5 Reasons Transitioning Is Expensive

The biggest misconception of transgender individuals is that in order to be transgender, one must start hormone replace therapy. This is not true. Thus, transitioning is expensive with or without hormone replacement therapy. How one transitions opposed to another will vary. Not everyone transitions or wants to transition in the way that this article entails. In regard to my own transitioning process, here are five reasons transitioning becomes expensive.

1. KT Tape

I choose to bind. I originally started binding by using a binder from gc2b apparel that was so generously a gift from a friend. Although I loved this form of binding in the beginning, it soon began to give me major back aches and I felt as though it was still a bra. Too, as I started to build muscle, my binder fit way too tight. Thus, I tried using tape. I love using tape, however, rolls of tape tend to get expensive. I use the KT Pro tape which is on average $16-$20 a roll. A roll usually lasts me a month, but there are also cons to taping. I cannot tape the entire 30-31 days of the month because it causes major irritation if worn too long. Too, the tape peels off in the shower (the original KT tape more so than the KT Pro tape). Also, when taking the tape off, there sometimes can be tears of the skin which hurts. This is caused by the tape being on too long or just by being impatient and ripping it off like a band aid (not recommended).

5. Clothing

Since I have gained weight as well as muscle on testosterone, my clothes do not fit as I had preferred. Although the occasional tight t-shirt on my arm does make me feel more masculine, I miss my baggy shirts. Thus, I have had to change sizes which called for a shopping trip or two.

While this list does not include the doctor appointments, therapy appointments, legal paperwork, and testosterone itself, transitioning has truly changed my outlook on how I reconsider spending $3.59 on an energy drink opposed to going to bed sooner. Thus, transitioning is in no way cost friendly, however, I am more than willing to pay to feel and look how I feel most comfortable.