Thank you for advocating for your own health or the health of a relative.
Something to keep in mind is that the transition process is unique and varies from person to person. Individuals may choose to transition socially may request to go by a different name that what shows up on their legal documents, try out different pronouns, and use non-medical supports such as binders, packers, and makeup compacts to align their outward appearance with their affirming gender identity. Others may seek out gender-affirming hormone therapies or other gender-affirming services as a part of their medical transition. To learn more about the transition process, forms of support to consider, and how to initiate conversations with family, friends, and your medical provider about your gender journey, check out Paths (Re)Membered’s Celebrating Our Magic Toolkit booklet.
The first step of beginning a journey of medical gender transition / embodiment for Two Spirit and LGBTQ+ trans and gender-diverse people who wish to do so is to speak with their healthcare provider about it. For many, this begins with accessing gender-affirming hormone therapies, though that does not have to be the case. If gender-affirming hormone therapies are right for a trans individual, medical providers across IHS, Tribal clinics, and urban Indian clinics should be able to help them decide if that is a good route for them, to help them obtain medications, and to guide them along that healthcare journey. Gender-affirming hormone therapies are available within the IHS pharmacy. Some other gender-affirming medical services may require their doctor to support them with referrals outside of IHS, Tribal clinics, and urban Indian clinics. If a trans individual encounters an IHS, Tribal, or urban Indian healthcare provider who is unsure how to support them in their healthcare journey, then the healthcare provider can connect with expert support at Indian Country ECHO’s Trans & Gender-Affirming Care ECHO or one-on-one clinician consultation service.
Cousin Jerico
