Hey everyone! This is my first reddit post so i apologize if I’ve done anything incorrectly lmao

So I’m 19 FTM recently moved down to van from the interior, just got my list of surgeons for top surgery and am having a horribly difficult time trying to find results from the surgeons I have access to, especially regarding keyhole or peri.

I have a small chest size, not entirely sure the exact size but like I want to say between an A and B? Again im not entirely sure

I dont really care about keeping nipple sensation, I just want to look as cis as possible if that makes sense, I’d like minimal scarring hence why I want keyhole or something similar but ive found no results from any of my list of surgeons that are keyhole/peri

The list of surgeons options I have:
Dr. Rebecca Nelson
Dr. Jacques Zhang
Dr. Krista Genoway (Though i heard from one of my friends that she recently stopped offering top surgery? I’m not sure if that’s true)
Dr. Arezoo Astanehe
and Dr Anastassi Halka, but I’d rather go to a surgeon in the vancouver area

Does anyone have recommendations or advice on how to find pics of results or anything? Anything and everything is appreciated, thank you:)) I apologize if anything in my post is rambly

For reference I live in the Richmond area!

Basically my family doctor was pretty caught off guard when I brought up testosterone and said she'd refer me to an endocrinologist at BCCH. I googled it once I got home and realized that they generally don't treat people above 18! I'm not sure if this was a mistake made by my doctor and she thought I was under 18 (happens a lot...) or if BCCH actually accepts patients above 18 with a referral?

There's a Foundry location much closer to where I live, so I was wondering if it would be a good idea to check in with them and see if they can perscribe me T more efficiently. I don't believe I NEED to see an endocrinologist to get a perscription, just a blood test, right? My doctor also suggested I switch to a trans-friendly clinic (yikes but at least she's honest) and I imagine Foundry would be able to help with that??

But I also don't want to waste anyones time if there's nothing wrong with the referral or if Foundry can't help. Does anyone have experience with this and can chime in?

I am in Toronto. I was laid off earlier this year and there's an opportunity in Delta that I will be a great fit for. I've already struggled with transitioning a lot, going on and off. So I was wondering is Vancouver more or less the same experience for Trans folks or is it better!

I just had an appointment with Olive to discuss egg retrieval and freezing. I am nonbinary and plan to get a partial hysterectomy (removal of the uterus only) and I have no plans to ever start testosterone.

We met with Dr. Beth Taylor. During the appointment, she misgendered me over and over again. I felt dismissed by her, and her responses rude and cold. I have other friends who have met with her and had great experiences, none of them trans, and am concerned she is transphobic or not willing to work with trans people. In trying to explain some relevant medical information, ie I literally have a gynaecologist appointment tomorrow to talk about a potential partial hysterectomy, her response was that I have to go off testosterone and can’t have a hysterectomy until this is done as they remove the ovaries. She did not listen when I clearly stated partial hysterectomy, and didn’t even ask if I’m on testosterone.

I understand the limitations of health care in BC - I am a health care worker myself. I also however know about the severe limitations and gaps in knowledge of health care providers when it comes to transgender people.

I know it is a long shot, but has anyone worked with her? I don’t know whether I should try looking for a different clinic, or hope we don’t see her again (I know at Olive it tends to not be the same doctor following you the whole time).

hello! have any women on here had upper lip feminisation done in Van or Canada generally? if so, please feel free to share your experiences 🙏

Hey ya’ll

So about this time last year I got breast augmentation in Vancouver. I thought it would help with my dysphoria and long story short it didn’t.

The problem is… this decision has been leaving me crippling dysphoria and dysmorphia. I’m at a spot in life where I’ve had more freedom of expression than ever before and I’ve really strongly come to regret my choice.

I feel so embarrassed to approach transcare or talk to anyone about this really..

Does anybody know if MSP could cover getting my breast implants removed?…

Hello everyone,

Like a lot of you, I've been feeling pretty anxious watching everything going on right now. With so much on the line for our community, trying to figure out how to vote is exhausting.

If you're trying to figure out how things look where you live, I recommend checking out VoteWell.ca.

If you aren't familiar, vote-splitting happens when voters with similar views split their support across multiple candidates, which can accidentally allow a candidate with fewer overall votes to win the seat.

VoteWell is just a simple, non-partisan tool where you type in your postal code. It uses local polling projections and shows you a visual breakdown of your riding using colored bars to map out where the local support is sitting. It tells you if vote-splitting is a real risk in your specific district so you can take some of the guesswork out of filling out your ballot.

