CenterLink is the Australian Gov agency that looks after all welfare issues.
I had an interview today to try and get funding for my wife's care in a nursing home. She has been in one for 8 years and I have paid full fees all the time, but my circumstances are changing so I wanted advice.
Now same sex marriage is illegal in Australia. I have changed all my gender markers. I am legally recognized as Female, I have not divorced my wife. My marriage certificate uses my male name. I have my legal name change documents.
I am not intimidated by anyone and I don't care what people think about me.
BTW the person interviewing me was a very nice polite young woman.
Me: Hi, I want my wife and my income reassessed for Nursing Home care, she has been in care for 8 yrs and I can no longer afford the fees.
Her: Sure thing and how long were you in a de facto with your wife prior to her admittance.
Me: I have never been in a de facto I have my marriage certificate here.
Her: But that is a male - female certificate?
Me: Yes I changed my name, here is my name change document. I have also changed my legal gender, here is the court certificate.
Her: Oh you are transgender? But you cannot be married to a woman!
Me: My marriage certificate is still valid as is my name change and gender status. I also have my driving licence, passport and medicare card all stating my gender as female.
Her: Oh my older brother is Gay, so I do understand your issues.
Me: (private thought) what the goddess does your brother have to do with anything?
Me: I'm not Gay, I'm straight but I married a woman anyway because I love her. Maybe that makes me Bi transgender female.
Her: But you can't be because your a man? Oh but you are a woman! This is very confusing!
Me: Why is it confusing, I'm a woman who tried to be a man, got married and now I'm a woman married to a woman. Simple!
Her: Yes I think I see, but I don't have a box to tick!
Me: Well, tick her box as female, my box as female and tick married.
Her: OK, tell you what I think, these rules are dumb. I'm going to accept a same sex marriage and bugga the rules.
Me: Good girl, lets start the revolution!
A few hours later it looks as if I am in a legal same sex marriage under CenterLink and will be paying less than half of what I pay now.
