[AtLast]

After reading Aj's last post about the friend that could have began transitioning under not very safe conditions- no medical script for T- I am wondering about ways that we all can contribute to this sort of thing not happening. As butches of every flavor, as transmen and women, as femmes of all distinctions.

Overall, with the exception of my teenage friend (back in the mid 60's in a very small mountain community with abusive parents that did kill himself), all trans and my intergendered cousin have had medical as wells as support via psychotherapy, trans support groups and organizations. Because I am an old fart, most friendships I have are with older folks- so my guess is that my running into someone struggling with transitioning that is very young probably won't happen like it might for other people here. So, I am interested in more thoughts about how to handle it when we do see situations in which peer pressure might be contributing to transitioning.

Aj's statement to her friend were not judgemental or in any way "side taking." Really great examples of how to communicate to someone something that isn't easy without making them feel "wrong."

I would love to hear from everyone on the best ways one might handle and talk to a friend about this so that they seek professional care and don't risk their health by doing something like using street T. It almost feels like it is better for these messages to come from another transperson on hormone therapy for it to sink in.