I haven't changed my name yet but I am going to soon. Can I change my gender as well or do I have to go through RLE first? If this is true, then that means I'll have a male name and present male but my my identity will be female?

You can change your name by declaring a statutory declaration at a magistrates or solicitors, or by using a Deed Poll service.

Once you have the name change certified you can write to everyone and instruct them to change your name details. HM Customs and Revenue will change all your details in government systems if you fill in this online form.

http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/news/gender-change-tell-hmrc.htm


To LEGALLY change your GENDER IDENTITY and get a new birth certificate and all the rights pursuant to your acquired gender, then you need to apply to the Gender Recognition Panel. All the guidance and information you need to obtain a new birth certificate are here

http://hmctsformfinder.justice.gov.uk/courtfinder/forms/t451-eng.pdf

but you must have a diagnosis of Gender Dysphoria by a recognised specialist from this list

http://hmctsformfinder.justice.gov.uk/courtfinder/forms/t493-eng.pdf

Name chagne is easy but gender marker chagne isn't, you have to live as a male for 2/3 years for the gender marker and proofs.

I socially transitioned years and years before I got any hormones or surgery.

First I changed my name, you can just google for a statutory declaration template, you don't have to pay any lawyers or get anyone in particular to sign in - my brothers girlfriend witnessed mine. I then sent that off to anyone who had my details (my bank, anyone I pay bills to etc) with a letter saying I was transitioning and asked if it would be possible to change my gender marker at the same time.

Nobody had a problem with this, this included getting a passport and drivers license in my new name with the proper marker. You can also change the name for your national insurance details with a quick online form. (probably the same one hncpch posted)

The one last bit  I still have left to sort out is my birth certificate, which is more complicated and requires a GRC and a bunch of paperwork.