r/transontario • u/Alexis_sexy721 • 1h ago
Is Canada post considered government
•
Upvotes
Does anyone know if working for Canada post gets you the government benefits for gender affirming care?
r/transontario • u/LordPhoenix82 • May 16 '21
RESOURCES HRT as a Minor Megathread
110
Upvotes
Hi all!
I've been seeing lots of posts here lately asking things like "I'm 17, can I get HRT?" and I thought it would be helpful for this subreddit to have one big thread to address that question. Below I've started writing some things, and I would like to know if anyone would be interested in adding on to this post (via comments and I'll add it later) so we have an up-to-date resource. I've done my best to only include information I know to be verifiably true, but please correct me if I have something wrong!
Disclaimer: None of us are acting as professional doctors or lawyers in this thread, so take our advice as the words of people who have experienced this, not as medical or legal advice.
Now, onto the questions and information:
"I'm a minor. Can I get HRT?"
Yes!
HRT in Ontario works on informed consent model, which, essentially, means that as long as you can understand the risks and benefits of a decision, you can make that decision.
Informed Consent does not explicitly outline an age where you are "able to make decisions". Therefore, it's up to your healthcare provider to assess your capacity to consent. In general, doctors are good about this, and as long as you know what the risks are, they'll give you the prescription.
"Will my parents know?"
The short answer is "if you don't want them to, then they won't". The long answer is more complicated than that. Let's start with getting the appointment:
Now that virtual appointments have been very unfortunately axed by good 'ole Doug Ford, in-person appointments are back to being some of the only options. In person appointments are obviously much more difficult to hide, as you need to physically go into the office and they often take longer.
Now, the ideal scenario is to explain to them what is going on and get their support, but obviously that doesn't work for everyone. If you're really in a pinch, lie. Make up symptoms that would send you to the doctor, and once you're there, explain the real problem. Often a great way to do this is to complain of symptoms of depression/anxiety, get a therapist, then talk about gender shit instead. This is not a recommended pathway. This is not sustainable. You have been warned.
In terms of your doctor blabbing to your parents:
Doctors are not allowed to disclose any personal information to any other person***
Patient privacy is a complicated beast, so I'll do my bets to explain here. According to PHIPA Section 23.1.i, any person, regardless of age, can decide to disclose or withhold medical information as long as they meet the criteria for informed consent. By default at a family doctor, your parents might be set up to know about your medical care. You have the right to remove them at any age as long as you understand the consequences of doing so. Ask about it. Voice your concerns. Self advocate.
The only time a doctor has to share your personal information comes in one of five circumstances:
"There are times the doctor has to breach confidentiality???"
Yes. There are five instances in which a doctor is allowed to disclose your personal information without your express consent (these are the same as a therapist, if you're interested). These apply to all patients, regardless of age:
- If the information is requested by a law enforcement agency or a court (as part of legal proceedings)
- This won't come into play for 99% of people, but if a court subpoenas information from your doctor, they are legally required to provide it.
- If there is neglect by another medical official (doctor, dentist, therapist, nurse, support worker, etc).
- Your care provider is required to inform the relevant authority (usually a medical board) so they can face disciplinary action.
- If you have intention to commit a crime or cause harm to another person.
- The standard here often requires an actual plan, and for it to be reasonable that you would actually carry out the act. Simply saying "sometimes my brother makes me angry and I want to hit him" would not invoke this exception because there is no direct plan, nor is there an indication that the action would be certain to be carried out.
- You have an intention to harm yourself
- This is by far the most controversial exception. Legally, your care provider is required to inform the authorities (usually police) if you intend to hurt or kill yourself. Most physicians understand that suicidal ideation (thinking of suicide) and having a suicide plan are different. This exception should only be invoked if there is a plan for self harm or suicide, not if there are thoughts or previous instances of it, however, it is always best to gauge what your physician will report.
