Your Gender-Affirming Surgery Consult Checklist

Preparing for a gender-affirming surgery consult can bring up a lot—excitement, nerves, hope, fear, and a hundred questions all at once. That’s completely normal. The good news is that a little preparation can help you feel more confident, more grounded, and more able to advocate for yourself.

This checklist isn’t about being “perfect” or knowing everything ahead of time. It’s about giving yourself support and making the consult work for you.

What to Bring to Your Consult (and Why)

Inspiration Photos (Yes—Even the “No Thanks” Ones)

Gather photos that show results you love—and ones you don’t. These visuals can help communicate your goals when words feel hard to find. Surgeons often understand images more clearly than abstract descriptions, and sharing both likes and dislikes can be just as helpful as sharing your ideal outcome.

A List of Questions

Write down every question you have—big, small, or half-formed. There’s no such thing as a silly question, especially when it comes to your body. Consults can move quickly, and nerves can make it easy to forget what you wanted to ask. Having your questions written down helps you stay focused and ensures you leave with the information you need.

Your Medical History & Medication List

Bring a list of:

• Current medications and supplements
• Allergies
• Relevant medical conditions
• Previous surgeries or hospitalizations

This information helps your surgeon assess safety, plan appropriately, and tailor their recommendations to your specific needs.

Your Desired Surgical Outcome

Take a few minutes to reflect on what really matters to you.Are there outcomes, features, or approaches you absolutely want? Anything you want to avoid? Writing these down can make it easier to speak up during the consult and check whether the surgeon’s approach aligns with your priorities. 

Insurance Information (If Applicable)

If you’re using insurance, bring:

• Your insurance card
• Any pre-authorization details
• Letters or documentation your insurer requires

Even if the clinic helps with insurance, having these on hand can make things simpler.

A Notebook, Notes App, or Recording (If Allowed)

Consults can be information-heavy. Bringing something to take notes with can help you process everything later, once you’re in a calmer space. Some people also ask if they can record the consult to listen back later. It’s okay to ask—just make sure you get consent first.

A Comfort or Grounding Item

This part matters more than people sometimes admit. If it helps, bring something grounding: a fidget, water bottle, cozy layer, calming playlist, or anything else that helps your nervous system settle. Medical spaces can be overstimulating, and you’re allowed to prioritize your comfort.

A Reminder Before You Go In

You don’t need to have all the answers. You don’t need to say everything perfectly. You don’t need to be “easy” or agreeable to deserve good care. A consult is a conversation—not a test. You’re allowed to pause, ask for clarification, or take time to think things over afterward.

A little preparation can go a long way toward making the experience feel less stressful and more empowering. You’re doing something brave, and you deserve support while you do it.

Need help affording gender affirming surgery? Learn about Point of Pride’s Annual Trans Surgery Fund, which provides financial aid to trans folks who cannot afford or otherwise access healthcare.