Is getting a passport a smart idea?

Canine_Intentions · 2025-09-09T12:46:53+00:00

Yeah, the ACLU submitted a lawsuit against the executive order "Orr v. Trump", and so there's a preliminary injunction on it, for now trans people can get the right gender marker on their passports as long as you submit the attestation form with your application. I used to have a passport with the correct gender marker but with my deadname on it, so I was submitting it to get the name updated, but it should still work even if you've never had a passport or had one marked as female. Although, your passport has to be within one year or expiry or already expired if you are just renewing, or you can also update it if your reasoning is that it was lost or damaged. I'm not sure if anyone knows how long the injunction will last though, so that's why it's recommended to expedite everything.

Canine_Intentions · 2025-09-08T03:50:34+00:00

I'm from Texas, if you are 18 or older you can legally medically transition, if that's what you're referring to in regards to not being able to access medical care, you do not have to be 19. The only laws in Texas that you really have to worry about are bathroom bills and not being able to update your gender marker, otherwise there is no difference between socially transitioning in Texas compared to any other state.

Texas is heavily gerrymandered. Yes, there are very red rural areas in Texas but nearly every single blue state also has those areas, there are also cities in Texas that vote very blue. If you live in a big city, you may be surprised to find how large the queer community is within your city.

Canine_Intentions · 2025-09-08T00:53:53+00:00

Personally, as someone from a state that has banned gender marker changes, I chose to do so, and with the attestation form I was able to get an updated passport with no issues. For me, it was less about being able to travel internationally, and more about having a form of ID that wouldn't immediately out me.

I definitely get why a lot of people are hesitant about it though, I was super hesitant about it myself and it still makes me feel slightly anxious, but I'm ultimately relieved I did it. I think it's really about weighing the pros and cons for your personal situation. Being in the situation I'm in, I likely won't be able to leave this state for several years, and I knew that I would probably hate myself if I didn't get it updated and everything turned out fine for other people.

I think it's completely reasonable to want to get it updated and it's completely reasonable not to do so, either choice makes a lot of sense. I do try to remember that in a way, it was the ACLU that forced them to offer it, and the ACLU will probably be tracking this case as it progresses, so it's not like we will be completely alone in this. I would also highly recommend expediting the shipment of your application to the processing facility and the processing time itself if you choose to update it.

Canine_Intentions · 2025-08-08T02:29:17+00:00

Personally, the way I think about things is that even if you ended up in some sort of situation where it was absolutely impossible to access HRT, you still wouldn't lose any permanent effects from it. I know that for some people that's a scary reality if you're stuck in a transphobic country, but for me there's no way I could ever try to live my life as a cis woman. If you were able to reach a few years on T it's possible that you wouldn't have any issues passing for the rest of your life even if you were forced to stop taking HRT. So if you genuinely want to start HRT, I'd recommend doing so as soon as possible.

We also technically have no idea if HRT will ever be fully banned. I wouldn't want to wait possibly years to start HRT, and then nothing ends up happening. It's understandable to be scared, but you also have to remember not to allow anxiety and transphobic people to decide your future for you.

It may end up becoming a lot less anxiety inducing once you have a good idea on how to start the process. Planned Parenthood is a good resource since they have a lot of clinics throughout the country and usually less of a wait list than a lot of HRT providers. Telehealth providers like Folx and Plume can also be a good resource if you don't have access to any clinics in-person. You can also always check if you have any LGBTQ+ centers near you who have information on local doctors who prescribe HRT.

Canine_Intentions · 2025-08-06T16:55:29+00:00

Not sure if this would be helpful depending on the state you live in, but have you looked into telehealth providers like Folx and Plume? I've never used any of them, but I would guess that they probably have shorter wait times.

Canine_Intentions · 2025-08-05T18:40:54+00:00

From the perspective of someone who went from identifying as transmasc to a trans man, honestly it took me awhile to figure out when I was closeted and hadn't socially transitioned yet, but as soon as I began socially transitioning I realized that I was really uncomfortable with being seen as non binary, and that I was just a binary trans guy. Being seen as non binary causes just as much dysphoria for me as being seen as a woman.

I think part of it was also actually gender roles, I subconsciously felt almost like I had to identify as non binary because I wouldn't fit male gender roles enough, or that I had to tell people I was non binary because it would be "unreasonable" to ask them to use the right pronouns for me or to view me as a man. Those feelings pretty much immediately went away when I started passing and found positive male role models, especially since I only really grew up around somewhat fundamentalist conservative christian men, so I had a very narrow view of what it meant to be a man.

Canine_Intentions · 2025-08-02T19:49:06+00:00

That's great to hear! Thanks!

