finally deciding to do something about the dysphoria

[Kev]

I meant a name change with gender change.

[Renate]

There are a few countries (Germany being one) where you can't arbitrarily change your name to "Ignatz Stromboli" just because you like the name.

In the US, the 14th amendment to the constitution has been interpreted as guaranteeing the right to a name change for any reason.

[Arch]

Wow, this is weird.

I was thinking more like "terrifying" and "defeating."

Like in Germany (I don't know about other countries) when you want to change your name and really live as the other gender, you have to get operation. No way around it. You shall not be able to reproduce yourself anymore.

I can understand why they do it, but I can't agree with it. The thought of a pregnant post-transition trans man gives me the serious heebie-jeebies, probably because I'm just too close to the issue. But I would never want to force someone into getting rid of his internals. For one thing, it's pretty expensive if insurance doesn't cover it; as with GRS for the women, a lot of people can't afford to do it, and they're basically trapped. Of course, I have heard that Germany has a hellaciously good system that covers hysto, but still, I wouldn't want my arm to be twisted. We do enough of that already.