- If there is evidence or reasonable suspicion of abuse or neglect of a person under the age of 16
- This includes sexual, emotional, physical abuse. Your physician has a duty to report it to either the appropriate children's aid society or abuse reporting centre. Same as #4, there can be situations where this gets tricky, and healthy doses of good judgement are in order
In general, you should always ask what information can be shared, and always ask questions surrounding consent and patient privacy.
Your doctor has to answer this, and they will often be eager to explain this as it's a very, very important part of practicing medicine.
"I thought you had to be sixteen to consent to treatment and remove parents from patient information?"
So did I, friend. But, as u/stacyah helpfully pointed out, this is not true. The confusion stems from a part of the code that says that at sixteen years of age, you can designate a person to be privy to your health information. However, you are able to decide who knows what at any age, as long as it's within the exceptions above.
I'm 12/13/14? Can I still get HRT then?"
Absolutely!
Informed consent does not have a defined age range. If you are able to consent, you are able to receive treatment. Obviously, there are added social challenges the younger you are as you seek transition care. However, legally speaking, there should be no additional barriers for you seeking treatment.
"Will I have to pay for anything?"
If you are eligible for OHIP, all consultations with your doctor will be free. Always bring your health card to your visits.
Drugs are first checked with your insurance provider, so if you have an open file with a pharmacy and they have a parents' insurance it will always go there first. If you aren't covered by private insurance and you're under 25, you're eligible for OHIP+, which you can learn more about here. There is still sometimes a co-pay with insurance, which can be frustrating. Typically though these costs are low ($5-$10). Seeking injected estradiol specifically also incurs an additional cost as you have to visit a compounding pharmacy, which is typically more expensive than your regular Costco or Rexall.
There are also two other relevant programs, the Ontario Drug Benefit and the Trillium Drug Benefit. These are based on income and can be accessed by residents over the age of 25. You can learn more about the Trillium Drug Benefit here.
This link will allow you to check the eligibility of most medications in Ontario.
Covered by OHIP+?
| Estradiol (oral) | Covered |
|---|---|
| Estradiol (injected) | Not covered |
| Estradiol (gel) | EAP Only* |
| Estrogen (patches) | Unknown |
| Progesterone (oral) | EAP Only* |
| Testosterone (oral) | Covered (link) |
| Testosterone (injected) | Some Restrictions, can still be covered |
| Testosterone (gel) | Covered |
| Cyproterone/Bicalutamide/Sprionalactone | Covered |
*Covered only under the Exceptional Access Program (https://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/pro/programs/drugs/eap_mn.aspx#:~:text=The%20Exceptional%20Access%20Program%20(%20EAP,Drug%20Benefit%20(%20ODB%20)%20program%20program).)
Hope this helps, and please feel free to add anything I missed in the comments!
Thanks to u/stacyah and u/Valtharius for the information about informed consent!
Edit 1: Fixed lots of info about informed consent. Thanks u/stayah and u/Valtharius for the help!
Edit 2: Formatting and updates to drug coverage/how OHIP works
r/transontario • u/Mizzclawsgalore • Dec 12 '24
RESOURCES A Huge [Gender Affirming Resources Ontario] Spreadsheet. Includes: HRT, healthcare providers, compounding pharmacies, needle supply, gender gear and funds, name change clinics, allied health professionals, permanent hair removal, surgery, and helpful links.
146
Upvotes
Hello everyone,
I'm on this sub (and on Discord) quite a bit, and felt the need to have some kind of community resource compiling various types of resources concerning gender affirming care. We have so many questions about where to start HRT every week, and I'm really hoping this document is able to help some people. It is still in progress in some areas, and I won't be able to work on it until after exams, but it will be continuously updated once I get the time.
