, I learned quickly that I should not play with girly toys, so I worked at being a boy. I'm not going to say I was ever very good at being a male, but I was at least passable for many years.
For a long time, I believed that transitioning was immoral, and that I should not even contemplate it. Once I accepted that I can and should transition, I remained reluctant mostly due to the expenses related to transitioning. I spent probably 5 years in total, just looking at various procedures, the costs and how I might be able to afford it. I hoped that when I finally earned a PhD, my insurance would cover any expenses. Turns out, that not only will my insurance not cover any medical procedures, being a university professor isn't exactly living in the lap of luxury.
I was hopeful last year, when the Federal Health and Human Services issued a statement that trans* exclusions were illegal, my medical coverage might be taken care of. Unfortunately, that has been overruled by a federal court decision. My university *could* include trans* medical procedures, but it is extremely unlikely that they will.
My goal is to adhere to the WPATH standards of care, and follow the recommended procedures from the medical community. The fact of the matter is this: for many trans individuals, physically transitioning is medically necessary. I don't want to go into any extra details here, but imagine that you were the wrong gender. Can you imagine what challenges you might face getting dressed or taking care of other daily needs?
The long and the short of it is this: transitioning is expensive. Not only do I need to find a way to pay for surgeon's expenses, I need to pay for hospital time, lodging during recovery, anesthesia, meds for recovery, and other such things.
Over time, I will provide more updates and different bits to my story. As with all things, I hope you're well!
For a long time, I believed that transitioning was immoral, and that I should not even contemplate it. Once I accepted that I can and should transition, I remained reluctant mostly due to the expenses related to transitioning. I spent probably 5 years in total, just looking at various procedures, the costs and how I might be able to afford it. I hoped that when I finally earned a PhD, my insurance would cover any expenses. Turns out, that not only will my insurance not cover any medical procedures, being a university professor isn't exactly living in the lap of luxury.
I was hopeful last year, when the Federal Health and Human Services issued a statement that trans* exclusions were illegal, my medical coverage might be taken care of. Unfortunately, that has been overruled by a federal court decision. My university *could* include trans* medical procedures, but it is extremely unlikely that they will.
My goal is to adhere to the WPATH standards of care, and follow the recommended procedures from the medical community. The fact of the matter is this: for many trans individuals, physically transitioning is medically necessary. I don't want to go into any extra details here, but imagine that you were the wrong gender. Can you imagine what challenges you might face getting dressed or taking care of other daily needs?
The long and the short of it is this: transitioning is expensive. Not only do I need to find a way to pay for surgeon's expenses, I need to pay for hospital time, lodging during recovery, anesthesia, meds for recovery, and other such things.
Over time, I will provide more updates and different bits to my story. As with all things, I hope you're well!
Organizer
Megan List
Organizer
Butler, PA