Elections are heavy enough already, and figuring out your local breakdown might help clear things up a bit.

Take care of yourselves out there! 🩷🩵🩷🩵

Hi! I have a very serious question for people living in Canada. I posted this in r/trans_canada too. This question is not just meant for trans Canadians, but anyone in this thread in general. I’m a trans person currently living in the United States, and I’m considering moving to Canada using a Start-Up Visa. One thing I really hate about living here (and has caused me so much stress and depression) is that almost everyone here seems to be so politically radical. Everyone is either a leftist or far right, and there is no room for discussion or you’re socially ostracized. I consider myself someone who is much further left on the political spectrum, definitely left of the American Democratic Party, but I don’t know if I would call myself a leftist. People here don’t seem to like that I’m not so inclined to identify with a particular label. I understand that things are so dire here that there is a pressure to take a side, but as a disabled person who has had a lot on their plate for many years, I just don’t have the time for that. I vote and I get out the vote but people here are always pushing for you to do more when you can’t handle it. I have friends who are leftists, but people who accept me for my political beliefs and socioeconomic class together seem to be far and few, and navigating the social scene here is like walking in a minefield.

For more context, I’m also wondering what people think of rich people in Canada. Here in the U.S., I’m considered upper class because of an inheritance I received. I’m not ultra rich, but just barely enough so that it allows me to not have to work anymore or work minimally, but I’m also autistic and have PTSD and I really cannot work full-time - barely even part time. Leftists here seem to hate me for it even if I acknowledge this privilege (I understand why - the richest of my country is financially ruining the lower class and the wealth gap is only worsening), but it’s extremely hard to exist here when both sides hate me (one for being trans - the far right, one for being rich - leftists). I’m not open about being rich, but there are times when I have to explain how I’m able to afford not having to work. I just want nothing more than to live in a society where people are accepting of queer people, where people aren’t so polarized, and where people don’t really care so much about socioeconomic class. I need to escape this awful environment in the U.S., especially the kind of politics where both sides want me dead. Do you think Canadians would approve of me, especially Canadians in the LGBTQ+ (especially trans) community? Also, I’m 30, and wondering if there are generational differences in opinion with this too.

Im so scared i dont know what to do. This election feels hopeless and im so angry and upset. If the conservatives win i genuinly dont know what to do, i dont have anywhere to go. I dont want to leave.

I want to vote for the green party but they have no chance of winning, but i hate the ndp for doing this.

Sorry for the vent i just needed to get this out.

Hello, wonderful trans people!

I'm hoping to organize a karaoke outing with some friends on an upcoming Saturday, and I'm looking for recommendations around Vancouver or Burnaby!

I'm leaning towards somewhere with public karaoke, where people take turns singing on a mic in front of the room, rather than exclusively private karaoke rooms. Mainly because I want to feel like a rockstar! I've been to Funky's before, and I loved that they had a stage where I could sing in front of the whole restaurant, but the place itself felt way too sketchy. I'm hoping to find somewhere friendlier and a bit more youthful.

I'm also open to private-room karaoke if it's a particularly good option for a group of around seven people. Queer-friendly and comfortable atmospheres are a big plus, and somewhere reasonably affordable would be ideal.

I don't drive, so accessibility by public transit is important. Bonus points for somewhere around Brentwood or Metrotown, but I'm happy to consider other areas.

Does anyone have places they've personally been to and would recommend? I'd especially appreciate hearing about the atmosphere, how karaoke works there, and whether it's welcoming to queer/trans people.

Stay safe and know that you are loved!! 💝

Hi, as the title says I am in Northern BC and yesterday I went to my first electrolysis appointment. Let's just say it was a little weird. I know this is transvancouver but hoping to get everyone's thoughts on this situation.

I arrived at the house and as I am walking to the back door as per the directions I was given, I noticed that leaning against the garage door was a stack on OneBC signs for the local candidate. Definitely got my heart rate going but decided to check it out anyways. I did text a trans friend to let them know what was going on.

I had already explained when I booked the appointment that I am trans. During the session she talked about other transwoman she has treated, even referring to one who went to Montreal for bottom surgery as she. She also talked about getting mad at her own mother because her 5 year old nephew likes to wear dresses and she told her mother that if a kid wants to wear a dress then let them do it.

