THE LIBRARY
Step into our library: your ultimate go-to resource to answer the questions you have about your healthcare from FOLX clinicians, our team, and the wider community.
The articles contained in the FOLX Library consist of generally available information and do not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Who is Brian Michael Smith? Chatting with the sexiest man on T.V.
Brian Michael Smith made history by becoming the first trans man to be listed in People’s “Sexiest Man Alive” 2021 issue. We chatted with the actor and advocate on his journey to this point and the moment where he almost gave up acting.
Read moreHormones
All Things HRT
For folx on estrogen and testosterone, or those supporting them, find helpful info on hormone replacement therapy.
All Things Hormones
Helpful info on hormone replacement therapy
HRT
Hormone Replacement Therapy & Racial Health DisparitiesMany pre-existing conditions that are closely monitored for folx on HRT are also present at higher rates among Black, Indigenous, and other Persons of Color (BIPOC) communities.
HRT
Testosterone HRT & Front Hole / Vaginal Atrophy: What to Know & How to TreatIntroducing testosterone to a body can affect estrogen-dependent parts, and may sometimes cause some unpleasant sensations.
HRT
"Femininity was and will always be my home"A new journey in gender-affirming hormone therapy inspires writer Kai Proschan to interrogate their ideas around femininity, identity, and what home means to them.
HRT
The Complexity of Eating Disorders in Trans & Non-binary CommunityFemininity. Masculinity. Gender dysphoria. The gender binary. White supremacy. Diet culture. Anti-fat bias. Disordered eating. How do we know what’s what?
HRT
How to Share Your New Pronouns: A Guide for All AgesCongratulations on choosing the pronouns that best fit your gender identity!
HRT
How to Get Your FOLX Labs Done at QuestGetting labs done isn’t anyone’s favorite activity...but we want to help make it easy.
HRT
How to Find a Trans-Competent TherapistTrans folx deserve to have a therapist who is not only validating of their identity, but is fully competent.
HRT
Tips to Allies from FOLX’s Trans and Nonbinary StaffSo your loved one just came out as trans and/or nonbinary. Let us help.
HRT
7 Tips For Overcoming Fear of Self-InjectionSelf injecting can be scary. In fact, needle fear or trypanophobia, is one of the most common phobias in America.
HRT
How To Self-Inject HRT: Subcutaneous (SubQ)Your simple visual guide to subcutaneous (SubQ) HRT injection.
HRT
How To Self-Inject HRT: Intramuscular (IM)Your simple visual guide to intramuscular HRT injection.
HRT
SubQ or IM: The Difference Between Subcutaneous and Intramuscular InjectionsSubcutaneous injections and intramuscular injections in hormone replacement therapy achieve the same result but slightly vary in method & equipment
HRT
HRT & PrEP: Ensuring Safe Sex in a Body You Can Call HomeAny gender can become HIV+ and any gender can take PrEP.
HRT
HRT & Birth Control: Giving Every Body the Control They WantFirst thing’s first: hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is not a substitute for birth control. Not testosterone, not estrogen, nada.
Helpful info on hormone replacement therapy
HRT
Hormone Replacement Therapy & Racial Health DisparitiesMany pre-existing conditions that are closely monitored for folx on HRT are also present at higher rates among Black, Indigenous, and other Persons of Color (BIPOC) communities.
HRT
Testosterone HRT & Front Hole / Vaginal Atrophy: What to Know & How to TreatIntroducing testosterone to a body can affect estrogen-dependent parts, and may sometimes cause some unpleasant sensations.
HRT
"Femininity was and will always be my home"A new journey in gender-affirming hormone therapy inspires writer Kai Proschan to interrogate their ideas around femininity, identity, and what home means to them.
HRT
The Complexity of Eating Disorders in Trans & Non-binary CommunityFemininity. Masculinity. Gender dysphoria. The gender binary. White supremacy. Diet culture. Anti-fat bias. Disordered eating. How do we know what’s what?
HRT
How to Share Your New Pronouns: A Guide for All AgesCongratulations on choosing the pronouns that best fit your gender identity!
HRT
How to Get Your FOLX Labs Done at QuestGetting labs done isn’t anyone’s favorite activity...but we want to help make it easy.