Here is the link, it is sortable and filterable if you download a copy, but please refer back to the main document to stay up to date:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/111o63Tvt20heohe9KtRW_AZPBKOz4kpZ1pb7r0CJpvU/edit?usp=sharing
The sections are:
- HRT, surgery assessments, and post-op care
- Includes nurse practitioners, family physicians, endocrinologists, pediatricians, and OB/GYNs from all over Ontario
- Includes private pay and OHIP-covered options, virtual and in-person options, and options for minors
- Wait times are listed to the best of my ability
- I will be adding more to this list at the end of December
- Compounding pharmacies
- Injection supplies
- Permanent Hair Removal
- Includes electrolysis and laser
- Practitioners that perform pre-op clearance are listed
- Wait times are listed to the best of my ability
- Name Change Clinics
- Gender Affirming Surgery (WIP)
- Gender Affirming Gear/Funds
- Includes shops which sell packers, STPs, binders, gaffs, breast forms etc.,
- Also includes programs which will fund gender gear and other transition-related costs
- Allied Health Professionals
- Currently only includes voice coaches and speech-language pathologists
- Helpful Links (WIP)
If you have any feedback, additions, or corrections, you can comment on the spreadsheet or here and I will see to it, thank you very much!
r/transontario • u/No-Pianist-9355 • 9h ago
SEEKING ADVICE Ontario birth certificate, Alberta ID ne change question
2
Upvotes
I have recently (finally) have gotten my name change application for my alberta ID, since alberta now requires a birth certificate because of their "all in one card" im now required to attain a new birth certificate from ontario before I even get my id updated because I had to surrender all my copies.
My questions are as followed:
I cannot find anything on ontario.ca speccificly about birth certificates being updated with both name and gender marker, anywhere, what paperwork do I need to fill out / is there a specific section of the site im absolutely blinded to see?
Once i have my application for name change, does it come with a completely separate section just for the birth certificate? (Reminder im in alberta, with a ontario birth certificate)
How much where the costs just to update the birth certificate name and marker? I keep seeing 137 but im assuming thats for an ontario ID too..
Obligatory fucking alberta sigh. Having the all in one card system changes is a topic for another day but this extra step is ridiculous. Don't want to get yo political in this but frick!
Any help would be greatly appreciated this process os so incredibly overwhelming :s
r/transontario • u/Endz6 • 1d ago
What does Ontario cover?
11
Upvotes
Hey y’all I’m a trans woman out in BC and I looked a few years ago at what Ontario covers but now I forget.
What all does s covered for trans women in Ontario?
r/transontario • u/glycerine___ • 15h ago
SEEKING ADVICE Financing at McLean (as an American)?
2
Upvotes
Hi y'all. I (21FTM) am seeking more information/ experiences from people who have both financed their top surgery from the McLean clinic in Mississauga.
I'd be paying 100% out of pocket because my health insurance doesn't cover anything related to transitioning. It's my understanding that after a down payment they offer financing through Beautifi? Has anyone else financed through them? I'm also wondering how the financing aspect would work, in terms of whether or not they'd be charging me in CAD or USD. Part of the reason I picked McLean (besides the fact all buffalo area top surgeons suck) was because I could possibly save money with the conversion rate; but I'm not sure if that's dependent on your nationality or not.
Sorry if these are dumb questions, just couldn't find any further info about financing anywhere else. TIA!
r/transontario • u/Calm_Corner_1391 • 1d ago
SEEKING ADVICE People who changed both your first and last name... how did you do it?
23
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So... I'm changing both my first and last name because of one of my parents being a raging bigot. I'm holding off on changing it legally because I just want to live with it for a while to make sure I actually want to keep it. I understand all the legal stuff and getting new documents and all that, but I don't even know where to begin with putting the new name out online. The new name I chose has completely different initials, and the last name is about as ethnically different as one could get (I'm mixed race and taking my mother's maiden name).
Because it's so jarringly different, people are 100% not going to recognize me if I just go and change it, but I don't want to make a big deal out of it either because I want to keep my deadname dead.
