So, I've been in therapy for over a month and am a week away from going for my meet with the doctor about starting HRT. Today my therapist asked me about my name. I know what I want my girl name to be, of course, but the idea of being called by it...feels, I dunno, different? So my question is, at what point did you start using your female name, and how did you get used to it?
For me it felt different at first too, but also really good to finally happen.
I started using my new name gradually since I took so long in coming out everywhere. My wife had been using my new name for about a year(ish) before I came out, my therapist and doctor from day one in therapy and HRT treatment. Once the work thing was handled I began using my new name everywhere except for anything requiring a signature until my court order was granted.
Now, six months full time, my old name is unused unless I happen to run into someone I haven't seen in a long time (which I correct).
well in my case, some friends have been calling me "marlee" for several years. So I think when it becomes official, the only odd feeling will be when everyone calls me by that name.
Although my new name isn't entirely different from my birth name (I went from Ron to Roni), I must admit it still feels a little weird with certain people, particularly close friends and family who knew me pre-transition. I feel like my sister for example finds it a little uncomfortable too and has resorted to not addressing me by any name at all, which I am not too bothered by. She simply goes "hey" if she wants to address me. I don't blame her as she very much loved me as her brother and can understand it feeling alienating for her to address me with my new name. It's a different story with new people I meet though.
I can see it feeling a little weird and different maybe for those who have chosen a name with little resemblance to their birth name, but you will get used to it eventually. Congrats on having chosen a name! :)
I have been getting myself more used to my new name lately actually. I told my boss and HR and several friends thus far, only have family to tell next, but am excitedbto go full time as Allison in June so i hope everyone gets used to it quick! For all my therapy and voice appts i used Allison though since ill be presenting as female during those appts. Congrats on choosing a name though, big step in the right direction, and its an exciting one at that!
This time around at transition I used it right off the bat. The first time it just took a good while to get comfortable which is when I started using it. Best to use when your ready and comfortable. Hugs
Mariah
I'm curious how everyone decided on their new names.
Months of trying on different ideas and ultimately finding that they didn't stick. Also, I am changing my last name, so I figured I should pick a first name that scans with it, so that cut down the options a bunch. (My current first/last don't scan together at all.)
Quote from: Karlie Ann on April 27, 2016, 05:00:12 PM
So my question is, at what point did you start using your female name, and how did you get used to it?
I'm still not full time, but I've been moving toward Meghan here, in email, in therapy, and with friends. It's starting to sound a lot more natural now.
I started with my primary care and therapist and then when I went to group. Work was last November when I went full time. My court date is 6/3/15 for name change.
Hey, Karlie Ann.
I started to use my name when I began E. All I did was add an A ;) and change the spelling of my second name. My last name is the same.
I do not respond to my old name, odd but true ;D It simply does not register in my mind any more ???
Paula, X.
Quote from: Newfie on May 01, 2016, 12:20:11 PM
I'm curious how everyone decided on their new names.
Its funny bc when i get asked what my name will be everyone assumes i would go the easy route and just add an "a" onto eric for erica...but i judt picked a name i loved amd always had in my mind for myself. I dont know how i landed on Allison to tell you the truth though...