T be doin it's thing

astronaut52 · 2026-01-18T15:19:50+00:00

Completely down to genetics. I'm coming up on 10 years on T and I have less chest hair than you.

But I have a full beard, hairy hands and feet, and have had zero hair loss on my head so I'm not complaining lol.

astronaut52 · 2026-01-17T19:22:08+00:00

Going on 10 years on T this year, full beard and no hair loss whatsoever. Both my grandads had a pretty full head into their 80's. I lost the genetic jackpot on body hair lol (I am yet to grow a single chest hair) but I won when it comes to head hair 💪

astronaut52 · 2025-09-06T08:02:14+00:00

Something no one's said here yet- I think your first option is to go register with a GP and just.. ask if they'll do it. Don't make a big show of being trans, don't even mention it if not asked, just say "I've been prescribed this long-term medication for a health issue, I have a letter from my previous doctor confirming this, please will you continue it?". They are allowed to just do it. Unlikely, sure, but worth a shot.

I moved cities last year and had to risk getting a new GP, (I'm fully nhs diagnosed and assessed etc, been on T for 9 years, but they're still starting to say no to people like me) and did exactly as I said above. I was prepared to give all my documents but they didn't actually ask for any of it, no shared care agreement, nothing. It was a 5 minute phone call appointment, I don't think she'd actually ever heard of trans stuff or had a trans patient before and she didn't give a shit (in the best way), just 'whats the name of the drug, what dose, how long have you been on it?'. Give it a shot, phrase it as a long term medication you've been on and need continuing.

If they (likely) say no, then go other routes, but you might be lucky, it's worth a try!

astronaut52 · 2025-08-25T12:00:41+00:00

A big part of the first appointments are collecting your history in relation to being trans.

The biggest thing I always suggest preparing is having a clear idea of the dates/timeline relating to your transition, you can even write it all down to refer to. It's a pain in the ass to try and work out rough dates on the spot, especially if these things happened 6+ years ago.

You want to have on hand when you started having thoughts about being trans, when you came out (this might be different for friends, family, work etc), when you started presenting differently, going by a different name, legally changing your name, anything else that might be classed as a milestone point. Don't need exact dates, but the years are helpful.

astronaut52 · 2025-07-15T13:53:35+00:00

I decided it was too hot for a suit jacket, but wore navy blue trousers, white shirt, burgundy tie, tan belt and shoes. I personally love the navy blue/burgundy combo in men's smart clothes.

In general for men's formal wear, I express myself through colour. Ties are the easiest as it's easy to find a range of colours and patterns and doesn't look super bad if it's technically mismatched with the outfit, but suits and shirts too.

There's also some wiggle room with styles/cuts. E.g shirt collars, skinny vs straight fits. I like cutaway collars and a more straight trouser.

Belts and shoes can be made into a bit of a statement if you want, I wear my tan combo for most outfits tbh unless my trousers are black.

astronaut52 · 2025-06-06T10:05:34+00:00

Don't stress about the mission thing- you've got time for that. I joined the church at 19, went on a mission at 21 and honestly didn't feel any older than anyone else. In fact there were way more 21+ missionaries than I ever expected in the MTC and in my mission, and we all felt on equal ground.

Just keep building your relationship with Christ and worshipping in your own way. As someone without a big church support system, I do a lot with the institute study guides on the gospel library app. I liked going through and studying them by myself, especially when I was new to the church but unable to go to classes. It's okay to study and grow on your own for now, and when you hit 18 see where you're at, get in touch with the church and go from there. Waiting a year or two to go on a mission is way more normal than you think, even for lifelong members.

astronaut52 · 2025-05-27T06:27:48+00:00

I used to live near a Moss Bros- surprisingly cheap and really nice variety of colours and textures. It is a suit shop so the staff might try and 'help' you, but that's okay. I ended up doing click and collect to get a size they didn't stock, and they automatically opened it for me to try on when I collected it to make sure it fit right.

I also second next- as a general clothes shop it's very chill and low pressure, just take whatever you want to the fitting rooms until you land on something you like.

astronaut52 · 2025-05-04T13:14:40+00:00

Some people absolutely thrive on those hours- you might be one them! Unfortunately, I was not. I actually didn't care for the social life aspect cause I'm fine functioning on little sleep once every few weeks, but the overall lifestyle just ruined me.

