Gender Dysphoria Program of Central Ohio T he Standards of Care advocated by the Harry Benjamin International Gender Dysphoria Association, Inc. , include the recommendation that candidates for reassignment surgery dress and live in their chosen gender for a period of time prior to surgical intervention. This recommendation causes some people to feel pressured to begin transitioning right away. It is our experience that results are better if this step is taken only after careful planning. If you are planning on joining the program and if you are not already presenting in the nonbirth gender on a regular basis, please wait until you have joined and discussed your plans.
Planning is particularly important when it comes to transitioning in the workplace .
Approaching your supervisor appropriately, with respect for his or her position, can win you indispensable support. Leaving your employers out of the loop or putting them on the spot, on the other hand, may lose you a job you needed to keep. While living in the nonbirth gender consistently is a requirement for those seeking SRS, it is important not to wreck your life in the process. Maturity in coping with the often difficult situations SRS candidates encounter is necessary for a successful transition. Individuals who fail to keep goal and process in perspective often find themselves with a recommendation for SRS but without the financial or emotional resources to complete the process.