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Writer's pictureTallulah Breslin, MS, CCC-SLP

Kansas and Beyond Resources for Transgender, Non-binary, and Gender Diverse People and Allies

Updated: Dec 1, 2023


This post will be updated as new resources are located- it is a working document. Links are included for further reading and to share the information source. Recommendations for additions to this list are appreciated, as are any concerns about included resources. We may or may not have personal experience with these businesses, so please do not consider inclusion here as our personal or medical recommendation.


Support Community Members with Their Work

  • Camille Lema with Camille Simone Lema art. Indigenous folk art that celebrates people of color and the beauty and magic found in nature. From prints to altar boxes to custom wood paintings, these pieces will bring light into the spaces they enter.

  • Vanessa Linn Hillis with They Them consulting optimizes business processes with a team and gender inclusive lens through HIPAA compliance, operations, and business consulting services.

  • Maximillian Alexander with Allegro Adagio Music Lessons. Offers virtual music lessons with a qualified, certified orchestra director. Maximillian is a trans man and certified music educator who offers private virtual lessons on violin, viola, and cello. He teaches adults and children above 8 and is very passionate about helping you reach your music goals!

Gender Affirming Voice Training

  • Tallulah Breslin, MS, CCC/SLP with Harmonic Speech. Offers virtual gender affirming voice training for all gender's speaking voices in Kansas, Michigan, and Texas. Also co-teaches 12 hour workshops with Fiona Barnhill for other voice professionals seeking to learn how to provide GAVT, and presents on gender affirming voice training, cultural competency, and gender inclusive healthcare practices. Teens and adults. Accepts BCBS, Oscar, and Medicare, and can help navigate requesting single provider agreements from other insurance companies. Also offers an income-based sliding scale to those in need. This is me- the provider who created and maintains this resource. I hope it helps! :)

  • Fiona Barnhill with Mantra Voice. Offers virtual gender affirming voice coaching for all gender's speaking voices. Also co-teaches 12 hour workshops with Tallulah Breslin for other voice professionals seeking to learn how to provide GAVT, and presents on gender affirming voice training, cultural competency, and gender inclusive healthcare practices. Offers affordable pricing.

Voice Practice Tools

  • Backstage Monologues for oral reading practice

  • Virtual piano or Virtual guitar for pitch matching

  • Microphone test Use for computer microphone troubleshooting

  • Interactive International Phonetic Alphabet chart allows you to hear what the different symbols we use to represent the sounds of spoken languages sound like. IPA stands for the international phonetic alphabet.

  • AmPitch Real-time scrolling pitch analyzer- displays both pitch and amplitude, and can be configured for different voices

  • WASP2 Record and save live audio, and display speech as a waveform, spectrogram, and pitch track

  • MRI of Anna-Maria Hefele singing What's happening on the inside when you sing in different pitch ranges

  • Laryngoscopy during vocal play Watch the vocal folds on video

  • Pink Trombone Hear how different changes you make affect speech sounds

  • Petralex and Microphone Live microphone loop back apps. Have a little latency, but allow you to listen to yourself while you're doing voice practice.

  • Tiny Piano app is a great mobile tool for pitch matching. The notes are conveniently written at the bottom of the keys. Per my research review, masculine speakers stereotypically use E2-E3, androgynous or gender neutral speakers use A2-G3, and feminine speakers use D3-C4 speaking range.

  • acousticgender.space is a web-based app that visualizes pitch and resonance of voices over time in a 2-dimensional space.

Gender Voice Communities

Visual Elements

Chest Binders

Half or short binders restrict breathing and speech less than full length binders. Binding improperly risks damaging breast tissue. If you're binding you'll want to be aware of your breathing patterns to make sure you aren't shallow breathing. Do not bind with Ace Bandage or Saran Wrap- your lungs and ribs thank you.

  • Binding 101 by genderbands (and also occasionally free binders)

  • Dr. William Powers method for determining binder fit: four fingers inserted under the side of the binder should stay flat, if the fingers are pressed in the binder is too tight.

  • Point of Pride free chest binders program long waitlist

  • Underworks compression undergarments including chest binders

  • Flavnt skintone skin tone chest binders, birch - onyx

  • LeoLines binders & gender neutral lingerie on Etsy

  • Spectrum Outfitters short binders

  • KT Tape Recommended by multiple people for binding. CVS brand tape doesn't have the branding on it that the KT name brand has.

  • TransTape KT type tape marketed for binding

  • Binder Exchange free binder program for people in the United States who need but cannot afford a chest binder

  • Gender Junk The Gender Junk program provides transgender youth without access to gender affirming items free binders and other gender affirming items.

Gender Neutral Apparel/Underwear

  • TOMBOYX High-quality, gender-neutral underwear, swimsuits, and lounge/sleepwear. I have personally purchased products from this store and recommend them.

