The court hearing for my name change is next Wednesday morning. Now that it is so close I'm second-guessing what is the most appropriate gender appearance for the hearing. I always assumed I would present as my target gender which is female, but now I'm questioning it somewhat as I do not look the same at all from one to the other. If I go as a female the court won't recognize me from my old DL id photo and the judge may well decide I am trying to defraud. Any suggestions? I can't imagine going as other than target gender, it wouldn't feel right at all.
Also, am I right to do the Name Change now or was I supposed to wait for SRS? I am wondering if I am doing the steps for transitioning correctly, if there is such a thing as a correct set of steps. I have a gender therapist (3 years), endocrinologist for HRT (2.5 years), RLT with workplace transition now working in target gender (1 week), plus coming out to everyone over the past several years. Don't we need the Name Change for RLT?
Thanks,
Valerie
Changing your name is an important step in fulfilling your Real Life Experience requirement for SRS, so definitely do it first. When I changed mine I was already living full time so I just dressed appropriately (female) and went through the court procedure. It took all of 15 minutes and I was done. For the reason I just put "common usage". If you have your old ID with you there shouldn't be any problem.
You will of course need to present as your name would require. In other words, go as female. Yes you will most likely have to do it again for gender change. As FairyGirl said it is part and parcel for RLE.
When I did mine I gave no reason, but when I went to court it was obvious to the judge. When I go to do my gender change, I will include the letter from my surgeon as the reason.
Unfortunately it is twice the expense but you can make a cake without breaking some eggs.
Janet
Quote from: Valeriedances on November 18, 2009, 08:28:43 PM
The court hearing for my name change is next Wednesday morning. Now that it is so close I'm second-guessing what is the most appropriate gender appearance for the hearing. I always assumed I would present as my target gender which is female, but now I'm questioning it somewhat as I do not look the same at all from one to the other. If I go as a female the court won't recognize me from my old DL id photo and the judge may well decide I am trying to defraud. Any suggestions? I can't imagine going as other than target gender, it wouldn't feel right at all.
Also, am I right to do the Name Change now or was I supposed to wait for SRS? I am wondering if I am doing the steps for transitioning correctly, if there is such a thing as a correct set of steps. I have a gender therapist (3 years), endocrinologist for HRT (2.5 years), RLT with workplace transition now working in target gender (1 week), plus coming out to everyone over the past several years. Don't we need the Name Change for RLT?
Thanks,
Valerie
Target.
I don't see why anyone would consider not going as their target sex. Name change should pretty much be the start of your 100% no return full time, so if you don't walk out of that court house as a woman... what's the point?
Plus won't you feel weird standing there dressed like a guy, walking out with a girl's name?
When I changed my name I went as a girl. I had a pretty up to date drivers licensce photo by then as well, and the judge was really cool.
definitely as your target sex
Quote from: SarahFaceDoom on November 19, 2009, 03:04:42 AM
When I changed my name I went as a girl. I had a pretty up to date drivers licensce photo by then as well, and the judge was really cool.
I'll bet the judge was wondering how ANYONE could ever see you as a guy...
Coming late to this, and I didn't have to appear before a judge, but if you are full-time go as you are.
When I got my name-change and went to the military base to get a new ID card, the gate-guard wouldn't let me on the base until I explained I had changed my name (and a few other things).
Don't worry about the old ID - you're getting the name-change so you can change your ID. It's not really a chicken-and-egg thing.
- Kate
yeah i agreego as yourself (lady) and not all guy like.