Finally got my gender marker -fixed- on my ID

[Stephe]

I live in the uber conservative/republican/red neck state of GA and of course they make you jump through a bunch of hoops to get your gender marker changed. Also they have this new "secure ID" where they want to see proof you are a citizen etc.

First step was my hormone doc wrote a letter for a passport gender change. After I got my passport, I took my passport and my letter to the social security office, they now allow gender marker change with the same requirements a passport has. I believe you would need the "completed transition" version. About a month later I got an orchi (been wanting to do that for a while) and she wrote a letter that just started I had a bilateral orchiectomy and the date. So I went to the DMV (after I was sure the SS office had updated my gender marker) with my passport and both letters. The lady at the counter went back and got the manager, she carefully read both letters and said "yup, this is what we need". Today I get my permanent new "secure ID" drivers license with a big fat F on it.

I know I shouldn't let the government define who or what I am but being legally female is such a relief. It's just weird to live as a woman but all your ID says otherwise. I really was concerned someone down at the state office who checks all your stuff before they finalize it would say "nope, not gonna let this happen" but I'm sooo happy it's all over )

[Mariah]

Yay Congrats. Gender market was easy on my ID here since it handled in Olympia, but getting the gender updated by social security was hard because even though Birth Certificate with the gender changed on it isn't a requirement they required it locally. The first time I had everything that your suppose to have including the letter from the doctor.
Mariah

[jojoglowe]

Congrats! I will be doing the same (and name change) next month 

Here in Ohio I'm unable to change my birth certificate but meh!

So happy for you

[Arch]

Of course it's a relief; the government has the power to define you legally, and that definition can mess with your life.

I am so glad that you have the right gender marker now. Persistence pays off!

[itsxandrea]

Congrats!!! I live in a very "backward" state as well, so I can completely understand your long wait. It's a really nice feeling once it's done... you feel like a piece of you is complete. Great job!

[Alexis2107]

Congrats!!!

The state I currently live in (Indiana) used to make you get a court order, but saw online tonight that our state's DMV just requires a form signed by your HRT doctor saying you are under going treatment.  I used to think Indiana was a backward state until I found that.  I am not changing my gender just yet, as I am moving out east, and there it's the same thing... get a doctor to sign you are living full time female.  I am just concentrating on my legal name change for now... one thing at a time....

but yea, it's sad the government has to define your gender... people should define it or, here's a "silly" idea, omit the gender marker on ID's all together.  It isn't necessary..

again, congrats

[Stephe]

And just for people who live in GA, the "passport letter", as in your HRT doctor saying you have completed clinical transition, isn't enough. People I know have taken their passport and that letter and got turned down at the DMV. They used to require full documented GRS surgery, but now the language reads "irreversible genital surgery" which it appears, an orchi passes that wording.

Unfortunately, until the same sex marriage thing gets thrown out in GA and then someone sues the state over their backwards TG gender marker change laws, it's not likely to change given the extremely politically conservative climate here. They are going to go kicking and screaming into the courthouse over this, holding their bibles. 

[Alexis2107]

And just for people who live in GA, the "passport letter", as in your HRT doctor saying you have completed clinical transition, isn't enough. People I know have taken their passport and that letter and got turned down at the DMV. They used to require full documented GRS surgery, but now the language reads "irreversible genital surgery" which it appears, an orchi passes that wording.

Unfortunately, until the same sex marriage thing gets thrown out in GA and then someone sues the state over their backwards TG gender marker change laws, it's not likely to change given the extremely politically conservative climate here. They are going to go kicking and screaming into the courthouse over this, holding their bibles. 

It's sad, really.  What's ironic is that most of the ones that hold their bibles are usually the most anti christian sinful people I've even known.  In time, they'll be defeated.  I have a feeling, it'll be coming soon

[Eva Marie]

Yes, change is coming - even to the deep south.

Congrats on getting everything finally lined up Stephe.  I live in California and it was all just a bunch of paperwork and and big check to get mine changed; but I know in other parts of the country (and having lived in the south before) it can be difficult.