Community Conversation => Transsexual talk => Topic started by: K8 on May 22, 2009, 05:46:53 PM Return to Full Version
Title: It's Official!
Post by: K8 on May 22, 2009, 05:46:53 PM
Post by: K8 on May 22, 2009, 05:46:53 PM
I got my name change papers today! I am now officially Katherine!
I had always thought this was just another step along the way. I was surprised by how very validating this is.
I picked up the court papers, bought a bottle of champagne, went home (I figured I wasn't safe out and about the way I was), put on Horowitz playing Tchaikovsky's First Piano Concerto as loud as I could stand, popped the cork, toasted myself, and burst into tears.
About halfway through the bottle and the second time through the concerto it finally dawned on me. THIS IS REAL. The State recognizes me as Katherine. I am finally living a lifelong dream. There is no turning back (not that I would want to). I CAN do this! This WILL happen!
More than coming out, more than starting hormones, more than announcing in church, more than starting full time, this one small thing is THE thing that brings it all together. How odd. Perhaps it is just that the impersonal State now says I am Katherine.
And I am Katherine. And I will be evermore Katherine. Hallelujah! ;D
Ecstatically,
Kate
I had always thought this was just another step along the way. I was surprised by how very validating this is.
I picked up the court papers, bought a bottle of champagne, went home (I figured I wasn't safe out and about the way I was), put on Horowitz playing Tchaikovsky's First Piano Concerto as loud as I could stand, popped the cork, toasted myself, and burst into tears.
About halfway through the bottle and the second time through the concerto it finally dawned on me. THIS IS REAL. The State recognizes me as Katherine. I am finally living a lifelong dream. There is no turning back (not that I would want to). I CAN do this! This WILL happen!
More than coming out, more than starting hormones, more than announcing in church, more than starting full time, this one small thing is THE thing that brings it all together. How odd. Perhaps it is just that the impersonal State now says I am Katherine.
And I am Katherine. And I will be evermore Katherine. Hallelujah! ;D
Ecstatically,
Kate
Title: Re: It's Official!
Post by: Janet_Girl on May 22, 2009, 06:04:23 PM
Post by: Janet_Girl on May 22, 2009, 06:04:23 PM
Halliuah
That is the greatest feeling in the world, I know. Now on to the DMV and SSA. Check with your state about the gender change on the d/l. Some states let you change it.
Congratulation, Katherine. :icon_bunch:
Janet
That is the greatest feeling in the world, I know. Now on to the DMV and SSA. Check with your state about the gender change on the d/l. Some states let you change it.
Congratulation, Katherine. :icon_bunch:
Janet
Title: Re: It's Official!
Post by: gween on May 22, 2009, 06:27:56 PM
Post by: gween on May 22, 2009, 06:27:56 PM
i im so very happy for you.
Title: Re: It's Official!
Post by: fae_reborn on May 22, 2009, 06:43:33 PM
Post by: fae_reborn on May 22, 2009, 06:43:33 PM
Congrats Katherine! I remember when I got my name change letter, and I was so happy I cried.
Title: Re: It's Official!
Post by: myles on May 22, 2009, 07:56:59 PM
Post by: myles on May 22, 2009, 07:56:59 PM
Congratulations! ;D
Myles
Myles
Title: Re: It's Official!
Post by: Cindy on May 23, 2009, 03:32:24 AM
Post by: Cindy on May 23, 2009, 03:32:24 AM
Absolutely wonderful news Katherine.
Have another champagne on me :eusa_clap:
Love and Hugs
Cindy
Have another champagne on me :eusa_clap:
Love and Hugs
Cindy
Title: Re: It's Official!
Post by: Sandy on May 23, 2009, 04:53:15 AM
Post by: Sandy on May 23, 2009, 04:53:15 AM
I nearly passed out when the judge pronounced my name change as official. I know how you feel.
Congratulations, Katherine!
It's a wonderful name.
-Sandy
Congratulations, Katherine!
It's a wonderful name.
-Sandy
Title: Re: It's Official!
Post by: sneakersjay on May 23, 2009, 07:03:32 AM
Post by: sneakersjay on May 23, 2009, 07:03:32 AM
Congrats!
Jay
Jay
Title: Re: It's Official!
Post by: Feever on May 23, 2009, 07:10:37 AM
Post by: Feever on May 23, 2009, 07:10:37 AM
CHEERS!
Title: Re: It's Official!
Post by: Buffy on May 23, 2009, 07:58:37 AM
Post by: Buffy on May 23, 2009, 07:58:37 AM
Congratulations Kate.
A significant step!
Rebecca
A significant step!
Rebecca
Title: Re: It's Official!
Post by: ArleneTgirl on May 23, 2009, 07:59:14 AM
Post by: ArleneTgirl on May 23, 2009, 07:59:14 AM
Congratulations Katherine. It's a wonderful thing.
Title: Re: It's Official!