HRT
How to Find a Trans-Competent TherapistTrans folx deserve to have a therapist who is not only validating of their identity, but is fully competent.
HRT
Tips to Allies from FOLX’s Trans and Nonbinary StaffSo your loved one just came out as trans and/or nonbinary. Let us help.
HRT
7 Tips For Overcoming Fear of Self-InjectionSelf injecting can be scary. In fact, needle fear or trypanophobia, is one of the most common phobias in America.
HRT
How To Self-Inject HRT: Subcutaneous (SubQ)Your simple visual guide to subcutaneous (SubQ) HRT injection.
HRT
How To Self-Inject HRT: Intramuscular (IM)Your simple visual guide to intramuscular HRT injection.
HRT
SubQ or IM: The Difference Between Subcutaneous and Intramuscular InjectionsSubcutaneous injections and intramuscular injections in hormone replacement therapy achieve the same result but slightly vary in method & equipment
HRT
HRT & PrEP: Ensuring Safe Sex in a Body You Can Call HomeAny gender can become HIV+ and any gender can take PrEP.
HRT
HRT & Birth Control: Giving Every Body the Control They WantFirst thing’s first: hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is not a substitute for birth control. Not testosterone, not estrogen, nada.
The T on T
Testosterone
Testosterone HRT & Front Hole / Vaginal Atrophy: What to Know & How to TreatIntroducing testosterone to a body can affect estrogen-dependent parts, and may sometimes cause some unpleasant sensations.
Testosterone
9 Myths You Might Have Believed About Testosterone HRTWe've gathered up the top 9 myths you've heard about testosterone HRT, so you can know what's what.
Testosterone
Where & How to Best Apply Testosterone GelIt’s not always straightforward how or where exactly to apply testosterone gel, but we’ll help make it clear.
Testosterone
Microdosing (Low Dose) Testosterone HRTFor folx seeking subtle, slower changes on testosterone, microdosing is a wonderful option.
Testosterone
Informed Consent Considerations for Testosterone HRTEverything to know to make an empowered decision with testosterone HRT.
Testosterone
Testosterone HRT & Bottom GrowthWe don’t have a ton of clinical data on testosterone HRT & bottom growth, but community knowledge offers a lot.
Testosterone
Reasons FOLX Might Not Be Able to Prescribe TestosteroneThere aren’t a lot of hard stops on trans, nonbinary, or intersex folx taking testosterone, but there are a few.
Testosterone
The Deal with Testosterone LabsThe why's and the how's for FOLX testosterone HRT lab requirements, and what exactly it is those labs are looking for.
Testosterone
The Testosterone Routes Less TraveledThere are some methods of Testosterone that FOLX doesn't directly offer, but that doesn't mean they aren't worth knowing.
Testosterone
Testosterone Routes Offered by FOLXEach individual body has its own best route and dosage of receiving Testosterone HRT.
Testosterone
Expected Physical Changes with Testosterone HRTEach and every body is different, and the effects of Testosterone HRT are just as unique per body. Lower doses correlate to slower changes, and higher doses correlate with faster changes, though exact timing is depending on the person!
Testosterone
Testosterone HRT & AcneThe effects of hormones, no matter when someone starts, prompt a body's first or second round of puberty. And for some bodies, especially those starting testosterone, that means...acne.
Testosterone
Testosterone HRT & FertilityFor some folks, this may not be a consideration, but for those exploring or interested in family planning visions, read on.
The T on T
Testosterone
Testosterone HRT & Front Hole / Vaginal Atrophy: What to Know & How to TreatIntroducing testosterone to a body can affect estrogen-dependent parts, and may sometimes cause some unpleasant sensations.
Testosterone
9 Myths You Might Have Believed About Testosterone HRTWe've gathered up the top 9 myths you've heard about testosterone HRT, so you can know what's what.
Testosterone
Where & How to Best Apply Testosterone GelIt’s not always straightforward how or where exactly to apply testosterone gel, but we’ll help make it clear.
Testosterone
Microdosing (Low Dose) Testosterone HRTFor folx seeking subtle, slower changes on testosterone, microdosing is a wonderful option.
Testosterone
Informed Consent Considerations for Testosterone HRTEverything to know to make an empowered decision with testosterone HRT.
