“If I wait for someone else to validate my existence, it will mean that I’m shortchanging myself.”
– Zanele Muholi
Healthcare
Find a HEALTHCARE provider you can trust !
A health care providers primary role is to assist patients with maintaining their health regardless or gender expression and sexual orientation.
When choosing a primary care provider, make sure to choose one that you're comfortable with.
Help your provider know how to make your visit better. It is your provider’s responsibility to make your experience respectful and comfortable.
Share the name and pronouns you want your provider to use.
Get medical care that is right for you !
Your healthcare provider will order specific routine tests and screenings that are necessary.
These tests and screenings may include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
You may also need cancer screenings appropriate to your body, these may include Pap smears and chest screenings.
In California, health insurance, including Medicaid, must cover transgender care recommended by your provider, including surgeries and hormone therapy.
In California, the law states that its illegal to deny anyone employment or housing, education, health care or other services based on gender identity or expression.
California legally recognizes name and gender changes, including a third gender option on birth certificates and state ID cards.
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
If you decide to take hormones, use hormones prescribed by a provider. Your healthcare provider can make sure you’re getting the right hormones at the right doses.
Using black market hormones can cause serious injury and death!
Taking extra testosterone (or “T”) can damage your liver.
Extra testosterone also converts to estrogen and may slow your transition.
If you do inject hormones, use a clean needle EVERY TIME !
Sharing syringes or vials of hormones risks exposure to hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV.
Be patient with hormones!
Change won’t happen overnight!
Let’s talk about SEX!
Sex is a normal part of life and it should be as enjoyable as possible!
Ask your provider about vaccines that can protect you. The HPV vaccine prevents cervical and anal cancer. Other vaccines can protect you from hepatitis A, hepatitis B and meningitis.
Talk about sex and consent with your partner(s).
Discuss what you like and don’t like, and how to keep sex safer.
Protect yourself and your partners. HIV and other STIs can easily pass to the penetrated partner, especially during anal sex.
Condoms are great for anal and or front/bonus hole sex, latex gloves when fingering or fisting, and latex condoms or dental dams during oral sex.
If you have a latex allergy, ask your pharmacist or provider about latex-free alternatives.
water based and silicone lubricants reduce the risk of bleeding and or the breaking of a condoms during sex.
Keep in mind that silicone lube will damage silicone toys.
Taking testosterone can make the front hole/bonus hole dry, so use extra lube or ask your provider about a low-dose estrogen cream.
Keep in mind that testosterone does not prevent pregnancy!
Talk to your provider about safe and effective ways to prevent, or plan for pregnancy.
keep packers and STP’s (stand-to-pee) devices clean by washing them with soap and water regularly.
Use cornstarch, instead of powders that contain talc, to prevent it from sticking to your skin or gathering dirt.
LAST but, not LEAST…
If your'e not a fan of condoms or don't regularly use them, look into PrEP!
PrEP
(Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) is a daily pill that can protect you against HIV.
PrEP is up to 99% effective against HIV transmission if taken daily !
PEP
(Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) Is an emergency medicine that can stop HIV if started right after a possible exposure.
Think of PEP as the PLAN B for HIV transmission!
You have 72 hours after an exposure to access PEP!
If you have HIV, get treatment. The sooner you begin treatment, the less HIV will damage your body. And if you take your HIV medications daily. You are much less likely to pass HIV to your partner/partners.
