Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Is FtM top surgery considered an "irreversible gender surgery"? I mean legally. My state will not change gender on the birth certificate. Before, the gender marker on the DL couldn't be changed either regardless if one had had full SRS. Now I'm hearing MtFs say the sex on the DL can be changed if they've had SRS or orchidectomy. I probably won't be having any further surgeries after chest surgery, which probably doesn't count. So, I'm pretty much f*****, aren't I?

Nero

Quote from: NeroMy state will not change gender on the birth certificate. Before, the gender marker on the DL couldn't be changed either regardless if one had had full SRS. Now I'm hearing MtFs say the sex on the DL can be changed if they've had SRS or orchidectomy.

Nero, I don't know what state you refer to. However here is a list by state of Name, birth record and DMV change information. Last page update is March 2, 2006.

I would call chest surgery pretty irreversible.  It's probably more of a matter of interpretation.

Melissa

It's different everywhere, Nero. Brownstein writes a letter describing what he does as 'irreversible gender surgery' so that helps in some places.

Some FtM's have even gone into DMV, after enough time on T, and told them there's a mistake on their licence. I wouldn't recommend that though until you've tried the legal route.

Dennis

Ohio (where I was born) is one of the states that will change your name on the birth certificate, but Not Your Gender.

Boo Hiss.

Sarah L.

Nero,

   As Dennis said, Brownstein gives a letter stating just that. Here in California top surgery is enough to get the marker changed. I just went for a licence for my name change, then after surgery in August I will have to go get another licence with my letter from Browstein to change the marker. Who cares? Whats another 20.00 to change the marker?

                                              Marco

Yes, I would say so.  As far as I am concerned, "irreversible" is something that has no solution.  So if you have a double mastectomy and currently take testosterone as part of your gender transition, that'd be considered irreversible.  What they are trying to say, I think, is that you may need proof of an irreversible FTM  genital operation  such as a hysterectomy, a metaidoioplasty, or a phalloplasty; but of course I don't know that for sure.
What state are you from by the way?
tinkerbell

P.S.  for some transsexuals, however, some states will change a gender marker on a drivers license with only a physician's letter.  For more info please check the link below:
www.thetransitionalmale.com/dlchange

Thanks Tinkerbell.
I just got my answer. To change the gender marker on the DL in my state, requires SRS and surgeon's letter stating exactly "sex organ was changed". Breasts aren't a sex organ. And I have no desire for bottom surgery, so I am f*****.
I wasn't planning on going "stealth", but I don't need every stranger in town knowing my business.
Everytime I'm served alcohol in a public place, everytime I pay with a credit card, everywhere ID is checked, they're going to know.
But, I'm not ashamed, so I won't let it bother me.

Nero

Nero, not every state requires surgery to change the gender marker on your DL.  You could move, change it, then move back (or stay).

Melissa

Or you could do what a number of gals have done here in NC (which requires a letter stating SRS is complete):
"Umm, there's M and it should be an F."

Of course for a FTM it is the other way around.  I know a few who lost their licenses a few times in a single year, hitting up a different office each time.  Sometimes the person behind the counter just changes it on their own.  However, if one becomes too persistant then the NC DMV officers can enter into the file not to change your gender until a letter stating SRS has been shown.