Testosterone
Testosterone HRT & Bottom GrowthWe don’t have a ton of clinical data on testosterone HRT & bottom growth, but community knowledge offers a lot.
Testosterone
Reasons FOLX Might Not Be Able to Prescribe TestosteroneThere aren’t a lot of hard stops on trans, nonbinary, or intersex folx taking testosterone, but there are a few.
Testosterone
The Deal with Testosterone LabsThe why's and the how's for FOLX testosterone HRT lab requirements, and what exactly it is those labs are looking for.
Testosterone
The Testosterone Routes Less TraveledThere are some methods of Testosterone that FOLX doesn't directly offer, but that doesn't mean they aren't worth knowing.
Testosterone
Testosterone Routes Offered by FOLXEach individual body has its own best route and dosage of receiving Testosterone HRT.
Testosterone
Expected Physical Changes with Testosterone HRTEach and every body is different, and the effects of Testosterone HRT are just as unique per body. Lower doses correlate to slower changes, and higher doses correlate with faster changes, though exact timing is depending on the person!
Testosterone
Testosterone HRT & AcneThe effects of hormones, no matter when someone starts, prompt a body's first or second round of puberty. And for some bodies, especially those starting testosterone, that means...acne.
Testosterone
Testosterone HRT & FertilityFor some folks, this may not be a consideration, but for those exploring or interested in family planning visions, read on.
Everything Estrogen
Estrogen
9 Myths You Might Have Believed About Estrogen HRTWhen first deciding whether or not to go on hormones, you're often left with more questions than answers. We've gathered up the top 9 myths you've heard about estrogen HRT, so you can know what's what.
Estrogen
Where & How to Best Apply Estrogen PatchesSometimes knowing how and where to stick an estrogen patch is the trickiest part.
Estrogen
Microdosing (Low Dose) Estrogen HRTLow-dose, or microdosing estrogen, is a way for folx to experience slower, subtle changes on HRT.
Estrogen
Informed Consent Considerations for Estrogen HRTEverything to know to make an empowered decision with estrogen HRT.
Estrogen
Reasons FOLX Might Not Be Able to Prescribe EstrogenThere aren’t a lot of hard stops on trans, nonbinary, or intersex folx taking estrogen, but there are a few.
Estrogen
The Deal with Estrogen LabsThe why's and the how's for FOLX estrogen HRT lab requirements, and what exactly it is those labs are looking for.
Estrogen
Anti-Androgen & Progesterone Routes offered by FOLXBeyond choosing a specific route of estrogen, most people take anti-androgens, and some also choose to take progesterone.
Estrogen
Estrogen Routes Offered by FOLXEach individual body has its own best route and dosage of receiving Estrogen HRT.
Estrogen
Estrogen & Sexual FunctionSexual pleasure looks different for everyone. For those with a penis who may be exploring or taking estrogen hormone replacement therapy (HRT), there are some important things to know about how HRT can affect function down there.
Estrogen
Expected Physical Changes with Estrogen HRTEach and every body is different, and the effects of estrogen HRT (and anti-androgens or progesterone, if also taking) are just as unique per body. Lower doses correlated to slower changes, and higher doses correlate with faster changes, though exact timing depends on the person!
Estrogen
Estrogen HRT & FertilityFor some folks, this may not be a consideration, but for those exploring or interested in family planning visions, read on.
Everything Estrogen
Estrogen
9 Myths You Might Have Believed About Estrogen HRTWhen first deciding whether or not to go on hormones, you're often left with more questions than answers. We've gathered up the top 9 myths you've heard about estrogen HRT, so you can know what's what.
Estrogen
Where & How to Best Apply Estrogen PatchesSometimes knowing how and where to stick an estrogen patch is the trickiest part.
Estrogen
Microdosing (Low Dose) Estrogen HRTLow-dose, or microdosing estrogen, is a way for folx to experience slower, subtle changes on HRT.
Estrogen
Informed Consent Considerations for Estrogen HRTEverything to know to make an empowered decision with estrogen HRT.
Estrogen
Reasons FOLX Might Not Be Able to Prescribe EstrogenThere aren’t a lot of hard stops on trans, nonbinary, or intersex folx taking estrogen, but there are a few.
