Alexander Stefanini 5/26/25 Alexander Stefanini 5/26/25

After the Transition—Reflections, Recovery, and Continuing the Journey

Home in Pennsylvania

In between the August and December surgeries, I arranged a fall semester of free voice lessons after researching three providers who all specialized in helping transgender people, especially trans women. Estradiol does not help raise your voice.

Alexander Stefanini 5/24/25 Alexander Stefanini 5/24/25

Surgery, Setbacks, and Strength—A Mother’s Role in Gender-Affirming Care

Surgeries in Arizona

We stayed in an Airbnb townhouse close to the surgeon’s office, surgical center, and local hospital. As planned, we had a rental car for 10 days and used an Uber from then on. Since I was not working and Caroline had recently attended her second college graduation, we were able to stay in town for all follow-up visits with the surgeon.

Alexander Stefanini 5/22/25 Alexander Stefanini 5/22/25

Navigating the Legal System—Name and Gender Marker Changes Without a Lawyer

Legal Gender and Name Change

I can’t tell you how lucky I was to have the mentor I met at my first PTWC. She happened to live in the same county in Pennsylvania as Caroline. She took the time to write a seven-page document on how to save tons of money by not hiring an attorney to file the required paperwork for a legal name change at the County Court of Common Pleas.

Alexander Stefanini 5/21/25 Alexander Stefanini 5/21/25

From Hormones to Coming Out—The First Steps of Medical and Social Transition

Physical and Social Transition Begins

One of the most difficult and frustrating tasks in 2017–18 was finding an endocrinologist who was willing to help Caroline with her 15-month pre-surgical hormone treatment following her decision not to save sperm. I searched her insurance network and called group practices of endocrinologists, one after another, and was told that not only did they not have anyone trained in transgender care, they had no one interested in coming up to speed to do so.

Alexander Stefanini 5/18/25 Alexander Stefanini 5/18/25

Finding Mentors and Mapping a Path—Lessons from the Philadelphia Trans Wellness Conference

Making Progress

The best advice we received from a therapist was to attend the annual Philadelphia Transgender Wellness Conference (PTWC). I attended all three days for three years in a row.

Alexander Stefanini 3/3/25 Alexander Stefanini 3/3/25

From Therapy Hurdles to Community Support—Navigating the Early Days of Transition

Immediately After Disclosure to Mother at Age 23

Now what?! The next day I headed off to a medical library open to the public in a local hospital. The medical librarian printed three of the most recent studies about transgender people from scientific publication subscriptions paid for by the hospital.

Alexander Stefanini 2/27/25 Alexander Stefanini 2/27/25

“Mom, I’m a Girl”—A Mother’s First Steps Toward Supporting Her Trans Daughter

“Mom, I’m a girl.”

One day, at the age of 23, my daughter sat me down and simply said: “Mom, I’m a girl.” Within a fraction of a second I replied: “Oh, what do we need to do about that?” She knew enough about the subject to say she needed to start by seeing a therapist.

Alexander Stefanini 8/6/24 Alexander Stefanini 8/6/24

Trans Beauty Queens Redefining Pageantry

The world of beauty pageants has long been a bastion of traditional gender norms and rigid beauty standards. However, a new wave of trans beauty queens is challenging these conventions and redefining what it means to be a pageant contestant.

Alexander Stefanini 7/25/24 Alexander Stefanini 7/25/24

Your Gender Transition Journey Made Easier - Arrive Therapy's Free Surgery Workbook and Name Change Guide

Going through a gender transition involves navigating complex procedures, legal requirements, and potential roadblocks, but Arrive Therapy's Gender Transition Surgery Workbook and Name Change Guide aim to smooth the process for Chester County, Pennsylvania residents by drawing from their firsthand experiences.

Alexander Stefanini 5/3/24 Alexander Stefanini 5/3/24

Clothing For Trans Men

Clothing For Trans Men.

Alexander Stefanini 5/3/24 Alexander Stefanini 5/3/24

Two Big Victories For Trans People!

Alexander Stefanini 4/2/24 Alexander Stefanini 4/2/24

Exploring Gender Identity with Alexander Stefanini

Emmalee, Jen, and Alex discuss navigating gender identity, the work Alex does with his clients as well as their parents, supporting a loved one on their journey to transition, and the radical acceptance that can be helpful along the way. Tune in to find out what Alex is Calling BS on and to gain insight, awareness, and action!

Alexander Stefanini 2/18/24 Alexander Stefanini 2/18/24

Key Types of Hormone Therapy and Their Effects

HRT and You: A blog series by Arrive Therapy

The overview:

Feminizing Hormone Therapy: Estrogen

Estrogen: Promotes feminine characteristics such as breast development, softer skin, and wider hips.

Anti-androgens: Blocks the production and effects of testosterone, aiding in the reduction of masculine features. 1,2.

Masculinizing Hormone Therapy: Testosterone 1,2.

Testosterone: Induces masculine characteristics including a deeper voice, increased body and facial hair, and a more muscular appearance. It also halts menstrual cycles

Gender Fluid Hormone Therapy:

Hormone therapy may be taken in small doses by individuals who don’t identify as strictly male or female, resulting in a more androgynous appearance.

Hormone therapy may be taken in small doses by individuals who don’t identify as strictly male or female, resulting in a more androgynous or feminine appearance. 1.

Five teenagers of varying genders and colors, expressing their unique personalities