Post by: FairyGirl on May 23, 2009, 08:19:23 AM
Post by: FairyGirl on May 23, 2009, 08:19:23 AM
congratulations Katherine, it's a beautiful name ;) (https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cosgan.de%2Fimages%2Fsmilie%2Fmusik%2Fn015.gif&hash=479db208305172fe4bec80b5dead717273ce7c09)
Title: Re: It's Official!
Post by: she_male on May 23, 2009, 08:44:44 AM
Post by: she_male on May 23, 2009, 08:44:44 AM
Oh hey congrats :)
Title: Re: It's Official!
Post by: kody2011 on May 23, 2009, 10:14:19 AM
Post by: kody2011 on May 23, 2009, 10:14:19 AM
congrats!!!! ;D
Title: Re: It's Official!
Post by: Teknoir on May 23, 2009, 01:27:36 PM
Post by: Teknoir on May 23, 2009, 01:27:36 PM
Woo Hoo! ;D
That's awesome news! Congrats!
Interesting to hear the sort of emotions an official name change can bring. You have me looking forward to the day I too can experiance that form of validation (as opposed to just dreading the bill for it) ;).
That's awesome news! Congrats!
Interesting to hear the sort of emotions an official name change can bring. You have me looking forward to the day I too can experiance that form of validation (as opposed to just dreading the bill for it) ;).
Title: Re: It's Official!
Post by: Cowardly Lioness on May 24, 2009, 12:42:14 PM
Post by: Cowardly Lioness on May 24, 2009, 12:42:14 PM
How exciting ;D
Congratulations
Congratulations
Title: Re: It's Official!
Post by: Lori on May 24, 2009, 12:58:54 PM
Post by: Lori on May 24, 2009, 12:58:54 PM
Congratulations Katherine.
Title: Re: It's Official!
Post by: LordKAT on May 24, 2009, 05:02:37 PM
Post by: LordKAT on May 24, 2009, 05:02:37 PM
I know the feeling Katherine. My name change papers had me giddy for weeks, especially when the DMV changed my gender maker without me having to say a thing.
Title: Re: It's Official!
Post by: Jay on May 25, 2009, 09:36:25 AM
Post by: Jay on May 25, 2009, 09:36:25 AM
Congrats! Pop those champagne bottles! ;)
Jay
Jay
Title: Re: It's Official!
Post by: K8 on May 27, 2009, 07:27:58 AM
Post by: K8 on May 27, 2009, 07:27:58 AM
Thanks for all the congratulations!
I just want to add an update. I picked up the papers late Friday afternoon and so had to wait the long weekend (Memorial Day in the US). :P
Tuesday morning I hit the hairdresser first thing so she could make me as presentable as possible. (And so she could wish me luck. :))
Then it was to the DMV for a new driver's license. The woman there couldn't have been nicer or friendlier. We had a good time, chatting away. Unfortunately, they don't print the licenses there and I have to wait 3-6 weeks for the real one. She gave me a paper license to go with my old one, but I'm stuck with the male picture until then. :( The new license will still say I'm male, but who cares?
Then it was to the Air Force base fifty miles away. I had trouble getting on the base because I didn't look anything like the picture on my military ID. :D After a hassle, though, I was headed to the ID office.
Oddly enough, when I went into the women's room on the base I ran into a chatty woman when I was washing up. It was my first chatty-woman-in-a-rest-room experience. We chatted away about inconsequential things and had a nice exchange. :)
Then the military ID. Again, the woman was very friendly and positive about it all. We chattered away about all sorts of things while she was doing the paperwork. I even got a pretty cute picture on my new ID – far better than any of my old, male pictures. :D
On a roll, I hit up the Social Security office. I had to wait quite a while, but once at the counter the woman was friendly and helpful and very nice. By then I was sure my feet weren't touching the ground. ;D
Once back in my own town, I ran around dropping off papers at the doctor, dentist, and insurance offices, pharmacy, bank, credit union, cable office, etc. Everyone was great. I even made a new friend at the coffee house when I just couldn't restarain myself from telling her I am officially Katherine.
What a day! ;D I am far chattier than I ever was as the drab old me. Look out world - Kate's here! :D
- Kate
I just want to add an update. I picked up the papers late Friday afternoon and so had to wait the long weekend (Memorial Day in the US). :P
Tuesday morning I hit the hairdresser first thing so she could make me as presentable as possible. (And so she could wish me luck. :))
Then it was to the DMV for a new driver's license. The woman there couldn't have been nicer or friendlier. We had a good time, chatting away. Unfortunately, they don't print the licenses there and I have to wait 3-6 weeks for the real one. She gave me a paper license to go with my old one, but I'm stuck with the male picture until then. :( The new license will still say I'm male, but who cares?
Then it was to the Air Force base fifty miles away. I had trouble getting on the base because I didn't look anything like the picture on my military ID. :D After a hassle, though, I was headed to the ID office.
