Trans Doula Project
Project Coordinator:
Nina Halevy
About the project:
The Trans Doula Project is a unique and pioneering initiative, the first of its kind in Israel and worldwide. It focuses on providing support to trans women undergoing gender-affirming processes, with a special emphasis on vaginoplasty (“bottom surgery”).
Established in 2014 to address the urgent health needs of the trans community that are unmet by the Israeli healthcare system, the project offers both individual and community-based support. It also works towards policy change and the implementation of trans-inclusive protocols within the healthcare system.
The project’s guidance serves two key purposes: first, to assist trans individuals in navigating the complex medical and bureaucratic processes involved in gender-affirming care, ensuring that the support they receive is appropriate and tailored to their needs; and second, to prepare clients physically and emotionally for these procedures by providing comprehensive emotional and community support throughout the preparation and recovery stages.
The Project's Services
Policy Change in the healthcare system
Bottom surgeries are a complex surgery that requires a long period of rehabilitation, but no comprehensive and consistent rehabilitation solution is integrated into the health system and meets this need. Rehabilitation support is crucial to the satisfaction and physical and mental health of the patients.
As part of the Trans-Doula project, a service of personal guidance and training is provided prior to and after lower back surgery. Among other things, the guidance includes guidance regarding vaginal exercises, medical bureaucracy, and support, as well as access to professional content in the field.
Community representation on the Gender Adjustment Committee in Tel Hashomer
Bottom surgery is a complex surgery that requires a long period of rehabilitation. Yet, there is no comprehensive and consistent adequate rehabilitation solution integrated into the health system that meets those needs. Rehabilitation support is crucial to the satisfaction as well as the physical and mental health of the patients.
As part of the Trans-Doula project, which provides personal guidance and training before and after bottom surgery. Among other things, the service includes guidance regarding vaginal exercises, medical bureaucracy, and support, as well as access to professional content in the field.
Personal support, counseling, and guidance in gender adjustment processes
Bottom surgery is a complex surgery that requires a long period of rehabilitation. Yet, there is no comprehensive and consistent adequate rehabilitation solution integrated into the health system that meets those needs. Rehabilitation support is crucial to the satisfaction as well as the physical and mental health of the patients.
As part of the Trans-Doula project, a service that provides personal guidance and training before and after bottom surgery. Among other things, the service includes guidance regarding vaginal exercises, medical bureaucracy, and support, as well as access to professional content in the field.
Therapeutic-process groups
"Talking about bottom surgery"
For the past two years, the project has included therapy groups for trans women that deal with various issues related to sexual health, body image, gender identity, and more. These groups are led by the project coordinator along with a social worker specializing in group facilitation. Interested graduates can participate in a follow-up group and continue to serve as an initiatory core, leading another social group under their guidance, engaging in various projects, and contributing to community action and leadership.
A list of doctors who have completed specialized training in transgender-affirming care,
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Occupational therapy treatment following gender-affirming surgeries.
Information about gender-affirming “bottom surgery” for trans people abroad.
A guide for women undergoing surgery