Estrogen
The Deal with Estrogen LabsThe why's and the how's for FOLX estrogen HRT lab requirements, and what exactly it is those labs are looking for.
Estrogen
Anti-Androgen & Progesterone Routes offered by FOLXBeyond choosing a specific route of estrogen, most people take anti-androgens, and some also choose to take progesterone.
Estrogen
Estrogen Routes Offered by FOLXEach individual body has its own best route and dosage of receiving Estrogen HRT.
Estrogen
Estrogen & Sexual FunctionSexual pleasure looks different for everyone. For those with a penis who may be exploring or taking estrogen hormone replacement therapy (HRT), there are some important things to know about how HRT can affect function down there.
Estrogen
Expected Physical Changes with Estrogen HRTEach and every body is different, and the effects of estrogen HRT (and anti-androgens or progesterone, if also taking) are just as unique per body. Lower doses correlated to slower changes, and higher doses correlate with faster changes, though exact timing depends on the person!
Estrogen
Estrogen HRT & FertilityFor some folks, this may not be a consideration, but for those exploring or interested in family planning visions, read on.
Sexual Health
The joys of pleasure and safety
Read through to make sure you’re up-to-date on the ways to make sex even sexier.
All Things Sexual Health
Erectile Dysfunction (& Function)
ED
Estrogen & Sexual FunctionSexual pleasure looks different for everyone. For those with a penis who may be exploring or taking estrogen hormone replacement therapy (HRT), there are some important things to know about how HRT can affect function down there.
Erectile Dysfunction (& Function)
ED
Estrogen & Sexual FunctionSexual pleasure looks different for everyone. For those with a penis who may be exploring or taking estrogen hormone replacement therapy (HRT), there are some important things to know about how HRT can affect function down there.
Get PrEP'd for pleasure on your terms
PrEP
7 Tips to Remember to Take PrEP Every DayIn order for PrEP to work the best, it’s important to try to take it every day.
PrEP
PrEP is Not Just for Gay, Cisgender Men!Sexuality is vast, and people of all genders may have use for PrEP.
PrEP
Navigating Activities That Can Transmit HIVSome activities have a higher likelihood of transmitting HIV compared to others, so knowing what those are can help to remain negative.
PrEP
The PrEP Patent Expiration & What FOLX is Doing With ItPrEP is more accessible than ever before and we’ve got the care to go along with it.
PrEP
What is PrEP? Prescription HIV Prevention 101Get the basics on PrEP, PrEP 2-1-1, & PEP to keep it safe.
PrEP
HRT & PrEP: Ensuring Safe Sex in a Body You Can Call HomeAny gender can become HIV+ and any gender can take PrEP.
Get PrEP'd for pleasure on your terms
PrEP
7 Tips to Remember to Take PrEP Every DayIn order for PrEP to work the best, it’s important to try to take it every day.
PrEP
PrEP is Not Just for Gay, Cisgender Men!Sexuality is vast, and people of all genders may have use for PrEP.
PrEP
Navigating Activities That Can Transmit HIVSome activities have a higher likelihood of transmitting HIV compared to others, so knowing what those are can help to remain negative.
PrEP
The PrEP Patent Expiration & What FOLX is Doing With ItPrEP is more accessible than ever before and we’ve got the care to go along with it.
PrEP
What is PrEP? Prescription HIV Prevention 101Get the basics on PrEP, PrEP 2-1-1, & PEP to keep it safe.
PrEP
HRT & PrEP: Ensuring Safe Sex in a Body You Can Call HomeAny gender can become HIV+ and any gender can take PrEP.
FOLX
From the FOLX team
Answers to our members and our community on why we do what we do.
All Things FOLX
From the FOLX team to you
FOLX
Who is Brian Michael Smith? Chatting with the sexiest man on T.V.Brian Michael Smith made history by becoming the first trans man to be listed in People’s “Sexiest Man Alive” 2021 issue. We chatted with the actor and advocate on his journey to this point and the moment where he almost gave up acting.
FOLX
All Trans People Are Legends: Roundtable with Marquise Vilsón Balenciaga, Chase Strangio, Ianne Fields Stewart, Joela Rivera and Ceyenne DoroshowFor Trans Week of Awareness, we spoke to five activists and leaders about how they're spending Transgender Day of Remembrance, what music or audiobooks are on repeat, and how allies can better support trans people.
