Just as I think I have an idea of the layout, a new discovery means I have to re-evaluate…
I’ve been playing with the layout of the main bulk of the map, splitting between whether the treatments are for trans-women/trans-men/non-binary etc. individuals, and whether they're provided for AMAB or AFAB bodies only.
Using the Leeds pamphlet, I decided to start off with the medical options available for trans women/people wanting to appear more feminine, as this is the area of the map I’m not already familiar with.
I hadn't realised that voice therapy is not just offered to AMAB people, and so this line needed to be accessible to all on the map, not just from the feminine line as I had initially drawn it on my first-go circular map.
I had added in the concept of a cross-line ‘station’ on my circular drawing, but while still having the same lines with the same stops on each side, just to show that hormones are accessible for everyone, see second image from 'Starting with referrals' to understand.
However, this discovery made me consider whether I used the cross-line station concept to simplify my map. Having only 1 hormone line, and 1 voice therapy line, but linking it to the ‘main line’ in a way that shows anyone can transfer onto those lines. Even if a line is placed in an area of the map closer to the feminine (? Still figuring out line names, and not creating limitations through just a name) line, it can still be accessed from the masculine (? see above, not necessarily permanent choice) line, that it is still accessible for all. This would make the map less busy over all and things can be spread out more, providing more clarity.
So the lines for hormones, voice therapy and lower surgery are accessible to all. The lower surgery line is based on my experience of top surgery: having to receive a positive recommendation, be referred to your chosen surgeon etc. before you're on the waiting list for things to happen. Looking at it like this though, is it too simple? Maybe this is something I need to research more... also, what differentiates it from top surgery then? Is it just repetitive to draw out the same stops for top surgery?
Laser hair removal is accessible from the line for those wanting to seek treatments to feminise or androgynise (aka gender non-conforming/non-binary etc. people, why isn't androgynise a word?) their appearance. Opposite that station there's a place holder for those seeking top surgery that needs to also cross to the non-binary line, but I didn't realise my mistake until after, and that the space needs leaving for it between laser hair removal and lower surgery.
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