Travelling from US to UK pre-op

[CrysC]

Later this year i have a trip to England and I am looking for advice around getting through British customs without an issue.  While I don't expect problems it makes sense to ask for advice in case anybody has been through it.

The options I see are: 

I could dress as a guy but, well, that's increasingly hard to pull off and if they scan or pat down then that goes out the window.

Alternatively I could travel like a proper young lady but, my papers still have the dreaded M on them.  I would hope this would not be an issue but I could see where a security focused country like England might have a problem with not matching my passport.

The last item and my current "safe" plan is to dress male so I match paper description and bring a letter from my therapist that says I am trans. 

thanks in advance.

[iKate]

In the USA some airports have full body scanners. However the image is a generic silhouette with any anomalies detected by the machine and highlighted on screen as a generic image. Just be prepared for a pat down and TSA should have a female officer do it.

Honestly some people here have said that the ID picture could present a problem but carry a letter just in case. 

[Jayne]

I live in the UK & have had to research anti discrimination law for several talks.
You will be safe going through customs as female, if they ask then all you have to say is that you are trans/transitioning, if they ask for paperwork to prove this then they are at risk of having discriminated against you.

When it comes to legal issues trans people are well protected over here.
I fired up my tablet so I could add a link to the governments official website
https://www.gov.uk/discrimination-your-rights/types-of-discrimination
I hope this puts your mind at ease

[CrysC]

thanks much! 
Great link Jayne!  I feel a lot better.  In this case I lean to going female but carrying a letter just in case.

[Squircle]

Just make sure that the name on the tickets matches the name on your passport.

[Jayne]

thanks much! 
Great link Jayne!  I feel a lot better.  In this case I lean to going female but carrying a letter just in case.

You're welcome, if border security do ask to do a search you have the right to request a female officer but they won't search you for being trans, authorities take discrimination laws very seriously. I wish you all the best in your visit to our little island if you visit London then I'll warn you that its a swine to find your way around, our towns and cities weren't designed they just grew in all directions, lol

P.S. be prepared for our unpredictable weather, last week we had thunder & hailstones one minute followed by blazing sunshine