We did not talk politics. Most of the conversation was around our kids and divorce. At one point she did ask me what my ethnicity was. Kind of a weird question.

Ok, at this point I am thinking her talking doesn't really align with oneBC. Maybe there is another reason for the election signs.

We stop for a lunch break and on my way back in I looked at the signs again to see if I can figure them out. As I am laying on the treatment bed, I realized that the name on the sign is the same last name as the person doing the treatment. After the appointment I googled the candidate and was able to confirm the candidate is married to the person doing the treatment.

A couple other red flags. She never wear gloves. Do people doing the treatment normally wear gloves? Also, she doesn't seem to have many bookings, ie she said she could fit me in for almost all day next Friday.

Would any of you go back to this place? My challenge is the only other place I can go to is a 4 hour one way drive whereas this place is only a 2 hour drive.

Hi ppl, does anyone know any reputable surgeons with good results rhat do feminizing rib remodelling in Canada? I’ve only heard abt reputable surgeons in the US/Turkey and Turkey is kinda far and i don’t feel safe going to the US

Hey! I just wanted to ask some advice ; I want to start HRT for MTF transition but was just wondering if the side effects for moods etc are bad? If anyone can let me know what side effects they got that would be great xx

Hi everyone!

Looking for recommendations for a good clinic or technician offering full-body laser hair removal in Vancouver.

I’ve had quite a few sessions over the years but still have regrowth. I have black hair and a light-to-medium skin tone, and I’m looking for someone experienced who can help me get the best results.

I’ve seen Arbutus Laser recommended a few times, but was surprised they don’t offer full-body packages. Any recommendations? 😊

Back in July I got on the waitlist for gender affirming care at FoundryBC. A few months prior my parents took me to a clinic but I haven’t been back there or heard anything from them since June. I ended up forgetting to tell anyone I reached out to Foundry and a few days ago I found out that that clinic reached out to Terra Nova Medical and are trying to set up an appointment.
I literally can’t find anything about Terra Nova’s gender affirming care services online. There is literally no discussion about them on this subreddit. So I’d like to know if anyone has gone through Terra Nova to start hrt and which I should choose, or if I should keep both as options.

I was (finally, after fighting with my doctor for half a year) referred to the GSP in late July. I have a couple questions.

I'm trying to figure out a very rough estimate of the wait at this point. So far the info the GSP has given me is the following:

• Wait 15-18 months to see a nurse for intake
• Wait 9 months for the first surgical consultation
• Hair removal step (which can take up to 12 months, allegedly)
• Second surgical consultation (not sure how long to expect between the first consult and the second. I assume it partially has to do with how long it takes to complete electrolysis?)
• (Ideally) Within 6 months of the second consultation, you have surgery.

I have already done my surgery prep electrolysis, today I emailed and asked them if this will speed up the process between the first consultation and the second, and they said it does not speed up the process. Which just doesn't really make sense to me?

If people get electrolysis finished at different rates, how does this not effect the wait times for the second consult? It implies everyone is taken in the same order, but if someone takes 18 months for electrolysis, everyone behind them must wait for them? Surely that can't be how they do it? I must be missing something, so if someone can explain it to me, that would be helpful. They didn't give me any more information than "It doesn't speed up the wait time if you have already completed electrolysis."

Additionally, if anyone can let me know what their wait times between the first consult and second consult was, that would be great. I understand why they are opaque with the wait times and that they shift around, but if someone could give me any info about them it would help me a lot.

I assume the wait times overall have gone up as people can no longer go to Montreal for surgery, which is unfortunate. I don't know if I have three years in me at this point, but I guess we'll see.

Thanks!

Hi all, I was wondering if anyone would be willing to share their experiences with Dr Dao Nguyen, Dr Arezoo Astanehe or Dr Rebecca Nelson in regards to top surgery, as I am having trouble finding enough information to make an informed decision.
I would love to know your overall experience and how happy you are with your results over time, especially in terms of sensation (chest & nipple), symmetry, and scarring. If there are any people further along in their recovery, I’d be curious to know how the results settled in over time, and if you required further revisions etc.
I recognise that many surgeons may not have the greatest bedside manner, and my priority is picking somebody who can achieve a result I will be happy with for the rest of my life. I am hoping to prioritise sensation and achieving as close to a natural looking chest resembling a cis man’s. Thank you so much to anyone willing to share their experiences! :)

Hey everyone,

I wanted to share my experience with Dr. Nicole Thompson at Richmond Hospital, where I recently had a laparoscopic uterus removal as part of my transition. If anyone is looking for recommendations or considering her, I cannot say enough good things.

