What can a Transition Mentor do for me?

The answers to this question are nearly endless.

The better answer to that is what I can’t do for you. I can’t offer you medical advice – but I can help you find gender clinics in your area. I can’t offer you mental health care services, but I can help you find a trans-friendly therapist, psychiatrist, or psychologist.

I can call you by your chosen name and pronouns. And I can (and will) treat you with respect and remind you that you are valid. This is your space.

What’s the difference between a Therapist and a Mentor?

While they can seem similar and might have some overlap, the end goals are different. A therapist wants to help you work through difficulties, trauma, pain. I, as your mentor, provide guidance, based on my experiences and the experiences of other trans and non-binary people I know.

I can work really well together with your therapist, but please don’t mistake the help you get from me as a substitution for quality mental healthcare.

What if I don’t know where to start?

Totally normal. Especially for those who transition later in life, you’ve already likely spent time living on the other side, trying to be someone you were never meant to be. I’ll work with you to help you figure out the path you want to take, and help you get there.

Help! My young person is getting aggravation from their school and/or school district! Now what?

I’ll research what your laws and options are in your area, and if needed, communicate on your behalf to try and mediate. I’m not a lawyer, and won’t try to pass myself off as such, but I firmly believe that with reasonable discussion, anything is possible.

I’m under the age of majority in my area and my guardians won’t let me transition. Can you help?

Unfortunately, no. There’s too many liability concerns in these type of discussions, and I’d really prefer not to open myself to lawsuits by (understandably) upset guardians. Sorry.

My spouse/significant other just transitioned. I love them and want to support them, but I feel lost in the shuffle. Can you help?

First: You are also valid, and I have space for you, too. As I’ve noted here and elsewhere, I’m not a mental health professional, but we can see if that option makes sense for you. If that’s not a route you want to pursue, I’ll work with you on other resources, whether it’s reading material or online spouse/significant others community forums where you can ask questions like, “How do you keep your underwear separate from theirs?” or “Is it normal to feel like this about xyz?” among other things.

My friend/loved one has transitioned, but this goes against everything I believe in. How can I keep them involved in my life?

This question is like an onion, with many layers. Is it a religious belief, a cultural belief, an environmental belief? Are you willing to open your mind for discussion at least? If you are, then I can definitely have space and resources for you as well.

What if my question isn’t answered here?

If it’s a quick question, you can either use the Contact Form listed in the menu, or any of the chat options in the header (Messenger, WhatsApp, Telegram). If it’s more complicated, feel free to schedule an Icebreaker in the section that makes the most sense to you.