CARING FOR GENDER VARIANT PEOPLE
My motivation for becoming a gender-specialist may be of interest to you. It began on the first day of my doctoral program in San Francisco. We had a panel of three transsexuals. A post-op MtF told her story. What struck me with great emotion was that she said that before surgery, she looked down at her genitals every morning when she urinated and wanted desperately to cut off her penis. “I hated my penis,” she finally said before bursting into tears. As my own tears ran down my cheeks, I knew from that moment on that I wanted to work with the trans community and specialized accordingly.
The first thing I did was seek out the best mentors available. I was fortunate enough to be supervised for two years by Stephen Braveman in California who is one of the leading gender specialists in the nation. Stephen was fortunate to have studied under Mildred Brown, the author of True Selves, which is one of the most important early books written for the transgender community. I suspect Steve and Millie have written more Harry Benjamin letters than any other two people on earth. And I’m incredibly proud and grateful for my lineage in gender care and appreciate Stephen for all the time, attention and patience he offered me.
My expertise related to sexual identity spreads across the spectrum from MtF, FtM, Intersexed, Queer, Questioning and Third Gender. So wherever you are in your process, I am here to help.
I’ve also conducted diversity training for the Federal Government specifically related to helping people transition safely and effectively in the workplace. And I’m a long time volunteer, educator and supporter of the Gender Identity Center of Colorado.
The rate of suicide for trans people is staggeringly high and heartbreaking and I’m really sorry if you are feeling bad. Here are some resources that you may find to be helpful.
Trans Youth (Ages 13 to 24)
The Trevor Hot Line 866.488.7386 (866.4-U-Trevor)
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800.784.2433 (800.SUICIDE)
And don’t hesitate to call 911 or go to your local emergency room.