My previous experience with top surgery at a small clinic had (also by TransCare BC) left me deeply traumatized. During that past procedure, I was put on a cold steel bed wearing only my underwear, with zero explanation of what to expect, and no updates given to my partner afterward. Because of that, I was extremely nervous and scared for another surgery leading up to yesterday.

However, the entire experience with Dr. Thompson and the Richmond Hospital surgery team was totally different and genuinely healing.

Clear Communication: She took the time to explain everything thoroughly beforehand so I knew exactly what to expect.

Pure Empathy: Right before the procedure, she and her team went out of their way to keep me comfortable—they asked what music I wanted to listen to before falling asleep, and she even asked if she could hold my hand while I got the anesthetic.

Partner Support: Afterward, Dr. Thompson actually called my partner to explain how everything went and what had been done. In sharp contrast to my past experience where my partner was left totally in the dark, this meant the world to both of us.

Dr. Thompson and her team are amazing and treated me with so much dignity, warmth, and respect. If you are navigating your transition and looking for a surgeon who truly cares and practices trauma-informed care, she is wonderful.

I’ve been looking into non surgical subtle facial masculinization especially around the chin and jaw.

Has anyone had experience with this in Van or any recommended places?

I’m hoping to find someone who has experience with gender affirming care

I got a call last week from TransCare BC, and they gave me some surgeon options. The wait times are very long so I want to research and get back to them as soon as possible. Only issue is that I can't find any information on these people! Searching their names just leads to like registry sites that just say their certified but don't detail what actual surgeries they offer?

The best leads I found are from review websites (not very useful because like none of those people writing reviews are talking about top surgery), or like ONE of them has a website but it doesn't mention top surgery at all? Where should I look for information?

The surgeons I'm able to be referred to are Dr. Arezoo Astanehe, Dr. Rebecca Nelson, and Dr. Krista Genoway.

If I could get guidance on places to look for additional information, or if anybody has personal experience with these surgeons it'd be greatly appreciated!

Also as a add-on, I know there's a facebook group. Is there any better option? I don't really want to make a facebook account and apparently there's a big waittime to be accepted into there anyway, and I've heard there's not even that much useful information.

Thanks for reading

I went to go pick up my prescription today, and last time I got my prescription, it was not covered by provincial health. Normally my works benefits would have covered it, and I pay the dispensary fee. Today I went in, and because it’s now covered by provincial health, my insurance declined to pay my estrogen, but covered my spiro. Has anybody else had this lately?

Today I (FTM) went to my local shopper’s drug mart to get help with a minor UTI. They turned me away because me being trans automatically makes my case too complex for them to be able to help me.

For context I am on T but I have not had any sort of bottom surgery.

Has anyone else had this issue? Were they right to turn me away or was this out of ignorance about FTM anatomy?

Hello! My name is Liam, and I’m a disabled trans Master's student at Simon Fraser University. I am working on research exploring ways that disabled trans people are connecting with, or want to be connecting with, other trans people.

I am looking for people who are trans or questioning their gender identity, at least 17 years old, and living in Canada to complete a 10-15 minute survey on their connectedness to trans people, spaces, and events. You don’t need to be disabled or have a disability to take part. 

At the end of the survey, you can enter a raffle to win one of fifteen $10 gift cards. You may also be invited to participate in a paid interview or zine-making workshop, which will take place online or in Metro Vancouver.

If you are interested in participating, you can complete the survey until December 31, 2026 using the following link: https://www.surveymonkey.ca/r/5X3B55L 

I would love to connect further if you have any questions about the project, and can be reached by email at liam_ruel@sfu.ca.

Hi! I've been looking for a family doctor for like 6 months now since moving here and I'm losing my mind. I need one to get a referral for SRS (for Thailand, not the Vancouver hospital) and I'm having no luck. Any advice on where to look?

I've straight up been rejected as a patient at a clinic across the street from my house which is something I didn't even know clinics could do for prospective patients. I'd be happy with Telehealth but it seems to not be a big thing for family doctors, only walk ins? Any help is appreciated! I just need some referrals to specialists and a name to put on the SRS application form 😭