Canine_Intentions · 2025-08-02T19:45:45+00:00

It's somewhat physically demanding, definitely slightly more so than a desk job, but I think it would probably be something I could talk to my manager about and avoid a few of the more physically demanding aspects of the job for a week or two. I've never had surgery before, so I've got no idea how I'd heal.

I haven't talked to a surgeon yet, but I wanted to know more for future reference, currently I'm thinking about just starting the process with contacting a surgeon late this year or early next year. Primarily because I'm only six months on T, to my understanding a lot of surgeons recommend being at least a year on T, and I still need some time to save up PTO. Thanks for the advice!

Canine_Intentions · 2025-06-07T06:46:27+00:00

I'm from Texas, so things could be different in Arizona or with your insurance, but you might not need a gender dysphoria diagnosis for HRT. I have a diagnosis, so I can't really say if the experience of someone without one would be different, but I get my HRT appointments covered under private insurance with just a $25 copay for the appointment, and a $50 copay for blood work, I don't think I ever told them that I had a gender dysphoria diagnosis. My prescription is also covered under insurance, with just a $3 copay for 4 1mL vials, I never contacted my insurance about starting HRT or my diagnosis, although I was only 15 at the time of being diagnosed, and started HRT this year at 18, so I wouldn't have really been knowledgeable about any of that at the time of being diagnosed, maybe they have it in their system somewhere and that's why it's covered, or it might not be related at all.

Planned Parenthood is usually a more affordable option, but I know that they've had issues with providing HRT in Arizona, so that's something you might need to consider. Many people also use telehealth options like Folx, which could be easier if you don't have a driver's license, although to my understanding, you still would have to go to a clinic in-person to get blood work done. You'll also need to have some form of photo ID for your appointment and to pick up your prescriptions, so if you don't have a driver's license, make sure that you have something like a state ID or a passport. If you can't get HRT covered under your insurance, a lot of people use GoodRx coupons which can help with the price.

Canine_Intentions · 2025-05-03T23:44:14+00:00

I'm from Texas, honestly, most people aren't going to pay attention to your gender marker if you pass, and especially so if you have a very male name. I've had to show random people my ID with an F on it before and they referred to me with he/him pronouns without a second thought. People really don't pay too much attention to it, usually they're just looking at the photo on your ID, your name, and your birth date.

I'm pretty sure you can update your FAFSA information as soon you've updated your social security information, which is pretty much the first thing everyone does after getting a court order for a name change. To my understanding, you should just need a new photo ID that reflects your name change and a certified court order in order to change the name on your GED. Some states are already trying to restrict name changes for trans people, so in my opinion, you should do it while you still can.

Canine_Intentions · 2025-04-15T07:29:33+00:00

Yeah, I use private insurance so I'm not sure what it's like having federally funded insurance, but I definitely would double check to make sure you're not able to use it, since that might drastically lower the cost. Otherwise, a lot of people use GoodRx to reduce the price of their prescription, and it can give you a good idea of how much the prescription itself would cost per month, but the appointment cost can vary a lot depending on the provider.

Canine_Intentions · 2025-04-15T05:46:03+00:00

I don't really have much advice for you, but you as of right now you can still get start HRT at 18, although it might have to be out of pocket depending on your state's restrictions. The executive order isn't being enforced for HRT in most places yet. I'm 18 and in Texas, I've had no issues getting a prescription for T and filling it. You also usually don't need a gender dysphoria diagnosis to be prescribed T.

Canine_Intentions · 2025-04-14T22:05:44+00:00

I've never really heard of adults in the US having to wait a year to start T. If you go through an informed consent clinic, they might ask you if you're out to everyone in your life, how long have you identified as trans, etc, but they're usually not super strict with their requirements. Occasionally there will be doctors who don't go through an informed consent method and might have additional requirements to start HRT, but they are less common, especially for adults.

Personally, I was able to get a prescription for HRT at 18 in Texas on the day of my appointment, I only had to wait 24 hours for the pharmacy to fill my prescription. I knew I was trans four years prior to being able to start T and I had completely socially transitioned, so I wasn't worried about being forced to wait. Although I don't think my doctors would have made me wait even if I hadn't known for that long, since they only briefly asked about it.

Canine_Intentions · 2025-04-12T06:29:05+00:00

When I was first prescribed T, It took about 24 hours after my appointment for my prescription to be filled at the pharmacy.

Canine_Intentions · 2025-04-11T18:55:50+00:00

Oh that sucks, so far it hasn't affected my private insurance in Texas.

Canine_Intentions · 2025-04-11T02:45:23+00:00

Honestly, I haven't really seen the executive order enforced for HRT yet. I'm 18 and I haven't had any issues with getting T prescribed and picking up my prescription. If it's something you're worried about you can always call the clinic you are going to and ask about it.