  • LeoLines leotards, chest binders, swimsuits, panties, bras

  • Glamour Boutique Gaffs panties for tucking, clothing marketed to crossdressers

  • Savage x Fenty by Rhianna: wider crotch panties

  • Spectrum Outfitters boxers you can pack and pad in

  • Rubies No-tucking needed form-fitting underwear, bikini bottoms, and bathing suits for trans girls. Love their slogan: "It magically turns a pointy poker into a dainty dune."

  • Play Out Apparel Gender-equal underwear and athleisure in extended sizes XS-5X.

  • ECCE HOMO Gender neutral underwear and lingerie. Well-labeled products ("Space in front" and "Flat front").

Clothing Fit/ Sizing/ Styling

  • Strong Style Solutions Image consulting and coaching services for people of all gender identities who are looking to discover their own unique style and sense of embodiment. Learn how to authentically express your gender identity and style in your physical appearance and body language. Get started here, with our interview "Transitioning your Fashion Gender with Abi Strong & Tallulah" We have personally screened Abi and recommend her services as gender-affirming and inclusive.

  • A bra that fits visual measuring guide, recommendations for both male and female assigned at birth.

  • Dr. William Powers method for determining binder fit: four fingers inserted under the side of the binder should stay flat, if the fingers are pressed in the binder is too tight.

  • Clothing Size Charts Every brand's sizing is different

  • On The Plus Size clothing size charts 0x-8x

  • Thrift stores are great for finding your style and fit if you're up for spending time trying lots of items on

Salons, Haircuts, Makeup, Hair Removal and Wigs

Expanded Size Foot Wear

  • Sophia Webster UK shoe company selling women's shoes sized up to EU 46/ UK 13/ US 15.5. Shoes cost $195-340.

  • shoes.com Women's shoes up to US size 20. Size 16 and below has a wide selection, with shoes priced $36-310, and many shoes available in the $36-50 range. Size 17 has a few options for heels, boots, sandals, and sneakers. Sizes 18-20 has steel toe boots and canvas sneakers only. Some styles are offered in narrow and wide width. Pay attention to sizing and double box any return packaging- it isn't always clear if they're listing UK or US sizing, and returns have been reported to be denied for arbitrary reasons.

  • Tom's shoes up to women's size 12

  • Sorel Women's sneakers, sandals, wedges, boots, booties and slippers up to size 12

  • Cinderella Shoes Women's shoes up to size 15. Slippers at birkenstock-style sandals (brand Emma) at size 15, wide style selection size 10-14. Narrow, medium, and wide width available. Prices range from $37 for slippers to $225 for boots.

  • Pleaser Shoes Shoes up to size 17, known for flashier styles but also has flats and pumps.

  • Tomboy Toes Menswear styled shoes in smaller sizes (EU 36-40) (women's size 7-10) leather and vegan styles

  • Solely Original custom fit shoes. Shoes are fitted to a custom mold made from your feet, so ALL sizes can be purchased here. The mold is made in your home and shipped through the mail. Very pricey but if it's in your budget it's a great service.

Body Shape and Medical Care

Trans and Gender Non-Conforming Medical Care including HRT and gender confirming surgeries

Taking medications without routine monitoring by a physician, "herbal" hormones, black market hormones, unregulated supplements, do-it-yourself breast or genitalia alterations, inserting a tampon into your anus, and black market surgeries can cause harm, have long-lasting undesired consequences, and even lead to death. Sadly, these practices have permanently harmed and killed many trans people. Even in trace amounts, Rogaine has killed felines. Your life and safety matters: PLEASE inform yourself and stay safe. Taking any medication or receiving any surgery should only be under the direction of a licensed health care practitioner.

We recommend looking at the "before" and "after" pictures for any surgeon you're considering, to see if y'all have similar opinions of what the "ideal" surgery outcome is. Talking to people who have worked with a doctor before can also be helpful.

  • Crane Center in Austin and San Francisco, transgender surgery center, entire hospital dedicated to trans surgeries Personally recommended by many people who have stated they received surgeries at the center. We are impressed that we have never heard of any issues with this surgery center, and we have met a lot of people who have had surgery here. We'll update this if we ever hear differently. We still recommend being really cautious when it comes to tracheal shaves here though- We've heard they do not have a laryngologist working for them, and plastic surgeons are performing the procedure at the same time as FFS.

  • Planned Parenthood. Offers abortion, primary care, birth control, emergency contraception, STD testing, treatment and vaccines, HIV services, HRT, and pregnancy services. Uses the informed consent model. Will work with people that don't have insurance. Takes some insurances. Has clinics in Overland Park, Wichita, and Kansas City. Many people have reported to us a good experience with HRT management.

  • Informed consent HRT provider map

  • Plume Online only. Teletherapy, does not accept insurance. Gatekeeps: requires letter for HRT access. Has been described to us as a practical way to get HRT prescriptions if you do not have another option.

  • The following three gender reassigning surgery centers were described to us in 2022 as, "The best on the planet."

