Transitioning while unemployed

[Clarity]

I've been out of work for over 3 months now and am trying to rack my brain over how I'm ever going to be able to afford my transition. I'm living full-time as female, but I feel stuck in my current state. No job means that I can't get in to see my Doctor for regular check-ups and get my hormone dosages increased. I'm also worried about being able to get electrolysis as well as afford a legal name change.

I'm worried that I'm not going to be able to get a job for a long time. I'm interviewing as female, but I think I would have a better time of it if I didn't have facial hair keeping me from passing and if I could get my name change done so I don't out myself by having a male name on my application and resume. I'm able to get by, but I feel like I can't progress in my transition with the way things are. I want to know how I can possibly continue with my transition in the worst case scenario of being unemployed for long term.

[Cassandra Hyacinth]

I'm not sure I can help with the other stuff.

But regarding the facial hair, do you know of the 'red lipstick trick'?

[JennX]

Depending on where you live, most states have what is called an "indigent status form" available at the circuit court clerk's office, which if approved, will allow you to file for a legal name change w/o having to pay the court filling fee. You have to meet their criteria for income, assets, etc. Also, you can file for a legal name change yourself, w/o paying a lawyer to do it for you. Many circuit courts have self-help programs available to guide you thru the process.

[Devlyn]

Big hug! I've been down Ramen Noodle Road, long term unemployment stinks. I think this is what JennX was referring to, big thanks to the Wiki Staff for the amazing amount of information they've gathered for us!  https://www.susans.org/wiki/Financial_waiver_affidavit

[JennX]

Big hug! I've been down Ramen Noodle Road, long term unemployment stinks. I think this is what JennX was referring to, big thanks to the Wiki Staff for the amazing amount of information they've gathered for us!  https://www.susans.org/wiki/Financial_waiver_affidavit

Yep. You can ask for the form at the circuit court clerk's office. They don't advertise the existence of such forms either. Very hush-hush. It's one of those things you either know about, or don't. The filling fee is the biggest expense. It can range from $200-$500 depending on where you live. Furthermore, some states force you to publish your intent to change your name in a local newspaper for a certain period of time from 1-3 weeks, which you'll have to pay for as well, unless you get the fee waived.

[Lorri Kat]

 .. This below can work in NYS   check your states Civil Rights laws in reguards to name change there may be a section you can use that permits this. 

Used by Mallory  quote..

"If you feel that publication of your change of name in a classified ad in the newspaper (which is normally required) would threaten your safety, you can ask the judge to waive that requirement."



"Pursuant to Civil Rights Law §64-a, I respectfully request that the publication provisions of Civil Rights Law §§ 63 and 64 be waived and rendered inapplicable because publication would jeopardize my personal safety. Publication would out me as a transgender person to the general public and violence against transgender people permeates our society."


_______________________________________________________

According to the law, if your safety is in danger you can have your name change request "sealed" right away [New York Civil Rights Law section 64-a(2)]. A sealed name change request cannot be found in the public records. The court file will stay sealed while the court considers the request.

After the judge rules on your name change, If the court finds that your safety is in danger, the law also says that you do not have to publish the name change in the newspaper and the court can seal your name change for good [New York Civil Right Law section 64-a(1)].

This is for NYS remember..  check your own   
http://www.nycourthelp.gov/diy/nameChange.html

[Clarity]

I'll definitely look into the financial waiver for the name change. I don't know that I should jump on that right away since it sounds like I can only get my name changed once in my state outside of marriage. I feel like I should be more certain of a full name before doing so. I'm pretty certain of Claire since that name has stuck for almost a year now, but I don't have a middle name.

I still need to figure out how to handle the rest of transition under the worst-case scenario. I really would like to start electrolysis sooner than later. I feel like it would make me feel more comfortable as well as be better for my face than shaving every day. Has anyone had any luck with affording electrolysis or even SRS while dealing with unemployment? I'm thinking about starting some sort of fundraising effort, but I'm not sure how effective it can be.

[kariann330]

I wish you the best of luck, i tried and failed and now that my unemployment ran out my transition is on hold until SSI makes there decision because of my on the job injuries.

[A]

I don't think a middle name is necessary. I just didn't get one.


Also, I think you're allowed to use a name different fron your legal name, i  most non-critical situations. So you could present entirely as Claire, telling the new employer nothing until you're hired and the time comes to fill in the employment form. You could also call yoir old employers to ask for their cooperation, so they will assume you are Claire, and any employer asking about clair is asking about you.

[RosieD]

I think this may be another unexpected instance of where things are easier in the UK. Over here you can use whatever name you wish. If you want to make it legal you fill in a deed poll and there is a website that will ask a few questions and put the rest of the text in place with it all ready to be printed off. You need signatures from two witnesses who areununrelated to you and you must stop using your old name.  Total cost: nothing.  The only time it would become an issue is if it were suspected you were doing so for fraudulent purposes. You may also change your name as often as you like.

Letting the bank, utility companies, work, doctors, insurance and so on (and on and on and on...) know is still a bit of a palaver though.

Rosie.

[xchristine]

Same with canada....
As far as i know fill forms ...pay money...
6 weeks later boom girlie name.....
Although I'm not looking forward to having health care
Drivers....Indian status ....banks...employer...
All changed one by one...oh and in canada we do need to
Go get finger printed which Costa a few dollar....and get police
Picture done

[Alainaluvsu]

It sucks. I went full time the day after I got fired. I still haven't found long term employment. I lived off of savings and unemployment for over a year so far and money is running out.

Check to see if you can get on medicaid. In 2013, the new health care bill allows those with low income to be eligible for it. It will pay for doctor visits and labs but likely not HRT.

If you can get on unemployment, that's a big help too. Live with whoever is willing to help out or get a roommate. Go back to school, the stipend will help. Go back to your employers and see if they'll recommend you as your new name. Finding a job in this environment is extremely difficult, and it's even more difficult without good references that check out and it's obviously harder just being trans.

Wish I had a pretty picture to paint, but my paint brush is raggedy and I can't afford another one.