COVID-19 tips & tricks
← See all COVID-19 tips & tricks
Info for trans people
This tips and tricks section provides information for people who are trans and/or non-binary, in addition to relevant tips in other sections. Thanks to Clinic T for advice in constructing this section.
Accessing hormones and other gender affirming treatment
If you’re using hormone therapy, it’s a good plan to ensure your prescription is up to date. GPs should be able to issue repeat prescriptions without necessarily needing face-to-face consultations in many cases. Ensure you have enough syringes, needles and sharps bin if you're on injectable meds and self-injecting. For trans women who are dilating, ensure you have sufficient lube and other supplies needed. Whilst many pharmacies are still open, it's good to think ahead in case of having to isolate.
The Gender Identity Clinic in London has information about access to their services here.
In addition, their website has up-to-date information about accessing to and using hormone therapy during this time.
If you are cancelling or postponing at the London GIC because of not being able or wanting to travel this won't mean you’ll be put to the back of the queue: you won't be penalised unfairly for this.
Chest binding
If you bind your chest, you might be at increased risk of complications from COVID-19. This might be especially the case if you have asthma or other respiratory conditions. Our friends at 56T at Dean Street have put together this great video about COVID and binding.
Trans/NB folks that use binders: If you show symptoms for #coronavirus follow our advice on binding, self-isolate & call 111 if you're worried about your symptoms. Stay safe! More information on covid-19: https://nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/ [Plain text: Binding could be putting people at greater risk of complications from coronavirus. This is even more likely for anyone who has asthma Or any other health condition(s) which affect your breathing.If you have a cough or fever we advise that you don’t bind, self-isolate & call NHS 111 if you’re worried about your symptomsBinding can restrict your breathing, potentially making coronavirus symptoms worse.Not binding can be tough. If you’re sick and unable to bind: check in with friends or family about how you’re feeling, wear baggy clothes or layers that make your chest less noticeable.If you feel not binding just isn’t possible try only wearing old, stretched-out binders & take regular breaks] #transhealth #nonbinaryhealth #queerhealth
Posted by 56T on Wednesday, March 18, 2020
And there’s more info about chest binding here.
Being safe
Many of us have to live in housing situations that aren’t ideal, including with partners, family members, or housemates who we’d rather not be with, or who are hostile towards us. Find out more tips and support here.
Visit our main COVID-19 hub for information about safer sex, hook ups, getting medicines and other essential info for these times.
Staying connected
It’s really important to stay connected with support networks during these times. Groups are springing up on social media to help with this and many of the support organisations are running phone lines or doing virtual meet ups .
Check out these tips on mental health and COVID here.
56T have produced this video about reducing stress and coping during these COVID times:
Coping with stress during COVID-19. Advice for gender diverse people.
Our communities are facing unprecedented challenges during the COVID-19 outbreak. Find out how to cope with stress with some advice from the trans/non-binary wellbeing team at 56 Dean Street. [Plain text alternative: Coping with stress during #covid-19. Advice for gender diverse people from the team @ 56t. It's ok to not feel ok: It is normal to feel sad, stressed, confused, scared or angry during a crisis. Talking to people you trust can help. Contact the supportive people in your life. Reach out to your friends, family, and trans siblings online, on the phone or by video chat. Stay healthy: do your best to stay healthy & active whilst you’re staying at home. Try to keep up a good diet with gentle stretches & exercise. Try to avoid using smoking, alcohol or other drugs to cope with your emotions. If you feel overwhelmed, talk to someone. Have a plan of where to go and how to seek help for physical and mental health needs if required. Get the facts: follow advice from the World Health Organization, the NHS & the gov.uk website. Call nhs 111 if you have symptoms & you are worried. Limit the time you and your household spend watching or listening to media coverage that you find upsetting. Use your trans superpowers: draw on skills you have used in the past that have helped you to manage life’s adversities. Use those skills to help you manage your feelings during this challenging time. Solidarity from the team @56tsoho & @56deanstreet. Advice adapted from: https://www.who.int/docs/default-sour.... Music by: www.free-stock-music.com]
Posted by 56T on Wednesday, March 25, 2020
And all of these organisations have details of UK social and support groups, trans support services and essential info:
@56TSoho (Twitter)
@TransBareAll (Facebook)
Spectra London's Trans Services
Clinic T
Gendered Intelligence
CliniQ