College

[James42]

So today was my first day of classes (technically my 1st full year) and almost a week before classes started, I emailed my teachers respectfully asking them to use my prefered name, all but one replied agreeing to respect my request, so pretty much I couldn't wait for class today. The 1st 2 classes went perfect, no one gave me unsure looks and used male pronouns. My last class tho, didn't start off as great, the teacher ended up calling out my birth name which I didn't answer to, I didn't say anything. After class I explained to him, he apologized and changed my name on the roster. I'm ridiculously happy and excited for the semester.

Anyways, sorry I'm rambling, my reason for posting this is actually to thank you guys for anyone who posted their college experiences. It helped a lot and I was able to take the advise on emailing my teachers. So thank you guys for once again pulling through in aiding me through steps in my transition! I appreciate everyone here on Susans

[Alexmakenoise]

I think it's cool that you talked to the teacher who called you by your birth name.  At this point in time, I don't know if I'd have the guts to do that.

[James42]

I think it's cool that you talked to the teacher who called you by your birth name.  At this point in time, I don't know if I'd have the guts to do that.

Yea it was cool because when I approached him after everyone left, he said "yes sir, how can I help you?"

[Calistine]

I didn't have this problem for college because I got my name legally changed just in time for it. But I've had issues in other places and it is a pain in the ass. When I was in group therapy and I asked to be called Kyle, my clinician was like I think you weirded people out when you asked to be called that(though it was only her really noone else cared) way to make feel like a freak in therapy... You did the right thing here, congrats

[Tree]

oh, college. it's weird for me i guess. i go to a women's college, so i always get "she'd" and even the more-often-than-i-would-like "HEY LADY"...i guess it's my own fault for choosing a women's college. granted, i went because it had a really supportive queer community. sometimes it's good and sometimes it just bites me in the butt.

[JesseA]

I go to a women's college too. I wouldn't change it for the world. Im seen as someone's boyfriend more often than called "Hey lady" or something feminine. On the rare occasions that someone is cleaning the men's bathroom and I use the women's, I get yelled at. Even by people who know I go to the school. I think it forces me to be more masculine in order the distinguish myself from the rest of the queer community.

[James42]

I don't know how well i'd do in a women's college. The city I live in is a relaxed beach town, so everyone's really cool about things for the most part, but I'm hoping to already be on T, hopefully top surgery, and have my name/gender changed before I transfer to UT in Austin, Tx since I'm not sure how people are there

[sneakersjay]

Why would a guy want to go to a women's college?

I do know many trans guys who did attend women's colleges, but they usually started pre-transition when they ID'd as lesbians. The ones I know graduated before transition. 

Jay

[JesseA]

Yeah I started going there before I identified as trans.

[JesseA]

and I dont want to wait until I graduate to start transitioning

[Between Names]

My first day of classes is tomorrow, and I've decided to just talk to my professors before class.  I'm still not entirely sure what to say though...  And this will be the first time I'm going to ask people to call me by male pronouns and my preferred name.  I'm really nervous.

[Shang]

I get either called my given name or neutral pronouns are used, even when I'm wearing a tank-top that obviously shows everything--while all the other bio girls get called feminine pronouns.  I'm drowning in happiness, and I'm going to try binding on Thursday to see what happens.

And I'm very happy for you!  That's pretty awesome to have teachers that are understanding.

[thestory]

My first day of classes is tomorrow, and I've decided to just talk to my professors before class.  I'm still not entirely sure what to say though...  And this will be the first time I'm going to ask people to call me by male pronouns and my preferred name.  I'm really nervous.

Yeah I am wondering how to go about the same thing since I'm going to a different college now I thought I could start fresh and see how it goes. I would talk to my teachers or e-mail them but I don't know...
Talked to my girlfriend about it and she says it may not be a good idea just because we live in a very conservative town and she is afraid that may not bode well for me. :/ Unfortunately she has a point. There is a good chunk of bigotry out here. And there was a transgendered kid killed already.

[James42]

I was definitely nervous, in fact I was nervous all the way up untill role was called even tho the teachers agreed, but I knew it had to be done. An example of my email:

Dear Mr./Mrs. _______

The reason for my e-mail is to humbly ask for your cooperation while I am attending your class this fall semester. I will let you know that I have been diagnosed with GID (Gender Identity Disorder), but it is not something I disclose to everyone. As part of my therapy, I have chosen a prefered name, James. My birth name is ______ _____, so that is the name that will show up on my records for now, but James is the name I prefer to go by, as it will soon be legally changed to. Hopefully this e-mail reaches you in time for Monday classes. Thank you for your time and cooperation.

I don't regret telling my teachers, but I can understand the concern about people not accepting it so well, but you never know until you try, maybe it'll end up working out

[Between Names]

Hey James, what did you say to the teacher who you talked to in person?

[James42]

Hey James, what did you say to the teacher who you talked to in person?

I waited for everyone to leave then I told him that I wanted to talk to him about an email I sent regarding my name and my situation. He said he'll look back through his email and apologized. Then I told him that he called my birth name on the roster, but I didn't answer to it. He understood and changed the mark to present.

[Between Names]

I only spoke to two of my profs today.  They were both totally cool about it.  I didn't even use the word transgender; I just said "I go by the name William, and I prefer male pronouns."

I think if they had wanted to know why, they would have asked.  This way it's quick and simple.

[James42]

I only spoke to two of my profs today.  They were both totally cool about it.  I didn't even use the word transgender; I just said "I go by the name William, and I prefer male pronouns."

I think if they had wanted to know why, they would have asked.  This way it's quick and simple.

That's awesome! Once people hear a male name called, they don't really question afterwards. Also, I think college teachers show more respect than high school teachers because they're dealing with adults

[Between Names]

Absolutely.  I just hope I don't have to take any crap from other students.  I actually ran into somebody I knew in high school (a gay guy), and came out to him after asking if he would be at the LGBT group meeting. So now I actually have one IRL friend who calls me male pronouns and my preferred name.

This one girl in my class thought I said my name was "Lily" though. I corrected her right away, but I thought it was pretty funny anyway... Lily. Lol.

[James42]

Yea hopefully they're all mature enough. And hmm...William...Lily....nope, don't hear the connection lol