WHOOPS! finally

[enigmaticrorschach]

i can finally go back to school this fall. however i think imma run into a little issue. should i notify my counselor that i'll be on hormones?

[FTMax]

i can finally go back to school this fall. however i think imma run into a little issue. should i notify my counselor that i'll be on hormones?

I think it depends on what kind of school and where you're located.

[enigmaticrorschach]

well i go to county college in NJ

[Tessa James]

EA I have worked with students, faculty, administration and staff as a college trustee and found that it is advisable to talk with your advisors/counselor about being transgender, especially if you plan to transition and be "out" to any degree.  I don't think they need details about your transition or if you are on medication or not.  Talking with them may help to avoid misgendering by your professors or other students if they know what is going on.  They may also question you about your name and legal gender status such as on your drivers license.  Most public colleges in the US have non discrimination policies, diversity committees, and LGBTQ student groups that can provide some support.  I sit on the national diversity committee for the ACCT and found many colleges are not yet up to speed about the reality of transgender people and our legal protections.  My college just started creating unisex restrooms last year with some prodding.  I would be happy to PM with you and/or speak with you and/or your college staff.  Education is a two way street and you may very well be helping to educate others along the way.  College campuses are often the most accepting or at least tolerant venues for us.

[enigmaticrorschach]

EA I have worked with students, faculty, administration and staff as a college trustee and found that it is advisable to talk with your advisors/counselor about being transgender, especially if you plan to transition and be "out" to any degree.  I don't think they need details about your transition or if you are on medication or not.  Talking with them may help to avoid misgendering by your professors or other students if they know what is going on.  They may also question you about your name and legal gender status such as on your drivers license.  Most public colleges in the US have non discrimination policies, diversity committees, and LGBTQ student groups that can provide some support.  I sit on the national diversity committee for the ACCT and found many colleges are not yet up to speed about the reality of transgender people and our legal protections.  My college just started creating unisex restrooms last year with some prodding.  I would be happy to PM with you and/or speak with you and/or your college staff.  Education is a two way street and you may very well be helping to educate others along the way.  College campuses are often the most accepting or at least tolerant venues for us.

thanx a lot tessa. i'll be sure to drop you a pm when i go in and registrar for class. wont use online registration anymore because i wouldnt be able to find my classes and plus i can only go to school on thurasdays-saturdays since i work mon-wed. i'm not planning on doing anything drastic. my clothing my change a little bit and lean to the feminine side a tiny bit but as much neutral as possible. as far as my name, i wish i could be called echo in class instead of by my real name since i havent got around to fill a name change yet. still need to go over it with my therapist. is there anyway that could happen or i actually need it legally changed?

[FTMax]

my clothing my change a little bit and lean to the feminine side a tiny bit but as much neutral as possible. as far as my name, i wish i could be called echo in class instead of by my real name since i havent got around to fill a name change yet. still need to go over it with my therapist. is there anyway that could happen or i actually need it legally changed?

If you want to officially show up on rosters and have your school email be Echo, you'd need to get it legally changed. It is definitely possible to have it legally changed between now and when school starts in the fall. It typically is not a drawn out process. People do it all the time when they get married.

It took me maybe 20 minutes to fill the paperwork out, 10 to drive to the courthouse and park, 5 to walk in and get to the clerk's office, and 10 to review with them and pay. Two weeks later it was approved and mailed to me. New Jersey may be a little different, but I doubt it would take longer than 3 months to complete and return.

Of course, you could always just send the professors you'll have an email and let them know that you go by a different name than what is on the roster. Either way, I'd say it would not hurt to let someone in charge know your situation.

[enigmaticrorschach]

oh, i could start the name changing process next week after i finish paying my bills. my mother is going to question me but i choose a unisex name so she can't really say much and since i pay rent and some bills, she really can't really do much. i'm trying now to see how long it will take. i may go through during the middle of my semester though so i might have to wait another semester before my name actually changes. i'll let my counselor know in advance and see what she can help me an any way. its kinda scary if i think about it.

[enigmaticrorschach]

omg, cant believe i have to publish my name change in the news paper -.-

[Tessa James]

Yes, your name is a big deal and I trust you will take your time and feel as comfortable as possible that your name fits for you.   It really does make a big difference for traveling, bills, correspondence, workplaces and the daily affirmation of hearing your name that fits your gender expression.  In Oregon we just posted at the courthouse and there are restrictions on how often a person can change their name. It is part of the public record and one of those processes that make total stealth challenging.

Some states and institutions do allow use of "Also Known As," (AKA) and there a many people, of course, who simply adopt a nick name that sticks.  For me it is important that my sense of congruency and identity are legally mine to determine and to own it.

Your transition is your opportunity to determine what priorities are important to you.  Way glad you are staying in College.