Support advocacy and transition in Melbourne Eastern suburbs

Question

I've been in the M2F TG program since 2004 but had to delay things because of personal issues with kids and ex-partner.

Now looking to move forward. As I've lost my job, been blacklisted in I.T. I am unemployed and have 2 sons living with me full time, I am looking for bulk billing or low gaps services;

I'm considering a move to Mildura in 2013. Depends on how things go. Will be RLT full time if I move.

But - To accomplish this after 7 years of doing very little, I need to re-engage with a transition manager that can help me with dealing with the kids.

I need to get into speech therapy and learn the finer art of everything female.

I am socially isolated and have no friends (most went with the ex, the reset shunned me when the ex disclosed my TG status to friends, employers, sproting contacts etc). So I'm looking for some one on one support to help with reintegration into society in my preferred role. Someone perhapos who been through things and can provide suppoort and advice.

I am currently seeing a psychologist but he's not a gender specialist. I saw a psychiatrist from 2004 - 2006. Do I need to go back to him? Can I go somewhere else?

I know lots of questions, I've been searching around but seem to be going in circles. Any help is greatlu appreciated.

TC

Answer 1

Hi TC

There seems to be a lot going on for you,; I have a few thoughts in response to the above post:

by "I''ve been in the M2F TG program since 2004" I'm assuming this means the Southern Health (formerly Monash) gender clinic. If so, they can put you in touch with the Latrobe Uni speech therapy clinic.

Transition management and isolation : again the Southern Health team or a trans-knowlegable counsellor could help here. I suggest examining the ZBGC Resources Directory.

These are just starting thoughts; I'm sure others will have other thoughts.

Cheeyars

Sally

Answer 2

Yes, It was Southern Health. They are an hour's drive each way, hence looking for something closer. The Psychiatrist is in South Melbourne, or Albert Park.. Gap is now $70 - $80 per session, so I'm looking for someone closer and with a smaller gap.

Have just contacted the Latrobe speech therapy people. Should hopefully start that in 1 - 2 months.

Have an appointment with Endo at Southern Health in mid Feb, hopefully will be able to give me some contacts.

But will still be looking for local support.

Do most of us try and go through this alone? Or do we tend to team up and help each other out? I'm hoping the latter :-)

Comments

I think it really varies a lot about whether people go through transition alone or with others. From my own personal experience, I think it's definitely easier with support from others and there are various groups in Melbourne - such as Seahorse and Ausgender - where you could meet people. I definitely recommend that you take up Sallyg's suggestion to look at the ZBGC Resources Directory - as well with therapists, you can find Seahorse and various other TG social and support groups there. I think Seahorse even has its meetings in the eastern suburbs. (Miildura, as you would have guessed, would be much tougher in terms of isolation.)

Wishing you the very best.

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Hi. FYI in case you didn't know: if you wanted to reply to sallyg's answer, it's best to click the "comment" link under her answer so that you comment on her answer. Like I'm doing here for your answer :)

Answer 3

Hi TC,

I transitioned to female in 2004-05 and am a single parent. My kids are 17 and 11. Although I  had grs and finished the visible aspects of transition, I'm still dealing with some more personal bits, so am still in touch with the gender groups and hoping to be of use to others. I live in Geelong (not exactly Eastern Suburbs...) but if you'd like to discuss anything or would like a friend my email is schembrianna@hotmail.com

Kind regards,

Bree.

Answer 4

Welcome to ZBGC's Questions and Answers website. We hope you've found the answers you've received so far to be useful. Although we know you're seeking one-on-one support, we do suggest that you consider going to groups like Seahorse Victoria. These groups can be good places to make friends and find one-on-one support. 

By the way, you might also find this event, which is on this Sunday, to be a good way to meet some people. It's at Midsumma Carnival, a kind of fair day for the queer and trans* community. There are also various stalls at Midsumma Carnival, including stalls run by some of Victoria's transgender groups. Seahorse Victoria will be running a stall so feel free to come along to Carnival, visit the stall and say hello. The people there are warm and friendly! 

PS Late last year, ZBGC was seeking IT volunteers. In a couple of months, we anticipate that we'll be in a position to take on some more, hopefully as part of a dedicated project that we want to run this year. While not being a paid role, doing some volunteering for ZBGC might be a way for you to continue using your IT skills - and in a trans* friendly environment. If this is something you'd be interested in, please keep in touch with us (Facebook, Twitter or eNews) to hear more about future opportunities.

Comments

I am intersted, but I I have never, and will never user Facebook or Twitter. I've seen what they have done to my kids and others.

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Glad you're interested and it's no problem if you don't wish to use Facebook or Twitter. There are other ways to keep in touch with us (e.g. eNews, RSS feed for our blog, etc.).

Answer 5

Hi there, can I suggest you try Ausgender (www.ausgender.com) and see whether they are able to assist with support for you.  Good luck

Answer 6

Are Ausgender running at the moment?

Comments

gosh, I hope so.. I just posted my membership application and money