Where do You Even Start? That's Why I Built This Free Transition Checklist

Somebody asked me recently what the hardest part of transition is. I gave them the answer I usually give — the one about grief, identity, learning to exist in a world that wasn't designed with you in mind.

But if I'm honest? In the early days, before any of that deeper processing kicks in, the hardest part is simply not knowing what you don't know.

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No Roadmap or Induction Pack

Nobody hands you a roadmap. There's no induction pack. You're suddenly trying to navigate GP referrals, deed polls, HR conversations, coming out to your mum, working out which toilets are safe to use and somehow also deciding whether you want surgery — all at the same time, often while holding down a job and trying not to fall apart.

I've been there. And what I needed, more than anything, was someone to say: here's a list. Start here.

So I made one.

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The Free Transition Checklist

The Transition Checklist is a free resource I've put together covering the full breadth of transition — not just the medical side, which tends to get all the attention. It covers the practical stuff most people don't think about until they're in the middle of it: finances, social media, coming out conversations, workplace transition planning, legal name and gender marker changes, documents, mental health, daily wellbeing and community.

It's eight pages. It's designed to be used at your own pace, dipping in and out of whichever sections are relevant to where you are right now. You don't have to do everything. You don't have to do it in order. Transition isn't linear (nobody who's been through it will tell you otherwise) and neither is this checklist.

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A Few Things I Want to Be Clear About

A few things I want to be clear about before you download it.

This isn't medical advice — it's a signposted framework. For the clinical bits, it points you towards WPATH-aligned resources and your own GP or gender clinic. What it does do is make sure you're not blindsided by something you didn't know to ask about. Things like fertility preservation before starting hormones. Reviewing your will. Telling your employer before you come out to the wider team, not after.

It's also written for both M2F and F2M transitions throughout, so whichever direction you're travelling, you'll find it relevant.

This is one of my free pro-bono resources, because I genuinely believe that good information should be accessible to everyone — not just people who can afford a consultant or are lucky enough to know the right people.

Download the Transition Checklist here. [link]

If it helps, share it. If you know someone at the beginning of their journey who's staring at a blank page wondering where to start, send it to them.

And if you'd like to talk through any of it — whether you're an individual navigating your own transition or an employer trying to support someone in your team — you know where I am.

I am a D&I consultant, keynote speaker, Mental Health First Aider, writer and transgender woman with 20+ years of senior corporate leadership experience. I work with businesses across all sectors to build genuinely inclusive cultures whilst also supporting transgender individuals and their families through every stage of the journey. If this piece resonated, you can find more articles on andreaking.net  or  book a free discovery call if you'd like to talk.

The views expressed in this article are my own and are based on personal experience and perspective. They are not intended as medical, legal or professional advice.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Transition Checklist cover?

GP referrals, deed polls, workplace planning, legal changes, finances, social media, coming out conversations, mental health and community resources.

Is the checklist medical advice?

No — it's a practical framework that signposts to WPATH-aligned medical resources and your GP/gender clinic.

Who is it written for?

Both M2F and F2M transitions — anyone at any stage who needs clear, practical guidance.

Do I have to follow it in order?

No — transition isn't linear, so use whichever sections are relevant to where you are right now.

Why is it free?

Because good transition information should be accessible to everyone, not just those who can afford consultants.

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