Sam being keen to move on in his new life was in a hurry – like most pre teens, the world just wasn’t spinning fast enough from one day to the next for him.
He wanted it all now, and we couldn’t do it fast enough. Obviously when the wheels move slowly and everyone’s feeling their way in the dark you tread carefully, there is no light on for you, you have to turn it on yourself and if you can’t, you reach out your hand and look for help. Yes I’m speaking metaphorically – we were of course walking around in darkness…we had no idea where the hell the light switch was because it wasn’t in the same place as it was last time we were in the dark!
Particular friends were helpful – after sharing on Facebook I received messages from others who had friends and family going through or already transitioned but not first hand knowledge of what we do next.
You know what happens next? Hunting and gathering. Hunting for the contacts, the networks, the support. Gathering the resources and knowledge.
Facebook is amazing! Seek and you shall find. My first entry to a group was me apologising for making any offensive comments or terms used incorrectly, being welcomed with open arms, messaged information from people who run groups and supports.
That’s how we found out about a youth trans group that Sam is attending now. That’s how we found a trans friendly GP because the reality of that is that our GP of 24yrs and Sams entire life is ‘old school’ and i use that term politely – eg; he doesn’t prescribe birth control.
Sams first appointment with The Doc happened about 6 weeks ago. It was a good conversation, frank and honest about what’s going to come and where we are headed. Tests ordered, plans in place.
Unfortunately when you have 3 other siblings priorities tend to swing between who is more needy at the time and Sams older sister was needing some increased support so our attention moved more to her during this time and Sam was moved a little to the side – now don’t go thinking about how terrible we are! This was in place before Sams change began, he knew it was going to happen. I work full time and I like to be as involved in everything as I can so sometimes we need to move our energy into one thing over another.
We’ve recently finished up the tests and are ready to go back next week.
At the end of our visit with the GP – I paid and Sam and his Dad waited outside. The receptionist said
‘Sam is the youngest trans patient at our clinic’
What do I feel? Should it be pride? Confusion? Disgust and if so am I now a snowflake to be offended? Nope – I just accepted that as an amazing bit of info and told Sam…..He was chuffed 😂
Transparenting 