A Message to Our Community: November 2024

This message is for our trans, non-binary and gender non-conforming patients and their loved ones.

We are here to stay. 

We recognize all the emotions rippling throughout our communities since last week, given our country’s political climate. The future of lifesaving, medically necessary, gender-affirming care is weighing heavily on many of our communities at this time.
We know that attacks on gender-affirming care directly affect our community’s wellbeing. The CDC found that one in four trans youth have attempted suicide in the past year. A study that was recently published in Nature and Human Behavior by researchers associated with The Trevor Project found a causal relationship behind this tragedy. In states where anti-trans legislation was introduced, trans youth were up to 72% more likely to attempt suicide because of the hostile political climate.
Contrary to what we have been hearing in the public discourse, gender non-conforming people are not new. We are not a fad and we are not a trend. Our communities have always existed. Our communities are resilient and powerful. This is not the first time we have experienced persecution for accessing care and living freely and openly as ourselves.

We are not going anywhere. 

At the Gender Confirmation Center (GCC), we remain steadfast in our commitment to provide the highest quality gender-affirming surgical care to our communities. We remain steadfast in our commitment to remain a safe haven in healthcare for all trans, non-binary, and gender non-conforming people. We remain steadfast in our commitment to lower the financial barriers to care and help patients from all around the country travel safely to access surgery if they need to.
If you are experiencing heightened levels of anxiety, we encourage you to tap into your support networks: in-person or online, loved-ones or mental health professionals. Some might find it helpful to participate more actively in their communities’ advocacy efforts, while others might need to disconnect from social media during this time.
Regardless, know that you are loved. There are so many of us who will continue to fight to protect you. In the coming months, we will continue to share resources for our communities that will be most impacted by attacks on trans people and our healthcare. For now, here is a short-list of resources you can access at this time.

Crisis and Support Hotlines:

The Trevor Project

A nonprofit offering 24/7 crisis support for LGBTQ+ youth.
• Text START to 678-678 or call 1-866-488-7386
• Website: The Trevor Project (https://www.thetrevorproject.org/)

LGBTQI+ Specialized Services at the 988 Lifeline

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides specialized LGBTQI+ services for youth and young adults.
• Text “PRIDE” to 988
• Call 988 and choose option 3
• Website: 988 Lifeline (https://988lifeline.org/)

LGBT National Help Center

Offers a range of hotlines for different needs:
• General LGBT Hotline: 888-843-4564 (Mon-Fri 1pm-9pm, Sat 9am-2pm PT)
• Youth LGBT Hotline: 800-246-7743 (Mon-Fri 1pm-9pm, Sat 9am-2pm PT)
• Senior LGBT Hotline: 888-234-7243 (Mon-Fri 1pm-9pm, Sat 9am-2pm PT)
• Coming Out Support Hotline: 888-688-5428 (Mon-Fri
 1pm-9pm, Sat 9am-2pm PT)
• Website: LGBT National Help Center (https://www.lgbthotline.org/)

Trans Lifeline

A peer support hotline run by trans people for trans people.
• Call 1-877-565-8860 (24/7)
• Website: Trans Lifeline (https://www.translifeline.org/)

Local LGBTQ+ Support Centers & Mental Health Support:

San Francisco LGBTQ+ Center

Connects the LGBTQIA+ community to resources and opportunities.
• Website: SF LGBTQ+ Center (https://www.sfcenter.org/)

Oakland LGBTQ+ Community Center

A center for health, wellness, and community activities for LGBTQ+ individuals.
• Website: Oakland LGBTQ+ Center (https://www.oaklandlgbtqcenter.org/)
• Transgender Support: Transgender Support (https://www.oaklandlgbtqcenter.org/transgender-support)

Pacific Center for Human Growth

Offers sliding-scale mental health services for QTBIPOC individuals and families.
• Website: Pacific Center (https://www.pacificcenter.org/)

Quest House

A recovery home for transmasculine individuals undergoing phalloplasty or metoidioplasty in the Bay Area.
• Website:  Quest House SF (https://questhousesf.org/)

The Transgender District

An organization focused on economic empowerment and community-building for transgender people.
• Website: Transgender District (https://www.transgenderdistrictsf.com/)

Trans In Color

A peer support network and resource hub for transmasculine BIPOC individuals.
• Website: Trans In Color (https://www.transincolor.org/)

El/La Para TransLatinas

An organization promoting survival and improving the quality of life for trans Latinas in the Bay Area.
• Website: El/La Para TransLatinas (http://www.el-laparatranslatinas.org/)

Legal & Insurance Advocacy Resources:

Lambda Legal

Learn about your rights as a trans or nonbinary individual and stay informed on the ongoing legislative battles that threaten your rights.

ACLU – Transgender Rights

The ACLU works in courts, legislatures, and communities to defend and preserve the rights of transgender individuals.
    •    Insurance & Healthcare Resources:

TransFamily SOS Insurance Assistance

TransFamily’s Insurance Coordinator ass ists trans youth and adults with insurance pre-authorization and appeals, offering a 99% success rate in getting approvals.

Transgender Law Center

A national trans-led organization advocating for self-determination and liberation for all trans people.
• Website: Transgender Law Center (https://transgenderlawcenter.org/)