Oddly enough, when I went into the women's room on the base I ran into a chatty woman when I was washing up. It was my first chatty-woman-in-a-rest-room experience. We chatted away about inconsequential things and had a nice exchange. :)
Then the military ID. Again, the woman was very friendly and positive about it all. We chattered away about all sorts of things while she was doing the paperwork. I even got a pretty cute picture on my new ID – far better than any of my old, male pictures. :D
On a roll, I hit up the Social Security office. I had to wait quite a while, but once at the counter the woman was friendly and helpful and very nice. By then I was sure my feet weren't touching the ground. ;D
Once back in my own town, I ran around dropping off papers at the doctor, dentist, and insurance offices, pharmacy, bank, credit union, cable office, etc. Everyone was great. I even made a new friend at the coffee house when I just couldn't restarain myself from telling her I am officially Katherine.
What a day! ;D I am far chattier than I ever was as the drab old me. Look out world - Kate's here! :D
- Kate
Title: Re: It's Official!
Post by: Sandy on May 27, 2009, 08:19:24 AM
Post by: Sandy on May 27, 2009, 08:19:24 AM
Isn't wonderful when the flower finally blooms in all it's color and glory?
Congratulations, Kate!
-Sandy
Congratulations, Kate!
-Sandy
Title: Re: It's Official!
Post by: Janet_Girl on May 27, 2009, 09:02:46 AM
Post by: Janet_Girl on May 27, 2009, 09:02:46 AM
Hi Kate,
Isn't a great feeling to finally have everything in your true name. I still get mail for 'him'. but I marked 'Return to Sender. Deceased.' >:-)
And I like the new do.
Janet
Isn't a great feeling to finally have everything in your true name. I still get mail for 'him'. but I marked 'Return to Sender. Deceased.' >:-)
And I like the new do.
Janet
Title: Re: It's Official!
Post by: Genevieve Swann on May 27, 2009, 09:13:09 AM
Post by: Genevieve Swann on May 27, 2009, 09:13:09 AM
That's great news. Can we choose a nickname. Kathy? KItty?
Title: Re: It\'s Official!
Post by: K8 on May 27, 2009, 03:41:54 PM
Post by: K8 on May 27, 2009, 03:41:54 PM
Quote from: Genevieve Swann on May 27, 2009, 09:13:09 AM
That's great news. Can we choose a nickname. Kathy? KItty?
Please, never Kathy. (Bad associations with my past.) Anyway, I thought Kate was a nickname. Just about everyone in town calls me Kate. I even introduced myself to someone yesterday as Katherine and she replied: Hi Kate! ::)
- Kate
Post Merge: May 27, 2009, 03:43:21 PM
Quote from: Janet Lynn on May 27, 2009, 09:02:46 AM
And I like the new do.
Thanks, Janet. I'm trying to learn how to do it at home but so far with only modest success. :P
- Kate
Title: Re: It\'s Official!
Post by: Sandy on May 27, 2009, 03:56:21 PM
Post by: Sandy on May 27, 2009, 03:56:21 PM
Quote from: K8 on May 27, 2009, 03:41:54 PMYou'll soon learn the joys of home perms and hair color. Really, give it a try! Nothing makes people aware of the new you as a new hair color. I think everyone goes through a blond phase, I know I did, but I currently like red/auburn. It can be very freeing!
Post Merge: May 27, 2009, 03:43:21 PM
Thanks, Janet. I'm trying to learn how to do it at home but so far with only modest success. :P
- Kate
-Sandy
Title: Re: It's Official!
Post by: MMarieN on May 27, 2009, 04:07:51 PM
Post by: MMarieN on May 27, 2009, 04:07:51 PM
Congrats, Kate!
Title: Re: It's Official!
Post by: NicholeW. on May 27, 2009, 04:08:00 PM
Post by: NicholeW. on May 27, 2009, 04:08:00 PM
Quote from: Sandy on May 27, 2009, 03:56:21 PM
You'll soon learn the joys of home perms and hair color. Really, give it a try! Nothing makes people aware of the new you as a new hair color. I think everyone goes through a blond phase, I know I did, but I currently like red/auburn. It can be very freeing!
Congrats, Kate. You'll get "better" at it with some experience in doing it. :)
Sandy, blonde works better when one's skin-tone is right for it. :laugh:
Title: Re: It's Official!
Post by: cindybc on May 27, 2009, 04:57:55 PM
Post by: cindybc on May 27, 2009, 04:57:55 PM
Hi Kathering, congrats hon. That was a wonderful day wasn't it. I did pretty well the same you did, but I celebrated with fake champaign, lets say I just can't drink alcohol. ;D I had pretty well the same reception with people as you did.
Cindy
Cindy
Title: Re: It's Official!
Post by: Michelle. on May 27, 2009, 10:24:05 PM
Post by: Michelle. on May 27, 2009, 10:24:05 PM
K8 on behalf of the world, Welcome to the world.
Have fun. Be good. Take care.
Congrats...Mich'
Have fun. Be good. Take care.
Congrats...Mich'
Title: Re: It's Official!
Post by: Sandy on May 28, 2009, 05:42:41 AM
Post by: Sandy on May 28, 2009, 05:42:41 AM
Quote from: Nichole on May 27, 2009, 04:08:00 PMYeah, I kinda figured that one out the hard way...
Sandy, blonde works better when one's skin-tone is right for it. :laugh:
-Sandy(*blush*)