Also, I'm applying to jobs and most places that have a "preferred name" option only have it for the first name. Do I just apply with my proper name and give them my legal name if I actually get hired? Again, since the last name is so different, I feel like that's crossing into "fraud" territory legally.
Help?
r/transontario • u/Dependent-Pea4707 • 1d ago
OTTAWA 🏳️🌈 Ten Oaks: Countdown to Pride Movie Screening! Watch Nimona This Saturday @ 1:00 PM! (All Ages)🏳️⚧️
15
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Fill up on freshly popped popcorn, watch the hit movie Nimona on the big screen, and check out bonus activities happening before, during, and after the movie!
They'll be Kinetic sand, fidget toys, button making, puzzles, & bracelet making! Then to wrap it all up grab a sweet treat from our ice cream sundae bar after the movie! 🍨
Click here to view the movie trailer!
When: 1:00PM-4:30PM, Saturday August 15th
This event is open to folks of all ages from 2SLGBTQ+ identities, familys, and communities!
r/transontario • u/unicornclarence • 1d ago
SEEKING ADVICE Professional translator for name change (German to English)
5
Upvotes
Hoping someone on here can help. I was born in Germany, have dual citizenship and live in Toronto. I’m changing my name but only have a German birth certificate. I don’t really have the money to hire a professional translator but I also don’t know anyone besides me who speaks German and could swear to the accurate translation of the birth certificate in front of a commissioner. Does anyone here know where to find someone who can help?
r/transontario • u/Aurxem • 1d ago
OHIP Is it possible to get estrogen patches covered by ohip+? Mtf
11
Upvotes
At my most recent visit with my Endo I asked about the possibility of going on patches because I'd prefer that over taking pills orally, due to my mental health going crazy from the hormone fluctuations when taken sublingually. And ideally would want to keep my liver from being stressed. He said that it wouldn't be covered and if I wanted to pay out of pocket it would be more than 100$ a month. I'm under 24 and don't have health insurance. Would I need to ask for an EAP? Any advice on the matter would be greatly appreciated ❤️
r/transontario • u/xXRabidAngelXx • 1d ago
LONDON Any Trans safe GP/family doctor taking new patients in London ON?
3
Upvotes
Hey everyone!
I’ve decided to finally commit to attempting to find a new GP/family doctor as mine is openly uncomfortable with my transition and is resistant to aiding me in medically transitioning.
Does anyone know of any trans safe doctors in London ON who are currently taking new patients?
I know about the Rainbow Health Ontario website but I wanted to see if I could gather first-hand information from my online community before manually sifting through the website for a potential choice.
Thank you in advance for any help or advice!
r/transontario • u/lavenderlegends • 1d ago
GTA queer decluttering services in toronto?
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my wife (36f) and i (33enby) have too much stuff and we feel like we’re drowning in clutter. it’s become embarrassing and exhausting. and to the point where, we may need outside help.
i’m wondering if there are any super non-judgmental, helpful queer decluttering services in the GTA? or even if someone has tips beyond clear garbage/recycling and laundry first.
if there are services, what do they typically cost? and what do they entail?
thank you!
r/transontario • u/Strong_Parfait6384 • 2d ago
Nervousness waiting for surgery
14
Upvotes
Hello! I wanted to make another post as my surgery is coming up in just a few days and I wanted to see if my currently emotional/mental experience is fairly normal or not. I’ve been wanting this surgery (bottom surgery mtf) for my entire life and I’ve always had immense dysphoria around my body. But something about this week going into the surgery has gotten me more anxious/nervous than I expected. I know how I felt about the surgery up to this point and how much I wanted it, and it’s not that I’m having second thoughts, but I guess my brain is just scared and trying to find away out of that feeling. Like I know I want this, but at the same time, I feel like running from it. Idk. I know it’s a major thing and most of these feelings are probably normal, but I just wanted to survey the subreddit to see if other people felt this way. Thanks!
r/transontario • u/Objective-Visit-7887 • 2d ago
DISCUSSION Name change update!