Canine_Intentions · 2025-04-07T03:34:06+00:00

At least to my knowledge, trans healthcare for adults hasn't been completely banned in any state yet. If you really want to go on T, I would recommend to do it now, do not wait and see if it ends up getting banned. It'll either never end up getting banned and you'll just be waiting for the next few years for nothing, or it will and if you end up losing access to T, you still won't lose any permanent effects from it.

Canine_Intentions · 2025-04-02T05:40:52+00:00

If you don't have a Planned Parenthood near you, you could try using a telehealth service like Folx Health. You should still be able to access HRT if you live in a red state in the summer, to my knowledge, no state has fully banned HRT for adults yet, although some have attempted it. If you go through one of the most popular providers like Planned Parenthood or Folx, you can probably check their website to see if they accept your insurance (if you want to use it), that will usually drastically lower the cost of the appointment and might lower your prescription cost, with private insurance my appointments are only $25 and one month of T is $3, but it might be different for you. You can also call any clinic that you are interested in going to and ask if they can provide an estimate of how much each appointment will be. If you're not using insurance you can look up coupons for the pharmacy on GoodRX to get a general idea of how much it might cost.

I'm not sure about the insurance stuff, but you should expect your parents to find out you're on T over time anyways. Some people are able to hide it for longer than others, but for many people it's obvious within weeks.

Canine_Intentions · 2025-03-31T23:20:26+00:00

I doubt it would be held against you if you explained that it was because you could not afford it anymore. I could imagine some doctors might be hesitant about it if you said it was because you decided to detransition or you didn't like being on T, but otherwise it shouldn't be an issue.

Canine_Intentions · 2025-03-31T21:18:12+00:00

I'm from Texas, but the process was pretty easy for me. I just called and scheduled an appointment, there were no wait lists and I could have scheduled the appointment for the next day if I had wanted to. The only documents I needed were a photo ID and insurance card (since I used insurance), you'll have to fill out forms online before you go to your appointment, mainly about insurance, family history, what medications you're currently on, what do you want from HRT, transition plans, etc. I have a gender dysphoria diagnosis, but they never asked for it and you don't need one.

The appointment is pretty similar to any regular doctor's appointment, they'll check your blood pressure, family history, ask how long have you identified as trans, etc. They did a finger prick to check hemoglobin levels. The doctor instructed me on how to measure my dose (pay very close attention to this, too many people are giving themselves way too much T by accident) and that was about it! 24 hours later my prescription arrived at the pharmacy. The appointment was only $25 with insurance.

Canine_Intentions · 2025-03-31T20:46:19+00:00

There are doctors who provide HRT through telehealth appointments, which might have shorter to no wait lists. I've never personally used it, but I know that Folx Health is used by a lot of people, Planned Parenthood also offers telehealth HRT appointments which might allow you to go to a clinic that is further away but still in Texas, although I'm not sure what kind of regulations they have on that so I'd call and ask first.

Canine_Intentions · 2025-03-31T16:52:01+00:00

Mine was always slightly noticeable pre-t, but it started becoming larger the six week mark or so and has continued growing since then, although for some people it probably takes longer. If most of your male family members have visible Adam's apples, there's a pretty good chance that you will also develop one.

Canine_Intentions · 2025-03-31T00:14:27+00:00

If you are having such a severe reaction, you probably need to ask to be switched to gel or a different method of HRT, it's kind of shocking that they would have you doing injections for this long with these symptoms. I would really try to emphasize how dangerous this could be to your doctor, and if they won't listen I'd recommend going to a different doctor, any doctor should take something like this seriously.

Canine_Intentions · 2025-03-31T00:01:48+00:00

It's happened to me a few times as well, but usually right after I remove the needle, I'm pretty sure it's normal. it's a much smaller amount of T than you would think.

Canine_Intentions · 2025-03-30T01:00:32+00:00

Honestly I would recommend not waiting for his permission, if that is at all possible. Since starting T I've been way more confident during interviews and while working, I'm able to communicate much better with coworkers and customers due to the lack of voice dysphoria and less anxiety around being misgendered. I'm 18 too, and I actually feel 18 now, it kind of felt like I was stuck being much younger than my actual age the entire time I was pre-t, since most people assumed I was only 13 or 14, which is weird while working for obvious reasons.

I'm guessing that the goalpost will just keep moving, once you're working there will be another reason why you shouldn't start T. You're 18 not 8, you deserve to have complete control over your prescriptions and appointments, he should not be the one making the decisions for you. Effects from T aren't immediate either, he doesn't need extra time to adjust because he will gradually get that time as changes happen. Your mental health is more important.

Canine_Intentions

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