I had some other errands to run, but I wanted to make a quick announcement earlier today. I am now legally Jessica Rose:
https://www.susans.org/index.php/topic,233861.msg2086812.html#msg2086812As Paul Harvey used to say -- and now, here's the rest of the story...
My introductory post to Susan's on 28 March 2017 started off with this:
Hello everyone. My name is Jessica Rose, or at least that is what I hope it will be in a few years.Well, I blew that timeline. When submitted that post I as nervous and as scared as just about everyone else. I had started HRT only a few days earlier, and I was uncertain and even frightened of my future. As time passed I found many posts on Susan's that helped me understand more about myself, some posts provided encouragement, and others instilled confidence. I could not have made it this far so quickly without the help of this community. Thank you.
When the day started I was not sure what would happen. My legal notice for the name change was supposed to be published Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. The legal requirement is for three publish dates within 20 days. It was in the paper on Saturday, but not Sunday or Monday. I called the paper as soon as their office opened to find out what happened. Apparently their system 'kicked out' my notice after the first day. I was assured they would fix it and run the notice on Tuesday and Wednesday. I was concerned about the looming government shutdown set for 8 February, so I asked about my affidavit which was required to show proof of publication. They replied 'Oh, we already printed it out. You can pick it up anytime'. Yea! Next stop, County Court.
I drove to the courthouse and found a park directly in front of the building. Amazing. Went down to the Clerks office and had to wait in line for about 10 minutes. I finally got to the counter and handed them the affidavit. Everything was in order, so the gave me a certified copy of the 'Final Decree'. I asked if I could get more than one.
Clerk:
Yes, but they are $20 each and you may only need one.Me:
I would like five copies.
Clerk:
You can always come down to the Courthouse and get another.
Me:
You don't understand how important this is to me. I would like five copies please.
Clerk:
OK.
With my five copies of the court order for my new name in hand I went to the Social Security Office. After a wait of only two hours or so it was finally my turn. I gave the clerk my paperwork, including the one for my gender marker...
Clerk:
I'll need to check with my supervisor. I have never done a gender change before.
Me:
Take your time. This is my first one too!
After about 10 minutes it was done. How did I celebrate? I went to my electrolysis appointment, told the electrologist the good news, then she began working on my upper lip. I guess that will make it a bit more memorable.
I was dressed as Jessica all day, and no one bothered me. Although I could have gone as John, it seemed a more fitting task for Jessica. One older lady complimented me on my lipstick and asked about my 'Find Joy in the Journey' bracelet.
My next stop? Tomorrow I plan to update my driver's license.