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Ask the Experts About LGBT Health Recent Answers   |   Ask a Question Q: Sex change How can I get a sex change fast when it is a matter of life or death? A: Response from Dr. Raney Hello, I'm sorry to hear you're feeling such stress. Your feeling of urgency concerns me. There are many resources out there to support you. If you are in a life or death situation, please contact emergency services by calling 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. If you are experiencing threats of violence against yourself, you should call the police. Even if there is no immediate threat or risk of physical harm, the people at an ER can make sure you're all right and get you the support you need. Not every provider may understand the needs of people who want to transition, but your safety should be a priority. A sex change is a complicated, multi-step process that shouldn't be rushed. A licensed mental health provider is usually the best place to start. If you are in Boston, you can call Fenway Health at 617 927-6202 and speak with Aaron. He can refer you to the Transgender Health Team, or other resources, if appropriate. Please seek support. If a sex change feels like it needs to happen immediately or if you feel like your life is in danger, it's imperative that you seek professional help immediately. You can also call these national hotlines listed below toll free from anywhere in the US. The Samaritans 1-888-240-HOPE (4673) The Trevor Project 1-866-4-U TREVOR (866-488-7368) The Gay and Lesbian National Hotline 1-888-843-4564 Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Helpline 617-267-9001 Toll-free: 888-340-GLBT (888-240-4528) Peer Listening Line 617-267-2535 Toll-free: 800-399-PEER (800-399-7337) You can receive help, information, referrals, and support for a range of issues without being judged or rushed into any decision you are not prepared to make. Talk to trained volunteers about safer sex, coming out, where to find gay and transgender-friendly establishments, HIV and AIDS, depression, suicide, and anti-LGBT harassment and violence. No matter what is on your mind, people are available on these hotlines to encourage and ensure you that you are not alone. Best wishes, Pat Raney, MD Terms of Use Please remember that this forum is designed for educational purposes only, and experts are not engaged through this forum in rendering medical, mental health, legal or other professional advice or services. If you have or suspect you may have a medical, mental health, legal or other problem that requires advice, consult your own caregiver, attorney or other qualified professional. Unfortunately, the experts cannot answer every question they receive or diagnose specific health conditions over the internet. If you are having a medical emergency or otherwise require immediate attention, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency room. Experts appearing on this page are independent and are solely responsible for editing and fact-checking their material. Neither Fenway nor any of the collaborating websites at which the experts are carried is the publisher or speaker of posted visitors' questions or the experts' material. Questions and messages posted to this forum are not statements of advice, opinion, or information of Fenway or any of its collaborating sites. While neither Fenway nor its collaborating sites regularly reviews posted content, we reserve the right to delete, move, or edit postings if we deem it appropriate under the circumstances. Visitors submitting questions remain solely responsible for the content of their messages. Forum Experts Harvey J. Makadon, MD is Clinical Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and Director of Education and Training at The Fenway Institute at Fenway Health in Boston.  He is a member of the Division of General Medicine at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and is the lead editor of The Fenway Guide to LGBT Health, published by the American College of Physicians in 2007.  He has long been involved in developing both educational and clinical programs to serve gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender populations. Patricia Raney, MD, is a staff physician at Fenway Health in Boston, Massachusetts. She is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts Medical School and is Board Certified in Family Medicine. Her clinical interests include women's health and wellness, primary care, preventive care and the health concerns of lesbians, bisexual women and transgender people. On a more personal note, she is an avid stone carver.       Home | Site Map | Privacy Policy | Disclaimer | Tell a Friend | Helpline | Give Now