27 LEADING THE WAY
“The triage appointment was incredibly helpful, going through my history, mental health, my support network, names, pronouns and gender identity. It was the first time having a conversation like that with an adult that was so normal about it, they knew more about trans related issues than me, which was cool,” said Mac. With support systems in place, Mac waited a further six months before he became a patient of the Gender Service with Associate Professor Ken Pang as his lead paediatrician. Over the past five years, through the care of the Gender Service, Mac has been able to address his gender dysphoria with gender affirming care, including psychologist support, speech therapy sessions to help lower his voice, testosterone hormone therapy and finally, booking in for his upcoming top surgery. Mac is also enrolled in the Trans20 study, the first comprehensive longitudinal study of transgender and gender diverse children and young people in Australia. Before his first Gender Service appointment, and then at regular intervals every year, Mac and his parents fill out a comprehensive survey to understand his physical, mental and social outcomes.
is a non-confrontational way of starting a conversation about additional support with the team.” Mac is nearing the end of his time with the Gender Service, and his future is looking bright. Next year he’ll finish high school and will be referred to an adult endocrinologist for any ongoing care needs. Mac has dreams of working as an occupational therapist specialising in trans youth and will continue his work in trans and disability advocacy.
“I’m passionate about advocacy, so I’m involved in focus groups, three advisory groups and I’ve been accepted into a leadership program where I’ll help run programs for trans youth. The future holds lots of exciting opportunities,” said Mac. Mac also has this message to other young transgender people: “There are people out there who truly love and accept you and there is support here for you. Starting medical transition isn’t the start of being trans, you being you is enough.”
5 years with the Gender Service
“I wanted to be involved in the Trans20 study because it is important for the next generation of trans and gender diverse young people to know what their future can look like. Currently there isn’t enough information around long term outcomes which also has resulted in a lot of misconception. So it was important for me to be part of the solution,” said Mac. “In the survey, certain questions are asked each year and include your previous year’s response. It’s both a reflective and refreshing experience to see how things have changed and how far I’ve come each year. It is also helpful because when I’m struggling, the survey
Mac Zamani and Fel Andronicou