History 3: The Gatekeepers

The entire GRS process is regulated by the healthcare profession. Even though we're adults, and capable of making our own decisions, we're not allowed to make these decisions without permission. The Benjamin Standards stipulate counseling and at least a one year "Real Life Experience" before GRS. In actuality, the limiting factor is getting the "permission" letters from two mental health professionals. If they say OK, a surgeon will usually say OK, too. It's a matter of everyone covering their asses. For me, the surgery couldn't come too soon. However, my counselor works strictly by the standards and refused to consider anything else. At least, there was no doubt that she would give me the letter. For my second letter I decided to use Dr. B. I met with him regularly during the process of prepping the kids so we already knew each other. I was floored when he told me that I'd be required to take the MMPI-2 psychiatric evaluation. After working together for 6 months he still had to make sure I wasn't psychotic?!? As I said, covering his ass. As put off as I was, I decided to go ahead rather than having to start all over with another psychologist.

Although my transition has been pretty uneventful, the year "waiting period" has probably been a good thing as it has given us all time to get used to things.