Visibility, Authenticity, and the Human Spirit: Reflections on TDOV

Today, I’m reflecting on the profound love and appreciation I have for my transgender and non-binary family, friends, neighbors, colleagues, and clients. I know that your brightness does not always come without cost, and I honor the courageous paths you walk toward authenticity.

In the past year, I’ve been deeply moved by research from Canadian scholars describing the experiences of transgender and non-binary older adults and their care partners. This work has stayed with me, aligning with my own commitment to advocacy and raising awareness for populations that are too often marginalized.

Those Often Forgotten

This research serves as a sobering reminder of those too often forgotten in our senior communities, caregiver support groups, and medical clinics. I think of the care partners who feel the constant, heavy need to protect their loved ones from harm—fearful that becoming dependent on a healthcare system might lead to being "outed" or discriminated against when they are at their most vulnerable.

I think of the transgender patients I’ve sat with in exam rooms, sometimes listening to stories being shared for the very first time. Some contemplating starting their transition, others reflecting on the challenges and gains from aligning with their identity on their own terms. Stories of resilience, creativity, and hope, though at times laced with fear. I heard the deep desires for congruence, authenticity, and support. One phrase, in particular, has stayed with me:

"If not now, when? There’s not much time left."

A View into Resilience

Supporting others on their gender journey has provided me with a unique window into the resilience of the human spirit. My heart breaks when laws, systems, and societal attitudes obstruct self-love and self-expression. However, I believe firmly that if we can co-construct a world that is safe and serves the most vulnerable, it will be a better world for all of us.

Trans and non-binary folx don’t owe us anything. But if we can listen, care, learn, and mutually support one another, we move closer to a place of collective liberation.

Trans-affirming care matters at every age.

A Collaborative Path Forward

As a trans-affirming provider, I am proud to offer letters of support for gender-affirming procedures. I work within the Companionship Model (Budge et al., 2025). This model approaches the referral process from a collaborative stance: You are the owner and expert of your experience. My role is to partner with you to navigate the gatekeeping of systems and ensure that your journey toward congruence is a validating, empowering experience—rather than just another hurdle to clear.

If you are navigating your own "If not now, when?" moment, please know you don't have to walk that path alone.

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I’m Dr. Weston Donaldson. I help LGBTQ+ adults and older adults navigate these "unsolvable" seasons of life. If you’re tired of trying to fix the unfixable and are ready to start living in alignment with your values again, I invite you to reach out. Together, we can find your center and build a pathway forward that honors your history and your future. Are you ready to stop fighting the storm and start dropping the anchor? Contact me today to schedule a consultation.

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