Introduction
We know there are lots of things to think about when you transition. So much, that sometimes we need a guide… so we’ve tried to create one.
You’ll find lots of links to information, resources, groups, websites, checklists, ideas, options and more below and in our info portal.
We’ll keep adding to it as we go, but if there’s anything in particular you think we could add, or if you spot something that’s out of date or incorrect, please let us know and we’ll get working on it!
Transition: A journey or a destination?
Many people (maybe even you) will refer to your transition as a journey. It can definitely feel like it, and sometimes it can feel like a journey into the unknown, a journey with no end, a journey with a faulty sat-nav (you might take some twists and turns you weren’t expecting). We tend not to think of transition as a journey as it implies there is only one destination… the same place for everyone to end up.
Of course, there will be similarities sometimes, but everyone’s transition is unique, and the ‘destination’ you want to reach is entirely up to you. There is no ‘one way’ to exist, no right or wrong way… there is your way, at your speed, heading where you want to go.
That being said, we hope the information will help you along the way. We’ve structured it so you can dip in and out of the information if you feel a bit stuck.
“I felt like I should have been doing certain things by a specific time… then I realised that my transition was exactly that…. MINE! I didn’t have to prove anything to anyone.”
Jac (28, Carmarthen)
Remember (to continue the journey analogy), you can head towards your chosen destination, change direction, get there and want to go somewhere else, stop or turn around at any time. This guide is to help put you in the driving seat, plan your route, find out what you might need along the way, and at times, just be that friend in the passenger seat coming along for the ride. The best thing is… it won’t ask you “are we there yet?”.
Anyway… enough of the analogy, lets take a look at the information.
What’s included?
The short answer is… loads!!
Because we know there is so much to think about, so much to read, so much you might feel like you ‘should know’, we’ll try to break it all down into sections.
For example:
Healthcare
Accessing Gender Healthcare Services (NHS and private)
Admin
Changing official documents, updating details etc.
Relationships
Finding friends, communities, coming out and more.
Social Transition
Tips, tools and empowering suggestions to help with your social transition… whatever that means to you.
Wellbeing
How and where to access support and tools to build confidence and manage dysphoria.
Rights and Safety
Understanding your rights and how to access services in situations of discrimination, hate or abuse.
Hot Topics
For some of the topics, we’ve already written some articles that will help answer some frequently asked questions.
You can search through all our published articles in our info portal by clicking below.
Featured articles:
Accessing the Welsh Gender Service
Information about how to be referred to the Welsh Gender Service from 17 years old, and the pathway for children and young people (CYP) under 17 in Wales.
Updating Official Documents
Find out how to change your name, get a Gender recognition certificate (GRC), change your gender marker on your passport and more.
Managing feelings of dysphoria
Get useful tips and tools for managing emotions and feelings of dysphoria for those days that feel a little more difficult than others… we all have them.