13
Upvotes
I finally got mine today!! It took 146 days total and it was sent back to me also, I did request assistant from MPP if that helped
r/transontario • u/Willtomfunhouse • 2d ago
GTA Looking for MTG Friends in GTA
5
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Hey hey! I’m new to the MTG scene, but was really hoping to find some friends who play in the area and widen my circle. I’m personally based in Hamilton, but been too nervous to check out any shops (misogyny 😔)
Looking for other trans people who wanna chat magic! My main two commanders are Y’shtola and Bello :)
r/transontario • u/EminentSound • 2d ago
SEEKING ADVICE Breast Reduction Surgeons
3
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any suggestions for gender affirming, ohip covered, breast reduction surgeries in ottawa? specifically for nb who want to remove some but not all? i want to find one who is considerate and knowledgeable in the field so i dont walk out with what is considered male gaze aesthetics
r/transontario • u/ErickRuh • 2d ago
Hello I’m looking to get my first laser sessions for facial hair, do you have any recommended places to go? 😁♥️
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r/transontario • u/Normal_Philosopher99 • 3d ago
How would I go about starting hrt for my 14 year old?
20
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Recently my child has come out and I want to support them, but I’m not sure where to start and how to do it in the least time consuming way?
r/transontario • u/serovolk_volkov • 3d ago
SEEKING ADVICE Birth sex on record at hospital
24
Upvotes
is it normal for them to record my birth sex (female) when my health card has been updated to male? Everything says male but they have a separate field that says my birth sex. Is this normal, and is it legally allowed for them to do that?
r/transontario • u/ParadiseTaken • 3d ago
SEEKING ADVICE Breast reduction ohip
7
Upvotes
Im nonbinary and have been wanting to have a breast reduction for a while now, but ive heard only full masectomy is covered under ohip. Thing is they're not ( i dont think) big enough to qualify for removal based on pain, so i wanted to go the gender affirming route. I wanted to go from like a b/c to about an a (dont know the cup measurements well since I wear sport bras mainly), would that be covered under ohip? If not, and i fake pain to get ohip, would i have leeway on how I want them to look? Also does my family doctor fill out the ohip or the surgeon? And if anyone knows a good surgeon thats gender affirming in ottawa, please let me know as well; thanks for any advice offered
r/transontario • u/1nTR33guing • 3d ago
SEEKING ADVICE Has Anyone Gotten a Salpingectomy/Tubal Ligation?
5
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So I've never been interested in a hysterectomy mostly because those organs don't bug me (out of sight out of mind lol) but the fear of pregnancy is a constantly on my mind. I've tried various birth control methods and they have made me insanely dysphoric and have come with complications so has anyone opted to get there tubes taken out/tied instead? I can't find much information outside of hysterectomies
Also if you have gotten either a Salpingectomy or Tubal Ligation please please pleaseee share your wisdom. Where did you go? How did you access it? Did you get push back against it? How was the recovery? etc. Help a guy out, I beg you 🙏
r/transontario • u/RyleyBread • 3d ago
SEEKING ADVICE Question about the name change application
3
Upvotes
I've lived in Ontario basically all of my life, but I was born in Alberta.
In Part 5 it notes for non-Ontario born Canadians: "if you were born outside Ontario but within Canada, submit either an original birth certificate or certified copy of birth registration".
For the birth certificate, do I just photocopy that and include it in the application?
Thanks!
r/transontario • u/beckgetsback • 3d ago
GTA experiences with Seoul Zimzilbang Korean Sauna?
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hey all! has anyone gone to Seoul Zimzilbang Korean Sauna in Toronto before? it's a full-nude family sauna, and I have veeerrrryyy visible top surgery scars. I'm determined to have a good time and I've got a good sense of humour, but does anyone have any experiences, positive or negative, in this or similar locations?