In my previous blog post, I shared my apprehensions about the unexpected email I received from the GIC, which set up two Zoom appointments with Dr. McGregor-Johnson and Dr. Gurleen Bhatia. The first meeting was scheduled for the 1st of November 2022, and as the date approached, I found myself feeling nervous and uncertain about what to expect.

In preparation for the assessment, I cleaned my office space, selected my most comforting clothes and ensured that all the technical aspects of my Zoom setup were working correctly. Putting on some basic makeup(mascara & Ph colour changing lip balm), I took a deep breath, attempting to calm my racing nerves. Reminding myself that it would be a friendly conversation between two people, I joined the virtual meeting with three minutes to spare, waiting eagerly for the host to let me in.

Somewhat Clean Office:

 

Me after the zoom meeting:

 

The Meeting Unfolds:

As the meeting commenced, Dr. McGregor-Johnson introduced herself and kindly put me at ease. Her gentle demeanor and approachable nature made me feel more comfortable than I anticipated. During the assessment, she asked a range of questions, covering various aspects of my life and experiences. (questions listed at the end)

Dr. McGregor-Johnson delved into personal topics that reflected the intricacies of my gender journey. She asked about my living arrangements, workplace environment, support systems, and struggles with dysphoria. While some questions were tough to answer, I appreciated her sensitivity in discussing each topic.

Understanding my dysphoria and how it affected different aspects of my life became a focal point of the conversation. We discussed its impact on my voice, hair, and genital dysphoria. These questions may be intimate, but they help the specialists get a comprehensive picture of an individual’s unique experience.

The assessment covered vital aspects such as my support network, whether I self-medicate for HRT, and if I’ve considered freezing sperm for future fertility options. Dr. McGregor-Johnson thoughtfully mentioned that freezing sperm could be a free option available for transgender individuals for a limited time.

We also delved into relationships, past experiences of abuse or bullying, and coping mechanisms during low moments.

Following the questions, we spent time discussing my goals, focusing on key areas like health, socialization, and personal development. Dr. McGregor-Johnson also shared what I could expect during the second assessment.

Goals Given: 

1. I should aim to be below 100kg consistently (this was due to the discussion regarding HRT and how I should aim to be in peak condition when starting)
2. I should look into and investigate CCG (fertility options, i am required to confirm or deny this service in the 2nd assessment)
3. I need to look into support groups and socialize more as I ‘appear to be a recluse’. 
4. Sexual experimentation
5. Find out my BMI and start working on a very strict and health diet, and quit energy drinks, this will be explain more in the 2nd assessment in regards to medication and getting the best effects. also if possible to quit alcohol altogether.

Next Steps:

Before parting ways, the specialist informed me that her notes from this session would be shared with my GP and sent to my email. The second assessment, with Dr. Gurleen Bhatia, was scheduled for the 30th of November 2022. Following that, blood tests would be arranged, and HRT prescriptions would be considered.

While I was undeniably nervous before the first assessment, I am grateful to have gone through it. Each step brings me closer to my authentic self, and I want to share my experience with others who may be embarking on a similar journey. After the first assessment, I feel more confident about facing the second one, and I can’t wait to share my experiences with you all in another blog post soon.

 

Questions Covered in the first assessment and what to expects:

1. My Address (Household)?
2. Date of Birth?
3. Current Legal Name (Full)?
4. Preferred Name (Full)?
5. Current Pronouns?
6. Preferred Pronouns?
7. What Gender do you identify as and why?
8. Does your gender identity fluctuate?
9. Where do you work?
10. What is your role?
11. Do you present in the workplace as your preferred gender?
12. Is there a separation between your home life and work life in regards to gender appearance?
13. Has your company been made aware of your gender dysphoria or your steps to transition as of yet?
14. Do you feel your workplace is not very accepting or limiting of your transition and journey?
15. In your workplace, have you encountered any issues or problems in regards to your transition?
16. Do you have an HR department within your company, and are they easy to get hold of if needed?
17. Are you aware HR is there to assist you?
18. Do you suffer from depression or anxiety?
19. If your depression were to get worse, would you seek help?
20. Are there any other triggers for your dysphoria or times where it is worse or harder to deal with?
21. How do you cope during your low moments or times of struggle?
22. Have you had any suicidal thoughts in the past couple of years?
23. Do you seek medical assistance for your depression or anxiety?
24. Do you self-medicate for HRT?
25. On a scale from 1 – 10, how bad would you say your dysphoria is?
26. In relation to dysphoria, how bad of an effect would you rate your voice, hair/facial hair, and genitals on a scale of 1-10?
27. Would you like children? Are you aware of the effects of HRT in regards to fertility? Would you consider freezing your sperm?
28. Have you attended or been a part of any local support groups?
29. Who is aware, and have you ‘come out’ to everyone?
30. At what age did you ‘come out,’ and how? How supportive was everyone when you ‘came out’? Are they still supportive even now?
31. Are you in a relationship? Have you ever been in a sexual relationship?
32. What is your sexual interest?
33. Do you practice masturbation? (This can be a problem for people with dysphoria)
34. Have you had any STDs?
35. Do you smoke?
36. Do you know your height?
37. How much do you weigh?
38. Do you do any drugs?
39. Do you take any over-the-counter medication?
40. Any allergies?
41. Have you ever had surgery?
42. What is your alcohol intake monthly?
43. Have you ever been under general anesthesia before?
44. Are there any medical issues within the family?
45. Does anyone in the family suffer from migraines? Is anyone in the family on the autistic spectrum?
46. You mentioned some family that you are close to. How close are you to them, and would they be there for you?
47. Tell me about your family and some of your history.
48. Has there been anyone abusive in your family or life?
49. Were you bullied in school?
50. How was your life in college or university?
51. Are you bullied at work?
52. Do you have a steady income?
53. Do you have any considerable debts?

of course I will not be answering these questions on the blog as they are personal in nature. I hope listing these questions that I was asked will given insight to others with this important millstone upcoming.