Michaella
10-26-2016, 10:09 PM
Hello,
It's been ages since I posted, and a lot has happened since. I am a trans woman, now living full time as a woman, and the transition for the most has gone, and continues to go very well. But I have not yet carried out legal change of gender and name. Making those changes is very much complicated by the fact that although I am a Canadian citizen I work in the US, under a provision of NAFTA. I still own a home in Canada, just north of Toronto, and travel there as often as I can, while also owning a house in the US. I am working through a lawyer because my situation is unusual and it is important that the changes be done in both countries so that documentation matches, and done in a very specific sequence in both countries, so as to not in any way jeopardize the case in either jurisdiction. But of course it does complicate matters.
My legal counsel has explained that I must obtain a letter from an Ontario physician in support of the changes. They gave me an example of a suitable letter. I receive all my health care in the US, as it is supplied by insurance through my employers, and it is a very good package, encompassing medications and dental. Furthermore some of my coverage in the US would not be paid if I maintained my OHIP coverage, so I have not seen a physician in Canada for some years. I have received suitable letters from my physician and therapist in the US. Through a friend in Ontario I contacted a Doctor in Toronto who does have patients in the trans community there.(Frustratingly, I know I could easily obtain many suitable letters from physicians in the US -- I work for a medical school -- but, it must be a doctor in Canadian practice.)
My hope was that I could arrange to see the Doctor in Toronto on one my trips home and he would supply me with the suitable letter so that I could take it right away on the same trip to the appropriate government agencies. I told them I would of course pay for the cost of any examination and the documentation myself at that time, as I am not covered by OHIP at this time.
But, the Doctor told me that as he has not been following me as a patient and was in no position to consult on this matter. I do understand, and I certainly do not want a physician to feel at all compromised by this.
So my question is, does anyone know of a doctor somewhere in southern Ontario who might be willing to do this? If so, please contact me by private message.
Thank you.
Michaella
It's been ages since I posted, and a lot has happened since. I am a trans woman, now living full time as a woman, and the transition for the most has gone, and continues to go very well. But I have not yet carried out legal change of gender and name. Making those changes is very much complicated by the fact that although I am a Canadian citizen I work in the US, under a provision of NAFTA. I still own a home in Canada, just north of Toronto, and travel there as often as I can, while also owning a house in the US. I am working through a lawyer because my situation is unusual and it is important that the changes be done in both countries so that documentation matches, and done in a very specific sequence in both countries, so as to not in any way jeopardize the case in either jurisdiction. But of course it does complicate matters.
My legal counsel has explained that I must obtain a letter from an Ontario physician in support of the changes. They gave me an example of a suitable letter. I receive all my health care in the US, as it is supplied by insurance through my employers, and it is a very good package, encompassing medications and dental. Furthermore some of my coverage in the US would not be paid if I maintained my OHIP coverage, so I have not seen a physician in Canada for some years. I have received suitable letters from my physician and therapist in the US. Through a friend in Ontario I contacted a Doctor in Toronto who does have patients in the trans community there.(Frustratingly, I know I could easily obtain many suitable letters from physicians in the US -- I work for a medical school -- but, it must be a doctor in Canadian practice.)
My hope was that I could arrange to see the Doctor in Toronto on one my trips home and he would supply me with the suitable letter so that I could take it right away on the same trip to the appropriate government agencies. I told them I would of course pay for the cost of any examination and the documentation myself at that time, as I am not covered by OHIP at this time.
But, the Doctor told me that as he has not been following me as a patient and was in no position to consult on this matter. I do understand, and I certainly do not want a physician to feel at all compromised by this.
So my question is, does anyone know of a doctor somewhere in southern Ontario who might be willing to do this? If so, please contact me by private message.
Thank you.
Michaella