local recommendations
Is Athens liberal? Is Athens conservative? Is it safe? Is it inclusive?
...sigh...
it depends.
For folks with marginalized identities, finding local services that are trans-affirming, queer-inclusive, AND body-positive can feel overwhelming. Clients who see me in person know that I have a very small stack of business cards for services and providers I recommend. Usually I even specify the PERSON at a specific place, not just the entire facility! I will work to update this list periodically, but I cannot guarantee that you might not catch someone on a bad day or that you will always have a fantastic experience at these places. Hopefully, the list will offer some ideas of where I personally feel confident you can obtain services with *less* discrimination than what your anxiety and/or trauma is telling you will happen.
(words underlined in bold are links)
...sigh...
it depends.
For folks with marginalized identities, finding local services that are trans-affirming, queer-inclusive, AND body-positive can feel overwhelming. Clients who see me in person know that I have a very small stack of business cards for services and providers I recommend. Usually I even specify the PERSON at a specific place, not just the entire facility! I will work to update this list periodically, but I cannot guarantee that you might not catch someone on a bad day or that you will always have a fantastic experience at these places. Hopefully, the list will offer some ideas of where I personally feel confident you can obtain services with *less* discrimination than what your anxiety and/or trauma is telling you will happen.
(words underlined in bold are links)
primary care
Carrie Prowell Pixley, PA-C at Oconee Family Practice
- as of January 2024, she is accepting new clients!
- she practices through the Health At Every Size model, can prescribe anti-anxiety and anti-depressant medications and can manage hormone replacement therapy prescriptions
- you don't have to have health insurance to receive services ($80/visit out of pocket fee)
- they do bloodwork (i.e., lab work, or "labs") onsite
gynecological care
Sarah Carey, PA-C at Women's Healthcare Associates
- Sarah is queer friendly, sex-positive, and accepting of clients having sex before marriage (I can't believe I have to type this out!), multiple partners, polyamory, etc.
- she practices through the Health At Every Size model, offers non-judgmental sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing and treatment, can help manage or eliminate periods with contraceptives including IUDs and she can support you in getting procedures for permanent sterilization such as tubal ligation regardless of sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, etc.
gender affirming voice therapy
UGA's Speech and Hearing Clinic
- you do not have to be affiliated with UGA to receive services
- there tends to be a wait list with about 2-3 months before the initial appointment
- you can have your appointments either in person or online using Zoom
- email Lauren for more information: lrjames@uga.edu
laser hair removal
Yuva Medical Spa
- regularly works with clients who identify as transgender, gender non-conforming, and non-binary
- all genders may experience embarrassment and/or frustration with unwanted body hair
- laser hair removal is most effective on areas with dark hair against light skin
- laser hair removal is not painful and appointments are very brief (about 5 minutes for upper lip or chin)
massage therapy
Foot Palace Reflexology Spa
- not just for feet! I originally thought this was a pedicure place but it is NOT! It is a wonderfully affordable and accessible alternative to traditional massage
- prices range from $32 - $52 plus tip
- you can book 30 or 60 minutes, you stay fully clothed, sit in a massage chair, and either have someone work on your head/face/ears, calves/feet, or hands
a little more pampering...
- Jenna at Pageboy Salon - owner, feminist, badass; actually she's so good she only works Tue/Thu/Fri!
- Brooke at Roots Salon & Company for eyelash extensions
- Jennifer at Roots Salon & Company for massage
- Emmy at Chico Lou's Fine Tattoos
- Pink Goblin Tattoo and Piercing
hemp, CBD, & THC
Franny's Farmacy
- female-founded dispensary that first opened in Asheville, NC in 2018 by Franny Tacy
- the Athens franchise is owned by Alan Hart who is trauma-informed and well educated
- online prices are higher and selection is more limited than visiting the store in person
- I recommend calling before visiting to ask if Alan or Pocket is working because they *LOVE* educating customers and providing personalized recommendations
- you might even snag some free samples if you hang around and chat long enough!
local support groups
- Athens-area PFLAG (Parents and Families of LGBTQ+ loved ones) support group - Parents will also learn tools to support their children and themselves as they continue to grow and learn about their child’s identities
- LGBTQ+ Youth - from games to food, this is a relaxed space designed to offer a hangout for our kids
- Religious Recovery - for folks leaving religious identity because of their queer identity
- Rainbow Spirit - for folks seeking to reconcile their God-given identity with practicing faith in community
- In-person Trans support group - meets the third Tuesday of every month at 7pm at Access Point in Athens; email rileykirkpatrick14@gmail.com for more information
- Virtual/Online Trans support group - meets the second Saturday of every month at 12noon; for access, you must email 108thsage@gmail.com
- Life After Diagnosis - support group for people navigating chronic illness and/or chronic pain
- The Cottage - multiple support groups for survivors of sexual assault and/or childhood sexual abuse, including groups specifically for LGBTQ+ identities
atlanta fun
- Atlanta Pride
- Live Drag Shows
- Atlanta Polyamory meet ups
- Frolicon annual "kinky geeky convention"
- My Sister's Room (aka MSR) lesbian bar
- Trapeze upscale swinger's club (primarily straight)
- Tokyo Valentino sex stores
- Tokyo Valentino's Bombshell Dance Wear
- Tokyo Valentino's Lifestyle Club