Karina Nesterova’s Transition Journey
Karina Nesterova, a former infantry soldier who served with the 92nd Separate Mechanized Brigade, has publicly shared a step-by-step guide to her gender transition after undergoing the process herself. Now 38, Nesterova began transitioning later in life, though she says she has known her true identity since the age of eight. Assigned male at birth, she is a trans woman who currently lives with her wife and children.
The entire process took roughly ten months. Nesterova emphasizes that the path was far from smooth, citing transphobic attitudes and the constant need to find new doctors as major obstacles. She stated:
“Yes, the journey wasn’t short—it took me about ten months in total because everywhere there was the human factor, transphobic treatment in some places, and I had to keep searching for another doctor.”
Key Milestones in the Transition
Nesterova outlined several critical steps she undertook during her transition:
- Receiving a medical diagnosis of F64.0 (transsexualism).
- Finding a trans-friendly endocrinologist to obtain a consultation report.
- Undergoing required blood tests and medical examinations before starting hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
- Obtaining a specialist’s consultation certificate (Form 028/o).
- Applying at a state clinic for an official gender correction certificate.
- Registering a new birth certificate at the civil registry office (RACS).
- Requesting a full extract from the state register and applying to the migration service for a new passport.
- Updating her tax identification number.
Through her determination and perseverance, Karina Nesterova has become a role model for others navigating similar life changes.
Gender transition in Ukraine remains a complex process, often fraught with medical system hurdles and social stigma. Nesterova’s experience offers both a personal narrative and a practical roadmap for those facing comparable challenges. Stories like hers highlight the urgent need for greater societal support for transgender individuals and improved access to gender-affirming healthcare.