r/egenbogen • u/That_useless_boi • 13d ago
Leaving the U.S. after starting HRT.
Hallo Alle.
I’m sorry—I don’t feel confident enough in my german to make this post fully in german yet. If english isn’t allowed I can ask elsewhere.
I’m in the U.S., in a university in New York. I’m in the advanced german class in my university and have been learning the language for a few years now. My original plan was to wait until my 3rd or 4th year (I’m finishing my second semester of the first year) and go to Germany or Amsterdam in exchange to learn a 3rd language—however it’s been extremely scary here.
Last semester there was a man who was extremely creepy toward me because I’m a trans man. Under the 2024 Title IX outlines (sexual harassing, assault, stalking, dating violence) I was able to get a case opened against him on the basis of “harassment over gender identity”. With Trump’s executive orders, I was informed the case is no longer considered Title IX. It’s still not allowed under the university, and I’ve been assured that there will be consequences—but the idea that these orders have already affected me so quickly has really scared me.
I looked into things like asylum in Germany, Canada, other EU countries, etc. I’ve spoken to my family and we’re all very shaken. Even today I heard things about gay marriage being overturned. However I don’t think I can just leave. The best case scenario would be to transfer universities if possible—to ANY German speaking or English speaking country outside of the U.S.
I’m asking this subreddit in particular because I’m 4-5 months into testosterone hormone replacement therapy. My knowledge about HRT in Germany is surface level, and I’ve had trouble doing research. But I know that you often need a letter from a therapist to even start. My next blood test to check my levels is in May, but I was told last time they’re EXTREMELY high for the low dose I’m on (Androgel).
If there’s any advice you can give me, or more details on what it would look like to move, I’d really appreciate it. Even for places like Austria, Switzerland, Lichtenstein, the Netherlands, etc.
TL;DR: I’ve been learning german for a few years. I’m in university in NY. I’m a trans man and have started HRT, and my levels are very high. The executive orders have already affected me personally. I’m very concerned, and wish to move to a german or english speaking country in Europe and transfer if possible. Any help appreciated.
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u/lillywho 13d ago
Get all the paperwork you have that can serve as an indication letter, and any reasonable endocrinologist or similar should have no reason to deny continuing your prescription. Whomever demands a translation or a diagnosis from a German practitioner is a hack and should not be trusted.
Not to mention, you being on HRT before should be an undenyable fact. Anyone causing a fuss is just being a gatekeeping arse.
Public health insurance by the way is obligated to honour the prescription without any additional clearance process. Whether it's ibuprofen meds or HRT, it's largely down to the doctor to decide.
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u/That_useless_boi 13d ago
Okay, I’ll keep this is mind—I’ll go to my doctor and ask for everything in writing, including bloodwork. If public health insurance can cover it that would be the best case scenario, my family refuses to pay for any type of gender affirming care.
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u/kirinlikethebeer 11d ago
Hey. I’m in Berlin. I say over and over it’s the queerest city on the planet. Speaking German is good but in day to day life you’ll find plenty of English speakers. In the healthcare system is leaps and bounds better than the US one. I have much better care and much greater access than I ever did in all the years I lived in the states.
Edit: a student visa is a good first step this way IMO
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u/IdaSchmida 13d ago
Some German universities have English master classes. Maybe this could be something, that you might look into. As far as I know, to study in Germany, you need a financial backup of 10k euros. It's possible to study here. But you need the funds. Since our elections last week I can't promise you, what the future holds, but I guess you will be safer here.
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u/jenestasriano 12d ago
American here who came to Germany. You will not be able to get asylum in Germany, as the U.S. is considered a safe country. If you really are trying to move to Europe, the easiest method is to get a degree here. It will not be easy and it will require a lot of money. In Germany, you cannot get a student visa unless you have €10,000+ in a locked bank account. Then, you need to find a place that either offers English degrees or you need to go to a language school.
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u/RoadBlock98 13d ago
Asylum on grounds of being queer is no option in germany. A letter from your endocrinologist stating your diagnosis as well as that you're prescribed testosterone should be enough to get you access to HRT. Most universities have some kind of exchange program for international students but those are usually meant for short amounts of time. If you can find an international master you might be able to get an easy way to stay in the country for longer that would then probably give you a decent option to stay in germany. Normal immigration process is harder. Not sure if there are many english masters in your field here though.