Queen Anne Medical's Dental and Scrotal Anesthesia Makes Electrolysis/Laser Easier for our Transgender Clients

"Tree Light" is one of many beautiful paintings by Jacqui Beck (www.JacquiBeck.com) 
found in 'Where's MY Book?' A Guide for Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming Youth, Their Parents, & Everyone Else.

My family medical practice, Queen Anne Medical Associates, PLLC, has served the transgender community for eighteen years. We added laser and electrolysis for hair removal over the last two years.

Of course individuals vary in how they experience these treatments. But particularly for the sensitive upper lip area, these treatments can be painful. That's why we routinely offer prescription-strength numbing medicine at no additional cost. For a moderate fee, I can do a mean dental block - or a scrotal block prior to gender confirmation surgery. Needless to say, these have become fairly popular!

It reminds me of taking childbirth classes when I was pregnant nearly forty years ago. "Think of contractions as 'pressure'" didn't ring true in my experience.

I believe that offering reasonable pain relief for hair removal procedures is critical. But I have found that most clinics do not offer pain relief for laser and/or electrolysis. I don't want painful hair removal to be just another "punishment" or burden one carries just for being trans!

Take care,
Linda Gromko, MD

Transgender Health Training is Happening at the University of Washington - as an Elective!

Jacqui Beck's "One to Another" makes me think about
the essence of education. Jacqui's paintings are featured in
my recent work Where's MY Book?

I have a University of Washington education: a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, a Master's in Nursing, my MD degree, and my family practice residency all through the University of Washington!

But through all of that training, I scarcely heard a word about transgender health! Having done transgender medicine for 18 years and having written a book about it (Where's MY Book? A Guide for Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming Youth, Their Parents, & Everyone Else), it's important to me. Seattle is said to have the third largest transgender population in the US.

That's why it feels so great to participate for the third year in the UW School of Medicine's elective course on transgender medicine. Coordinated by Roberta Dalley, MD, and Gender Justice League Executive Director Dani Askini, the course is attended by primarily medical students. There are some folks from social work, public health, and perhaps nursing also.

Someday, this course - or parts of it - must be offered in the general curriculum of the UW School of Medicine. I look forward to the day when it's not simply an elective offering! And I look forward to the day when it's a requirement in all health education programs nationwide.

Take care,
Linda Gromko, MD

Boston Trans Girl Pays "Where's MY Book?" the Best Compliment Ever!

From Jacqui Beck's Gender Personal Exhibit,
and the cover of "Where's MY Book?"




 

I had a wonderful - albeit a little crazy - opportunity to speak and sell books ("'Where's MY Book?' A Guide for Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming Youth, Their Parents, & Everyone Else") at Boston's First Event Conference yesterday. The arrival of Winter Storm Jonas made things a little dicey - but it all worked out.

Without parallel, the most amazing event for me was this: as I was beginning my talk about the development and need for my book, a fourteen-year-old trans girl said she'd been given this really helpful book that explained everything...not realizing she was describing 'Where's MY Book?' - the book I wrote! People asked if she was a "plant!" (No, not a plant - but a marvelous endorsement, for which I am most grateful.)

While I had only about six hours to spend at the conference, I had fun with my talk, met some great people, connected with folks from "Welcoming Schools," Camp Aranu'tiq, GenderMystic, and a whole host of really committed, good-hearted souls who care about kids!
I sold a bunch of books, and raffled off three. Our drawing winners were two enthusiastic trans youth, and Jeanette from GenderMystic (whose help in using the "Square" device for high tech commerce was enormously appreciated!). Thanks also to leader Carol Caravana.

Thank you, First Event, and to my "plant" for a great experience that warmed my heart!

Take care,
Linda Gromko, MD
www.LindaGromkoMD.com

Libraries are Beginning to Order "'Where's MY Book?' A Guide for Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming Youth, Their Parents, & Everyone Else!"

I am noticing that public libraries are beginning to order copies of "'Where's MY Book?' A Guide for Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming Youth, Their Parents, & Everyone Else."

"All for One" is one of many of Jacqui Beck's
paintings in "Where's MY Book?"



 

Asking your library for the book helps to generate interest - and to make the book available to people who might not be able to buy it themselves. So do ask your librarian - if not for yourself, for someone else who may benefit.

I am seeing book orders from all over the country - often, single copies ordered from people in small towns. How gratifying it is to see that people are accessing this important information.

Take care.
Linda Gromko, MD
www.LindaGromkoMD.com

I'm selling books at Boston's First Event, Saturday, January 23, 2016!

"Hands," by Jacqui Beck, is one of many of her paintings
in "'Where's MY Book?' A Guide for Transgender and Gender-Nonconforming
Youth, Their Parents, & Everyone Else."

Boston's well-known transgender conference comes up next week!

I'll be giving a talk on Saturday morning, January 23rd, and selling books that day ONLY!

 I'll admit this trip makes me question my OWN sanity! I'll be taking a red-eye flight from Seattle to Boston on Friday night, giving a talk at 9 a.m. Saturday, and returning to Seattle that afternoon.

 

But, like Seattle's Gender Odyssey, Boston's First Event has a family tract. This is the perfect venue for Where's MY Book?

 

To sweeten the deal, we're offering a special price - and raffle drawings - at the conference only!

 

Looking forward to speaking, meeting people, and selling & signing books at Boston's First Event Saturday, January 23rd!

 

Take care,

Linda Gromko, MD