FOLX
Monthly Horoscope for November 2021: Your Scorpio Season Survival GuideAstrology is real. Scorpio szn is upon is. Read your full November 2021 horoscope, aka your own Scorpio season survival guide.
FOLX
In The Unknowing Is Infinite Potential: A Conversation with River Gallo: Multidisciplinary Artist, Film Director, and Intersex ActivistRiver Gallo, multidisciplinary artist, film director, and intersex activist shares how the Trans Possibilities Intensive fellowship with the Sundance Institute softened their creative perspective to approach their work with more self-care and the wellness rituals that help them stay present.
FOLX
"Femininity was and will always be my home"A new journey in gender-affirming hormone therapy inspires writer Kai Proschan to interrogate their ideas around femininity, identity, and what home means to them.
FOLX
The FOLX Team Shares Their Coming Out StoriesThe FOLX team shares their coming out stories in honor of the 33rd anniversary of National Coming Out Day.
FOLX
Getting to know Leo Xander Foo, photographerWe talked to Leo Xander Foo, a queer and trans photographer based in New York, about his wellness routine and self-love practice.
FOLX
Getting to know Tirrell Cherry, Hypnotherapist and Mindset CoachWe talked to Tirrell Cherry, a queer hypnotherapist and mindset coach based in Atlanta, about his must-have wellness routines and mantra.
FOLX
Getting to know Jenevieve Ting, Writer and Lover BoyWe talked to Jenevieve Ting, a queer, non-binary Chinese-American writer, artist, and lover boy about how they practice self-love and the mantra that guides them through life.
FOLX
Getting to know Sammy Kims, Performance Artist and Sex LiberatorWe talked to Sammy Kims, a non-binary Korean-American performance artist and sex worker based in Brooklyn, New York about this wellness routines and mantra.
FOLX
Getting to know Big DipperWe talked to Big Dipper, our thicc-boy king of raunchy internet pop, about his radical self-love practice, his must-have wellness routine, and coping methods when it comes to anxiety.
FOLX
Interview with Luna LovebadWe talked to LA-based artist and musician Luna Lovebad about her wellness routines, practicing radical self-love, and what plant she would be.
FOLX
We Believe in Health at Every Size (HAES)FOLX clinicians are believers that “health” is not inextricably linked to weight.
FOLX
The Complexity of Eating Disorders in Trans & Non-binary CommunityFemininity. Masculinity. Gender dysphoria. The gender binary. White supremacy. Diet culture. Anti-fat bias. Disordered eating. How do we know what’s what?
FOLX
The PrEP Patent Expiration & What FOLX is Doing With ItPrEP is more accessible than ever before and we’ve got the care to go along with it.
FOLX
Healthcare for Trans Youth is a Basic Human Necessity. Period.As the attacks continue, our clinicians want to set the record straight on the plain and simple truths of providing healthcare to trans youth.
FOLX
How to Share Your New Pronouns: A Guide for All AgesCongratulations on choosing the pronouns that best fit your gender identity!
FOLX
How to Prepare for Your Telehealth Visit With FOLXAdjusting to meeting a clinician through a screen can be a challenge, but there are plenty of ways to get the most out of your visit.
FOLX
Healthcare Access for Rural Queer & Trans FolxQueer & trans people are everywhere, but healthcare is still catching up for them.
FOLX
On FOLX CostsOur current healthcare system incentivizes insurance companies to skimp on care and providers to make decisions on behalf of patients based on how they get paid. FOLX is different.
FOLX
Yes, FOLX is VC-FundedFOLX was founded to reinvent the healthcare experience for the Queer & Trans community.
FOLX
Informed Consent: The FOLX WayWe believe in radical transparency and empowerment. We aim to offer information that is clear, up to date, informed by evidence-based studies as well as community knowledge.
From the FOLX team to you
FOLX
Who is Brian Michael Smith? Chatting with the sexiest man on T.V.Brian Michael Smith made history by becoming the first trans man to be listed in People’s “Sexiest Man Alive” 2021 issue. We chatted with the actor and advocate on his journey to this point and the moment where he almost gave up acting.