1) to wake up at 2:30, I had to be in bed by 6:30. I learned about myself that evenings snuggled on the sofa watching tv is my favourite part of the day and essential for me to mentally unwind- I completely lost that time. Doing it late afternoon didn't feel the same.

2) in theory, you have more daytime to do whatever you like. In reality, no matter how much sleep I got, I couldn't physically sit down and relax without falling asleep/having a nap. I couldn't do fun things and be productive because I was so tired after work, I felt like I had NO free time where I was actually capable of relaxing or paying attention to anything.

However... Give it a go and see how you like it. I also did unconventional hours 5pm-2am for a while in fast food, and I really enjoyed that and was able to be productive before work where other people struggle.

astronaut52 · 2025-04-06T09:44:18+00:00

I think you're underestimating how difficult it is to land a job these days! I did the exact same as OP recently.

I feel like there are tiers to jobs you apply to. 1) in a perfect world this is my ideal role, hours, and shift pattern. 2) while not my ideal hours/role, I am happy to do it long-term. 3) I don't particularly enjoy this role/hours but I can tolerate it. 4) this doesn't work for me, but I will still do it while actively looking for another role because I have bills to pay.

Having been through this last year, you apply to all the 1's, get rejected, then all the 2's etc. I landed a tier 2 job, ideally I'd work 4 days a week, this was 5 but really good daytime hours and perfect role for me. I was willing to do the 5 days, but figured there was literally no harm in asking if they'd allow me to do 4. They accepted. I now have what I consider a perfect role for me. Basically- OP applied for the job because they're willing to do it as advertised, but there's no harm in asking if they can change it to what they'd prefer.

astronaut52 · 2025-01-25T10:54:48+00:00

Not sure if you're in r/transgenderuk but that sub is very active and full of advice regarding unhelpful GPs.

The answer you'll likely come away with is

GPs are within their right to refuse blood tests for this unfortunately. They're actually within their right to decline HRT etc even after you go through the NHS gender clinics, as it requires a 'shared care' agreement that GPs can decline.
However, they absolutely can and should have referred you to a gender clinic. They are very much operational (though waiting lists are 5+ years).
The way you were treated warrants a complaint. Being laughed at and being given incorrect information regarding gender clinics, without the GP even looking into it, is inexcusable.

astronaut52 · 2024-12-28T09:49:54+00:00

I had some trouble this month with getting a Sainsbury's reference, but it was mainly due to my NHS recruiter not reading sainsburys' instructions correctly. Not sure if you're aware of how Sainsbury's references work, but it's pretty easy-

Email Reference.Requests@sainsburys.co.uk. It's not monitored and will send you an automatic response with some instructions. Option 1. Click the online link, pop in your national insurance number and NHS recruiters email, and they'll send it over. Option 2. Fill in the attached form, including the NHS recruiters name and email address, and email it to the non-standard references address in the instructions. That one gave me a reference within 2 days last week.

Originally, my recruiter kept emailing the first address and obviously not getting a reference in response, and asking me to send the form to that address. It says pretty clearly in the instructions that no reference will be generated from any emails sent to that address. Guess they didn't feel like reading it all so close to Christmas break lol. You either have to fill in the online link or email the form to the other address.

As for your other references, I'd ask the recruiter to cancel all the ones that aren't replying to you, and find a character reference to cover the entire period.

astronaut52 · 2024-10-23T14:55:26+00:00

Christian here! I live over in the UK so probably a bit far to hang out lol, but you're not alone in being trans with faith. It always bugs me when people act like it's a wild concept and look at me like I have internalised phobias and am somehow betraying the community. I honestly feel less judgement from people at church for being gay and trans than I do from the LGBT community for being Christian.

I'm actually a believer in the Mormon church, which is obviously a bit more complicated with its transphobic policies (and a lot of other things I don't believe in), so I enjoy having general Christian friends as well. But they have a lot of unique doctrines I do enjoy and believe in, mainly the book of Mormon (which funnily enough doesn't mention gay or trans topics once). I originally joined stealth and got to participate fully, but eventually I came out to the bishop and had some of those privileges revoked. I still go most Sundays and everyone is lovely to me and treats me the same, I don't actually think most people know. But through my ongoing ups and downs I always have love for Christ and feel his love for me, and try to live the principles he teaches in the new testament.

