Social and mental support in gender surgery

Social and mental support

Undergoing genital surgery is a life-changing event. It can be helpful to discuss your concerns, questions and choices with trans and gender-diverse people who are going through the same process as you or who have already had genital affirming surgery. On this page, you will find information about initiatives and organisations that can support you.

Supportive initiatives

It can be helpful to discuss your concerns, questions and decisions regarding genital surgery with people who are going through the same experience. There are various initiatives and organisations that can offer you support before, during or after genital surgery. A few of these are listed below:

Steunpunt Gendervragen: For any questions you may have about gender, you can email or ring the experts at Steunpunt Gendervragen (whether you’re a trans or gender-diverse person, a family member, a loved one, a teacher, a GP, etc.)
Transvisie: A patient organisation dedicated to supporting all people with questions about their gender identity, as well as their loved ones.
Transgendernetwerk: Transgender Network Netherlands shares information and news about the interests of trans and gender-diverse people and their loved ones.
UNTAG (formerly Trans-Missie): sells gender-affirming products such as breast prostheses, tucking underwear and padding.
Genderpraatjes: a helpline specifically for young people aged between 12 and 25, where you can message, call or email with any questions you may have about gender (identity).
Colored Qollective: a charity for queer people who have experienced exclusion due to their ethnicity, migration background or origin, which organises safer space meetings, workshops and other activities.
COC Switchboard: Switchboard is COC Netherlands’ LGBTI+ helpline; a safe place where you can call, email or chat about any questions or concerns you may have.
Trans Toegankelijk: This website is specifically for trans and gender-diverse people with a mild intellectual disability (MID) and for carers. You’ll find plenty of information there, including about medical transitions.

You may need mental health support if you are unsure about gender-affirming surgery, whilst you are on the waiting list for such surgery or after the procedure. Wherever you are in your gender journey, it is a good idea to ask for help if you need it. Various psychological care facilities specialise in providing support alongside gender-affirming care; we recommend that you ask your GP for a referral.

Overview initiatives

On the Transgender Wegwijzer, you’ll find an overview of all initiatives and organisations for trans and gender-diverse people in the Netherlands. You can also find psychologists and GPs with gender expertise here. On the Roze in Wit website, you’ll find a list of LGBTQIA+-friendly doctors.

If you have any questions about your specific treatment or would like to make an appointment with a practitioner, please contact your own care provider.

This text was edited on 3-11-2026

Back

Content

Supportive initiatives

Overview initiatives

Next Step

We recommend that you go through all the information chapters step by step to get a complete picture of the various treatment options and the process involved!We strive to keep this information up to date. Do you have any additions or comments regarding the information above? Please email us at [email protected]

Back to overview

No operation (yet)

Are you unsure about having genital surgery, or are you on the waiting list for your first appointment? You can still take steps towards your transition.

Continue