What Made you Smile/What Ticked you off Today?

[AppleQueso]

I am profoundly uncomfortable getting into this by the way.

[flex wood]

Here's the thing, even when it's *not* covered by public money, even when you're paying it completely out of pocket, those gate-keeping standards are still in place.

Even stuff like breast augmentation is gated if you're trans. Whether you're paying it out of pocket or not.

Well that is bullshit then and I didn't know that no matter what there's still hoops to jump through. Cash is not always king it seems. Fuck that.

[TSTR]

I am profoundly uncomfortable getting into this by the way.

Oh no, I didn't mean to make anyone uncomfortable by asking these questions! I'm sorry. I was just curious. Please forgive me.

[Michi]

The 'screening process' is likely typical gatekeepnig "are you sure? are you really really sure? are you really really really really really sure? We'll let someone attach frankenstein bolts to their neck no questions asked but you weirdos we gotta make sure about. Bring me multiple referrals from different doctors and therapists telling me how sure you are."

I don't like gatekeeping.

....I'm sure most of the "gate keeping" is to cover some asses so people don't start getting lawsuit happy or aren't going to be happy with the final result.

Whatever the various reasons for gate keeping might be, I would guess that 3/4ths of the reasons probably fall under this category. Once certain procedures are done you can't go back and they don't want anybody coming back 2 months later with some sleazy lawyer (sorry, prfsnl_gmr) yelling "But they didn't double/triple/quadruple check first!"

[AppleQueso]

That's what the informed consent model is for. Just sign a paper stating you understand the risks, etc and you're golden. It removes that liability. Many cosmetic surgeries and body modifications are irreversible as well, but people seeking those aren't held to the same level of scrutiny as trans people are.

EDIT: googling tells me that Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota's requirements are (in a nutshell) being 18, being properly diagnosed, being on HRT, and being 'full time' for at least a year. This looks out of date, but assuming the current requirements are the same, those aren't outrageous requirements for insurance coverage, but keep in mind that gatekeeping models exist independent of this.

[AmishSamurai]

I am profoundly uncomfortable getting into this by the way.

Oh no, I didn't mean to make anyone uncomfortable by asking these questions! I'm sorry. I was just curious. Please forgive me.

Everyone has different comfort levels. Me personally, when I started looking into this stuff I got a lot of mixed information and people giving me deliberate misinformation out of a sense of gatekeeping, spite for being younger, or just to fuck with me. So I try to be as straightforward as I can while giving the caveat I don't know everything, or even most things.

[Luke]

Sorry to disrupt the medical bill talk, but!

My entrance. I would have been a jerk not to sign an autograph.

So glad I pitched cigarette girls...



Sorry for the blurry image.

They also did a nice little dance number that was...well, sexy and a bit naughty.

Bought the cigarettes for $0.25 a pack, sold out, with a sales price of $2.00. The night was phenomenal. Raised thousands, which is great.

My wife and I will be not only in the local paper, but also in local magazines.

Love it when hard work pays off.

[prfsnl_gmr]

^ Awesome. That looks like a great party.

they don't want anybody coming back 2 months later with some sleazy lawyer (sorry, prfsnl_gmr) yelling "But they didn't double/triple/quadruple check first!"

No worries. I deal with sleazy lawyers all the time. I know exactly what they are like.

[Luke]

^ Awesome. That looks like a great party.

It was one for the books.

That atmosphere, in a museum, just perfect.

And I'm happily married, but wowzers. Trophy wives all over the place. Furs, gloves, gowns...but my wife still took the cake. When I get the pictures of her I'll post 'em. She was straight double dynamite with a side of Whooo-Ah!

[fastbilly1]

they don't want anybody coming back 2 months later with some sleazy lawyer (sorry, prfsnl_gmr) yelling "But they didn't double/triple/quadruple check first!"

I view prfsnl as Lionel Hutz from the Simpsons. Hes not sleazy per se, just Phil Hartman in disguise