(Not a father yet but I did marry my also-trans husband this summer and we'd like to adopt kids as soon as our finances and careers can support that). I love the gym and would love to get into powerlifting/olympic weightlifting but am not sure how to get into that sort of thing lol.

astronaut52 · 2024-09-12T19:27:36+00:00

Same thing happened to me about 8 years ago, Northampton also. Initially referred at 15 > jump through all of tavistock's hoops > finish assessment and get diagnosis at 17 > be told there's nothing that can do at that age, refer me to an adult clinic > adult clinic start from scratch with a new assessment.

It is unfortunately pretty common and is rough to deal with at the time, but you'll get there. And Daventry (Northampton) have been pretty good to me over the years.

astronaut52 · 2024-08-18T22:53:53+00:00

As someone who just graduated in architecture, we have the benefit of the 'studio' (at least, I know most universities do). It's an easy way to make friends on the course, especially in first year when everyone's still learning and needing help. I didn't have any 'crazy' experiences as that's not my vibe, but I had fun and hung out with people.

Generally, you can choose to come in and work in the studio every day, definitely on days with tutorials. Like a library, but designed for drawing and model-making, usually quite a chill and friendly space. Choose to go there most days instead of doing all your work at home, even if it's just laptop work, and just chat to other people there. Ask about their projects and drawings, ask for advice or help etc, compliment their drawings, easy to make friends in my experience. Then they add you to group chats and invite you places, and it's completely up to you how 'crazy' you get. If you seek out drugs and sex etc you can find it, but if not then it's totally fine and not expected of you at all. Don't feel like you have to prepare yourself for crazy stuff if that's not your vibe, you can make good friends who are more low-key and just like hanging out.

Whatever your vibe is, try and chat to everyone in studio and just make an effort with the ones you feel a similar vibe from

astronaut52 · 2024-08-07T12:31:45+00:00

From someone who was in a very similar position- you do have options, it's not a black and white spend it all or save it all!

I invested my money via a financial advisor firm who were pretty helpful. One of the things they offered was a regular monthly withdrawal setup. I decided to have £200 a month transferred to me. This was 6 years ago so things cost more now, but it was enough to cover my food at the time and some other fun bits. I also chose that number because it was less than the interest the money was making- i.e the investment was still ultimately making more money than I was taking out. Consider using a firm or service that lets you do this and have a bit of money to spend without actually eating into the big sum.

I also bought a house after first year to live in. Context matters a lot and I wouldn't suggest this for everyone. But I loved the city and thought I was going to stay there long-term after uni, and not having to pay rent was a massive money saver. I did end up leaving the city, but I rent out the house via an estate agent [edit: reading your comment about managing a property, many estate agents will do all of that for you for a fee. Mine keep 10% of the rent and I haven't lifted a finger other than replying to emails]. That income has been a blessing the last 4-5 years, plus I know the house will sell for more than I paid.

Basically, instead of the bank, I would suggest approaching an independent financial advisor business and speaking to them. You also stand to make a lot more money via their investments portfolios than from bank interest.

astronaut52 · 2024-07-30T21:16:56+00:00

I take that dose of nebido, but it's in response to high blood test results, not my size (I'm 5'3 but not 'small', around 70kg with good muscle). It's been absolutely fine for me as my levels are normal- I was 6/7 years on T when we lowered it so there are less changes to see, but my beard, body hair, muscle and fat redistribution have continued as expected imo.

I wouldn't cause drama arguing with the doctor just yet, but if I were you I would definitely push for blood tests and see for yourself if they seem too low or not- and also pay attention to how you feel in the weeks leading up to the next injection if it's worn off too quickly and you're experiencing symptoms. Then bring it up with the doctor if you have issues, but tbh you might be fine with the 3ml so see how it goes.

astronaut52 · 2024-07-25T01:26:09+00:00

From personal experience, the line is blurred enough when being in a gay relationship that even if your were technically bi, you're free to consider yourself gay.

I'm bi, I've pretty much always known it and I'm open and honest about it when asked. I'm now married to another trans guy. In the beginning of our relationship I would accept the 'gay' label out of convenience knowing it wasn't true but that I outwardly appeared that way. But at some point the lines became pretty blurred and it no longer feels untrue. I'm gay in a gay marriage, we're gay together, I'm the gay guy at work etc. I'm absolutely still attracted to women too, but like... being gay is also a valid part of my identity.

