What manages the distress will vary on what it is about peeing that's triggering dysphoria for you/in a particular moment. Sometimes it's having to sit to pee, other times it's feeling wetness between the folds of one's external genitals. Sometimes it's having to wait for the 1 stall in public toilets while there are available … Continue reading Managing Dysphoria: Peeing
1. Know your triggers – they might be certain activities, mirrors, words, and/or situations – and try to avoid those as much as possible. If you're not certain what they are, be alert to when your mood sours. If everything feels overwhelming, start by envisioning what you would need to do your morning routine without … Continue reading 8 Tips for Managing Dysphoria and Mental Health Stuff
This is one of my more vulnerable posts. There were a few years where my paid time off leave was spent recovering from lower surgeries. I did this in order to get full pay while paying for flights and out of hospital accommodations. Twice I qualified to go on medical leave, which only offered partial … Continue reading When surgeries become a hobby
The 1st time I went to a men's toilet on my own, I was not yet in grade 1. Adults who knew my medical history found out, and there were consequences. After that, I stuck to women's toilets, however much, on a semi-regular basis, I was challenged on my presence in them. In my early … Continue reading Going to men’s toilets
For those unfamiliar with who's trans old. (tl;dr not a reference to physiological age) As mentioned before, I don't relate to trans older men who say they never think about their medical history. Whether it's applying extra sunscreen to scars, figuring out if PrEP makes sense for me, finding a willing prescriber after moving, wondering … Continue reading How to reach trans older people through ads
I grew up with a pro-choice mum, and discussing reproductive rights in women only spaces. I never considered my personal relationship to these conversations, it bore no relevance to my sexual life. At my first job where I didn't disclose, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that cishet men discussed their (past and current) partners … Continue reading Funny Moment: a health promoter’s dream
Many people who know about my prior professional work around trans and non-binary advocacy keep nudging me to return to do more. I disengaged some time ago for a number of reasons, some of which are no longer in effect, others have evolved. As I continue reflecting on my self-awareness, I'm growing more okay with … Continue reading Old dogs working with puppies to create new tricks
I used to have symmetrical body hair. Since lower surgery, there are bald patches from where skin stretched over the course of my donor site incisions healing. I consider shaving the uneven part, though I've yet to do it. I considered getting hair tattooed but ruled that out. I had full thickness grafts put over one … Continue reading Awareness moment: hair
Whenever I apply sunscreen, I ensure to add extra over my chest reconstruction, and lower surgery donor site scars. And I spray on scalp/thin hair sunscreen on top. I can't recall a surgeon pointing out that scars don't tan and return to their previous lighter colour like skin does. Annually, someone who healed from chest … Continue reading Awareness moment: sun protection
I started hormone therapy because I desperately wanted a more masculine body. I worried about losing my singing abilities and losing my head hair. Overall, going on T was in the top 5 best things that's ever happened to me and I made peace with losing my singing abilities a long time ago. I loved my … Continue reading RIP fear of balding
