Re: Gender recognition certificate declined if you are IS (U.K only)

[Naturally Blonde]

This may be of interest to U.K forums members who are intersexed and also transsexual and want to apply for a gender recognition certificate.

While asking about a gender recognition certificate I was told by Michelle at the GRP that they would not accept applications from people if it was proven that they have an intersexed condition and would not be excepted by the gender recognition panel as you would not be classed as transsexual?

grpenquiries@tribunals.gsi.gov.uk

Gender Recognition Panel
PO Box 6987
Leicester
LE1 6ZX
Phone
0845 355 5155

[Zelane]

Its the irony of things.

I have that same situation here... its disheartening.

[Naturally Blonde]

Its the irony of things.

I have that same situation here... its disheartening.

Where are you based Zelane? U.K or U.S?

[Nigella]

That's interesting, I was diagnosed transsexual but my hormone levels are really high. My T level is above the male average but estrogen levels are normal for female. I am only on a small dose of estrodial and no anti androgen. I have had boobs since 14/15 which are now with the added estrogen getting bigger again. I questioned the original diagnosis and asked other TS that I know about my hormone level and physical development and they also agreed it was odd.

Anyway if your post is correct then maybe that's the reason for the diagnosis. I don't think I will pursue the intersex thing any more even if I am.

Stardust 

[rejennyrated]

That's interesting, I was diagnosed transsexual but my hormone levels are really high. My T level is above the male average but estrogen levels are normal for female. I am only on a small dose of estrodial and no anti androgen. I have had boobs since 14/15 which are now with the added estrogen getting bigger again. I questioned the original diagnosis and asked other TS that I know about my hormone level and physical development and they also agreed it was odd.

Anyway if your post is correct then maybe that's the reason for the diagnosis. I don't think I will pursue the intersex thing any more even if I am.

Stardust

It's the law of unintended consequences I fear. To my shame I had a small (well tiny would be more accurate) input into the drafting of the gender recognition act. I was one of those who argued for the "fast track" proceedure to be retained for those who had had surgery but did not fit the diagnostic cirteria. However I was in a minority of almost one! 

Under the fast track - you didn't need the diagnosis - merely you needed to prove that you had had surgery and were living in the new gender.

But it's actually not quite as black and white as the original poster suggests - all you need to do to get your certificate is to get a specialist practicioner to certify you as transgender - and if you are living in the opposite role from that in which you were raised, irrespective of whether you were technically intersex, then you meet the basic criteria for that diagnosis.

So in effect it's an excercise in getting the doctor to write the correct words on the form - and then simply NOT telling the GRP anything they don't need to know. 

In other words - don't volunteer complications - just tick the boxes and the small minded civil service mentality chappie in the GRP who reads the form is happy and signs you off. 

Luckily I was already over 20 year postop when the legislation passed so I have one of the first 150 certificates ever issued, and mine was done under fast-track which was easier. Also ironically at the time I didn't have access to the medical notes which eventually led to my being recently re-diagnosed as intersex, because the person who oversaw my SRS back in the early 80's decided not to bother to tell me! So as I have already explained elsewhere it is only recently following some problems that I have known that technically I was intersexed all along and not merely trans. Hey-ho - it makes no practical difference now! But it is nice to know...

So my advice is - do find out the truth, for your own peace of mind, but also get the doctor to agree that he will write the "politically correct" diagnosis words on your application support letter.

[Nigella]

Thanks rejennyrated,

I really appreciate that advice and tick the right boxes.


Stardust

[Jay]

I think this is rediculous!

Jay

[rejennyrated]

I think this is rediculous!

Jay

And you are right. It is absolutely ridiculous... but like I said it's the law of unintended consequences where a small error in the drafting of legislation designed to tackle one problem makes unintended huge difficulties for someone with a slight variation on that problem.

The difficulty arose because those making the legislation were predominantly advised by classical transfolk - and they forgot that someone IS might not get the exact right words written on their diagnosis. - I think it needs an amendment, but then I'm formally on record, during the parliamentary reports stage of the bill drafting, as thinking that withdrawl of the initial fast track provisions after two years was wrong in the first place and I was ignored.

In any case an ammendment could take years. Heck the GRA itself took over 30 years to get onto the statute books. So as things stand it's just quicker and easier in most cases to simply get your doctor to write the correct words on your supporting letter. It's a small medical white lie. Who cares as long as you get that certificate.