FOLX
All Trans People Are Legends: Roundtable with Marquise Vilsón Balenciaga, Chase Strangio, Ianne Fields Stewart, Joela Rivera and Ceyenne DoroshowFor Trans Week of Awareness, we spoke to five activists and leaders about how they're spending Transgender Day of Remembrance, what music or audiobooks are on repeat, and how allies can better support trans people.
FOLX
Monthly Horoscope for November 2021: Your Scorpio Season Survival GuideAstrology is real. Scorpio szn is upon is. Read your full November 2021 horoscope, aka your own Scorpio season survival guide.
FOLX
In The Unknowing Is Infinite Potential: A Conversation with River Gallo: Multidisciplinary Artist, Film Director, and Intersex ActivistRiver Gallo, multidisciplinary artist, film director, and intersex activist shares how the Trans Possibilities Intensive fellowship with the Sundance Institute softened their creative perspective to approach their work with more self-care and the wellness rituals that help them stay present.
FOLX
"Femininity was and will always be my home"A new journey in gender-affirming hormone therapy inspires writer Kai Proschan to interrogate their ideas around femininity, identity, and what home means to them.
FOLX
The FOLX Team Shares Their Coming Out StoriesThe FOLX team shares their coming out stories in honor of the 33rd anniversary of National Coming Out Day.
FOLX
Getting to know Leo Xander Foo, photographerWe talked to Leo Xander Foo, a queer and trans photographer based in New York, about his wellness routine and self-love practice.
FOLX
Getting to know Tirrell Cherry, Hypnotherapist and Mindset CoachWe talked to Tirrell Cherry, a queer hypnotherapist and mindset coach based in Atlanta, about his must-have wellness routines and mantra.
FOLX
Getting to know Jenevieve Ting, Writer and Lover BoyWe talked to Jenevieve Ting, a queer, non-binary Chinese-American writer, artist, and lover boy about how they practice self-love and the mantra that guides them through life.
FOLX
Getting to know Sammy Kims, Performance Artist and Sex LiberatorWe talked to Sammy Kims, a non-binary Korean-American performance artist and sex worker based in Brooklyn, New York about this wellness routines and mantra.
FOLX
Getting to know Big DipperWe talked to Big Dipper, our thicc-boy king of raunchy internet pop, about his radical self-love practice, his must-have wellness routine, and coping methods when it comes to anxiety.
FOLX
Interview with Luna LovebadWe talked to LA-based artist and musician Luna Lovebad about her wellness routines, practicing radical self-love, and what plant she would be.
FOLX
We Believe in Health at Every Size (HAES)FOLX clinicians are believers that “health” is not inextricably linked to weight.
FOLX
The Complexity of Eating Disorders in Trans & Non-binary CommunityFemininity. Masculinity. Gender dysphoria. The gender binary. White supremacy. Diet culture. Anti-fat bias. Disordered eating. How do we know what’s what?
FOLX
The PrEP Patent Expiration & What FOLX is Doing With ItPrEP is more accessible than ever before and we’ve got the care to go along with it.
FOLX
Healthcare for Trans Youth is a Basic Human Necessity. Period.As the attacks continue, our clinicians want to set the record straight on the plain and simple truths of providing healthcare to trans youth.
FOLX
How to Share Your New Pronouns: A Guide for All AgesCongratulations on choosing the pronouns that best fit your gender identity!
FOLX
How to Prepare for Your Telehealth Visit With FOLXAdjusting to meeting a clinician through a screen can be a challenge, but there are plenty of ways to get the most out of your visit.
FOLX
Healthcare Access for Rural Queer & Trans FolxQueer & trans people are everywhere, but healthcare is still catching up for them.
FOLX
On FOLX CostsOur current healthcare system incentivizes insurance companies to skimp on care and providers to make decisions on behalf of patients based on how they get paid. FOLX is different.
FOLX
Yes, FOLX is VC-FundedFOLX was founded to reinvent the healthcare experience for the Queer & Trans community.
FOLX
Informed Consent: The FOLX WayWe believe in radical transparency and empowerment. We aim to offer information that is clear, up to date, informed by evidence-based studies as well as community knowledge.
More questions? We've got answers.
FAQ Page