Special Resource Guide:
T/GNC Care Guide
This resource guide is presented as a collaboration of our Partner Community, created to share offerings for anyone preparing for or recovering after receiving gender-affirming care.
T/GNC Care Offerings
From our Bloom Local Community Partners
Post-Surgery Compression Tops
From the folks at Shapeshifters:
“We make compression tops specifically for post- top surgery! They're just snug enough to keep swelling down and keep things in place, with an easy-open front zipper and nice soft wide straps.”
Starting at $102+ depending on fabric
To Order/Purchase: Buy any chest binder with a front zipper and add a note saying “this is for post-surgery compression.”
Private Yoga Session
Sebastian Merrill Yoga & Poetry
A queer and trans yoga teacher, Sebastian’s yoga teaching is alignment focused, rooted in yoga philosophy, social justice oriented, and trauma informed. Sebastian has experience supporting trans folks at every stage in their gender journey, including pre-op and post-op care and recovery. A private yoga session can be a great space to develop a personal movement practice to increase strength and flexibility and deepen their body-heart-mind connection.
Sliding scale $75-$125
To Book: Email sebastiancmerrill@gmail.com
Pelvic Floor Therapy
From Em Ike (they/them) OTR/L, CLT of Pioneer Valley Pelvic Health:
“I offer pre/post op care for folks seeking/recovering from lower body gender-affirming surgery. Pre-op appointments allow us to assess pelvic floor function at baseline, address any issues pre-surgery to help optimize surgical results and recovery, and discuss preparation and recovery. Post-op care helps to address surgical recovery, returning to all activities, and scar care. I also offer scar care for folks after top surgery.”
Consultations are free, please contact Em at PVPH for the cost of treatment.
To Book: Email em@pioneervalleypelvichealth.com
Nutrition Consult Pre/Post Surgery
From Cara D'Anello (she/they) MS RD LDN at Homeward Bound Nutrition:
“I am offering pre- and post-surgery nutrition consultations for those looking for support around food and eating. I am providing 30 minute and 50 minute sessions.
Common topics I can support you with:
Nutrients/types of foods that support tissue healing and mitigate constipation and nausea post anesthesia
Nourishing your body post surgery from an eating disorder and non diet informed lens
Strategies for having food/meals on hand that takes into account neurodivergence/differences in executive functioning, time perception, sensory preferences
Debunking common misconceptions around food, body and health
*I approach nutrition from a Health at Every Size® framework and do not counsel on weight loss. I recognize BMI limitations to surgery create restrictions for folks in larger bodies and weight loss is required to access care. I am happy to support you in finding ways to nourish your body and apply a harm reduction approach to weight loss driven behaviors.
Nutrition sessions may be covered by insurance, especially for those with Blue Cross Blue Shield. Feel free to contact me with questions regarding insurance coverage, out of pocket prices and sliding scale rates for 30 and 50 minute sessions.
To Book: Email caradanello.rd@gmail.com
Bloom with Integrity Coaching Package
From Keith Aron Transformational Coaching:
“Gender-affirming surgery is, for many folks, a long-awaited affirmation of their identity, as well as cause for celebration and hope for a more authentic future. At the same time, it can stir complicated and challenging emotions, including grief, anxiety and confusion about how to relate to their “new” body and integrate it into their life and relationships. Coaching can help re-orient folks facing or recovering from gender-affirming surgery to the life they want for themselves post-surgery. It can also help to identify and dissolve old beliefs that might be blocking their way.”
Three 60-minute sessions at $30/session
(Typically priced at $125/session)
To Book: Book a free consultation and mention that you are inquiring about the “Bloom Local T/GNC Care Guide” offering.
The Out Side: Trans & Non-Binary Comics
From the folks at High Five Books:
“In this vibrant and affirming comics anthology, 29 trans & nonbinary comic artists share their personal journeys of self-discovery and acceptance. (It's one of our bestselling LGBTQ+ comic collections here at High Five!)
$16.99*
*Use special code BLOOM to receive 20% off purchase of this title through High Five!
To Order/Purchase: Shop the High Five web store, or find this book at their brick-and-mortar store in Florence.
Sound Meditation Session (30 min or 60 min)
From Fran Astino Consulting:
“A sound bath is a meditative experience where participants are immersed in sounds and vibrations created by instruments such as singing bowls, gongs, chimes, and other resonant objects. The goal is to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and release tension. This offering is recommended for those who find it challenging to quiet their minds during traditional meditation or those looking for alternative healing practices.”
$100 per session. A 50% discount is offered to folks preparing for or recovering from gender-affirming procedures.
To Book: Email franastino@gmail.com
“Hurray for Change” Butterfly - Plantable Wildflower Seed Card
From the folks at Small Victories:
"This seed card uses butterfly metamorphosis to celebrate intentional changes we make to become our authentic selves with a design by two trans artists.
The card card can be planted to grow wildflowers with the simple directions on the back, making it a gift in itself. And with a shelf life of two years, there's no pressure for your recipient to start a new project while they are healing.
10% of all our profits are donated to ecological and LGBTQ+ organizations."
$6
To Order/Purchase: Shop the Small Victories web store, or find this card at their brick-and-mortar location inside Thornes Marketplace in Northampton, MA!
Interested in adding your offering to this resource guide?
Apply for our Partner Program to be eligible to participate in this and other collaborative Bloom Local projects.
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