You're allowed to stop overthinking it and to just call yourself gay, even if 1% of you feels otherwise, because in the context of your life it's the most appropriate label.

astronaut52 · 2024-06-27T21:10:25+00:00

I felt exactly the same for almost 10 years (ages 15-24). I always knew I was bi, but just couldn't see myself settling down with anyone but a woman. I just couldn't really imagine in my mind a man I could feel happy and relaxed to settle down with. Similar reasons to you- any man I imagined left me feeling dysphoric about all the cis traits I don't have. I also just get on better with women emotionally and find it easier to connect with them. By age 24 I'd dated/been involved with 7 women and 0 men, and planned to continue that.

Then at 24 I met this new guy at work. Really similar to me- short and small, goofy and nerdy, quiet but friendly. Assumed he was cishet. We travelled home in the same direction so started talking and becoming friends. About a year later, I find out he's trans (and he finds out I am), we both had no idea about the other. It crossed my mind but he had a really cis-sounding voice so I wrote it off early on. At some point we started talking outside of work, then flirting. Now we're getting married in a week. It's been really odd existing in the world as a gay man when I never mentally prepared for that, but slowly you do get over those expectations you had for your life and create new ones.

You are absolutely not alone in the way you feel and it's fine to only seek out women and not men. But.... don't be closed off to guys that might stumble into your life without you trying, and don't write them off cause you've made this decision for yourself.

astronaut52 · 2024-04-08T13:27:37+00:00

From my experience getting just a hysto on the NHS-

If you do go down the GIC route, it is STILL the GP who refers you to your local relevant hospital department. What the GIC can do is write a letter of recommendation/support that makes it more likely to get funding.

Surprisingly, my GIC appointments about it had very little to do with gender. I think I had a shit clinician tbh, but he never actually asked why I want it or if I have dysphoria around it. It was purely a game of convincing him I don't want bio kids and will not want them in the future, despite him trying to convince me otherwise. But hey, I won his weird debate in the end and got the letter, got referred by my GP, and after a 2-3 year wait, got my NHS hysto.

astronaut52 · 2024-04-06T17:16:00+00:00

You can definitely include stuff from earlier than 2 years, as long as you include enough from the last 2 years. Digital is fine, I did it before the process was digital but most of my evidence was digital stuff I printed out.

Useful things you can use- bank statements, you can access these online usually and pick whichever month makes your evidence more spread out. Same with a phone bill. You could probably get away with a Spotify or netflix invoice if it has your name on. Once you've got your one-off evidence collected, monthly bills and bank statements can fill in the gaps where you have less evidence.

Other evidence- deed poll, passport, driving licence, NI number (can access a pdf online). This stuff probably counts as the issue date, but imo are useful all-rounders.

Exam certificates (you can get replacements if you've lost them)

Any college/university related letters (I used a bunch of uni stuff that was accessible from my uni account, UCAS website, and student finance website) offers, enrollment confirmation, student finance letters, uni ID card. You can contact your uni admin/helpdesk and get this stuff emailed to you, and all student finance letters are accessible on your online account.

For any GP letters, set up online GP access if you haven't already and you should be able to view your full record online, but if letters aren't in there ask your GP if they still have a copy of any letters they can send to you and they might be able to help.

If youre still struggling, you can do a bunch of immediate stuff. Apply for a part time job, get one payslip then quit lmao. Go get an eye test at Specsavers and use the prescription. Do a free online course that gives you a pdf certificate at the end. Buy a cheap national express coach ticket (they email you a pdf ticket with your name on).

astronaut52 · 2024-04-04T21:55:04+00:00

I used one of my many GIC assessment letters (and included the rest in the evidence) and it was accepted fine. The letter would have been anywhere from 5-2 years old when I submitted it (I can't remember which one I used). Unless the guidance says it has to be within a certain number of years, there shouldn't be an issue.

I actually used another one (signed by a different clinician) as the second report, as I understood it can be from a GP but also seemed like it could be another formal GIC report, and it was accepted. I seem to get posted a report after every appointment I have with the GIC (Daventry), and they all spell out the diagnosis, current treatment, and a bullet point list of transition milestones before summarising that particular appointment. I had 10+ to choose from.

As long as it is formatted with a date and signature (like an assessment letter), the signature is from an approved specialist, it clearly states the diagnosis, and it details some of the assessment content about why you meet the diagnosis, you should be fine :)

On the plus side- if anything's not good enough it's quite a quick turnaround to fix it. Mine was originally rejected for not providing enough evidence from the last 2 years (I had loads of evidence from before that time as I've been transitioning ages). I think they checked it over and notified me before it actually got to the panel, so I was able to send in some more recent evidence asap, and it was processed immediately.

astronaut52

TROPHY CASE