Can you do self-insemination at home ?
This might be an uncomfortable image to share, but with the ongoing discussions surrounding the “irreversible effects” of puberty blockers and hormone replacement therapy (HRT), I feel compelled to shed light on the challenges that trans women face when denied necessary care during childhood.
From a very young age, I recognized my identity as a girl. However, fear, shame, and a lack of understanding about gender identity kept me hidden away for over three decades. Had I been exposed to positive representations of trans women during my formative years, I would have undoubtedly embraced my true self much earlier. I spent countless nights hoping to awaken as the girl I knew I was, and had I been aware of the treatment options available, I would have eagerly pursued them.
Growing up in Indiana in the 1990s, I was fed a narrative that portrayed trans women as men pretending to be women, often depicted as tragic figures or threats to society. Consequently, I remained in the shadows, enduring the torment of a masculine puberty that almost cost me my life. I found myself hospitalized twice due to suicide attempts and was prescribed a variety of antidepressants and mood stabilizers, none of which provided relief.
The changes my body underwent during puberty were distressing. When I hear the term “irreversible damage,” I think of the physical transformations I endured—my voice deepened, my body became more muscular, and facial hair began to grow in. These changes have haunted me, and each time I hear the phrase, I am reminded of the pain I experienced.
Now that I have transitioned, I am receiving the necessary care to live authentically. The image shared reflects the aftermath of a single session of full-facial electrolysis aimed at permanently removing my facial hair. This marks my sixth treatment, and each one has been increasingly painful and costly. So far, I have invested $25,000 into these procedures, which I consider a worthwhile expense.
If I had access to puberty blockers and HRT at the right age, I could have avoided this suffering and financial burden. Unfortunately, the irreversible effects of masculine puberty have left me with a face that often draws unwanted attention and hostility in public. This has heightened my anxiety, and the need for expensive surgical corrections looms ahead, costing tens of thousands of dollars.
I have also dedicated a year to vocal therapy to achieve a voice that aligns with my identity. However, I may still need surgery to modify my vocal cords to feel completely comfortable expressing myself.
My heart aches for the trans youth today who are under the care of parents or guardians who refuse them access to puberty blockers and HRT at the appropriate age. I wonder if these adults realize the resentment their children may harbor for them in the future or if they simply do not care. If I discovered my parents had known about my identity and chose to suppress it, I would struggle to forgive them.
As unjust laws are enacted, thousands of trans children will grow up knowing the state has made it illegal to affirm their true selves. I assure you, they will remember those who contributed to this pain.
For more insights on this topic, you can check out our other blog post here, and for additional authoritative information, visit Intracervical Insemination or Cleveland Clinic’s resource on intrauterine insemination.
Search queries:
- What are puberty blockers?
- Transgender youth and hormone therapy
- Effects of puberty blockers
- How to support trans children
- Costs of gender-affirming care
In summary, access to puberty blockers and HRT at the appropriate age could have significantly reduced the pain and financial burden I faced due to masculine puberty. The journey for trans individuals is often fraught with challenges, and it is vital to advocate for supportive care for future generations.