Mental Healthcare and Support Groups

  • PFLAG Kansas City

  • PFLAG National find a chapter

  • Loren Hudson, MS, LPC, LCPC (he/him) is a licensed professional counselor serving Kansas and Texas. He provides a safe space for LGBTQ+ people of all backgrounds and religious beliefs. He is happy to help you get started rediscovering the strength and beauty within yourself as an individual. He das experience working with clients who live in the metroplex as well as rural communities. Loren approaches therapy with authenticity, genuine compassion, and a healthy sense of humor. He aims to boost self esteem, increase confidence, and help you find more joy in the moment Phone: (913) 732-3952. Email: lorenhudson.psyc@gmail.com. We have personally screened this provider, who is also a community member, and recommend him as a culturally-competent provider.

  • April Neff, LSCSW, MSW, BSW (she/her) is a clinical social worker and therapist serving Kansas. Provides in-person services in Topeka, and virtual to all in Kansas. She specializes in trauma, anxiety, PTSD, addiction, and family conflict. Has expertise in autism, behavioral issues, relationship issues, school issues, self esteem, and stress. Trained in CBT, Trauma Systems Therapies, and experiential therapies. Accepts Aetna, BCBS, Cenpatico, Medicaid, Optum, Sunflower health plan, and United Healthcare insurance, and private pay. We have personally screened this provider and recommend her as an affirming, culturally-competent provider.

Good to know

Dates of Note

  • Trans Day of Visibility March 31st

  • Transgender Day of Remembrance November 20th

  • International Pronouns Day third Wednesday of October

Transitional Housing Resources

  • Rediscover offers transitional living for young adults 18-25 years of age with mental illnesses (bipolar, depression, schizophrenia) to restart your life as an independent adult. They also offer other crisis and outpatient services to help those with mental health and substance use disorders achieve healthier and more productive lives. They accept Medicaid insurance for their housing program, and also help those with limited financial means or without insurance. While they are in Missouri, many of their locations are close to the Kansas border.

  • Restart offers a continuum of free housing services to those in Kansas and Missouri who are at risk for or currently experiencing homelessness. They serve all in need including LGBTQIA+ identifying people, persons with HIV/AIDs, singles, families, couples, unaccompanied youth, and people experiencing mental health illnesses. They use a Housing First Model.

  • Care Beyond the Boulevard offers free healthcare services to people experiencing homelessness in the Metro Kansas City area.

Gender Neutral Name and Title Ideas

  • Lindsey Danis gender neutral character names for writers

  • Nonbinary wiki

  • Gender Queeries Gender neutral/ queer titles

  • Same-sexparents Gender Neutral/Non-Binary Parent Titles

  • Example of one way to be inclusive with child naming: choose at least two total names (a middle and a first name), one remarkable and one common, and at least one gender neutral. For example, for a child assigned female at birth: Charlie Lilybelle, for a child assigned male at birth: Ryan Fox, and for an entirely gender neutral name: Kaden Bailey.

Publications

HRT Research

Name Change

Transition Guides

Sex Education

  • UnHushed Human sexuality education done right

Teaching Resources

  • Welcomingschools.org Lesson plans to help students understand gender

  • Boomcards Name Change Social Story Deck. This social story offers both text and sound, and is to support people understand why their friends are changing their name. This is a gender inclusive material read in a feminine voice. This social story is created by the owner of this blog.

  • Concept- when speaking to students about someone who has changed their name, use their current, chosen name. If needed, you can reference their deadname to orient students to whom you are referring to by adding, "formerly known as."

  • How to talk about gender identity

 

Support Network

Financial Resources

Helplines / Support Numbers

  • TBuddy 24/7 Telephone friend and support system for trans masculine people. Education and support for family members of trans masculine people

  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: (800) 273-8255, a 24/7 free emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress

  • Trans Lifeline Offers trans peer support, emotional support, and name change microgrants. Family & friends hotline for help supporting a trans loved one in crisis Several callers reported being hung up on unexpectedly. If you get hung up on, please call back.

  • Text HOME to 741741 Converse via text with a crisis counselor. Free, 24/7, anyone can use for any kind of crisis.

  • The Trevor Project: call (866) 488-7386 Support line offering 24/7 counseling to LGBTQ youth in crisis. Strong focus on suicide prevention.

  • CDC-Info: (800) 342-2437, Also available: Spanish: (800) 344-7432 TDD service: (800) 243-7432

  • The Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender National Hotline: (888) 843-4564

  • The National Runaway Switchboard: (800) 786-2929

  • The GLBT National Youth Talkline: (800) 246-7743, Youth serving youth through age 25

Health Insurance

  • Out 2 Enroll Help navigating signing up for health insurance through the affordable care act

Legal Aid & Attorneys

We hope these resources are useful to you! Please share them with anyone else who might benefit from a centralized resources list.

-Tallulah Breslin, MS, CCC/SLP

Gender Affirming Voice Training @HarmonicSpeech

Love your voice



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