I am currently applying for universities. I live in Australia. I was wondering if for titles, considering it's not gender, am I allowed to use 'Mr' despite my sex is still legally female. Is title a preference? Or would I have to ask the university directly?


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I am in university right now as well. My main concern isn't what they address me as now, but what's written on my degree certificate at the end, since that's a legal document I'm gonna need. I intend to get my marker changed before then, but I'm not sure how much of a pain it will be to inform the university and have them change both my name and title. . .

Gosh, does anyone use titles any more?  It's a preference or a custom, not anything legal.  You can't use a title like Dr that indicates a qualification unless you actually have the corresponding qualification.  But anyone can be a Mr, Miss, Mrs, or Ms.

It seems logical to me that the title should match the name you are using.  It would be a bit confusing to be known as "Mr. Diane Smith", for example.  When you change your name, that would be a good time to indicate your preference for the title.

Universities are usually pretty good about name changes in their records, up to and after graduation.

Hey Moneyless - I went through this with an Australian university last week. I also reviewed the policies of 15 other uni's while I was at it.

Anyone can use any title they like (Mr/Ms/Miss). The only title you may have to provide evidence to use is Dr.

Most uni's should also let you set a preferred name in the administration systems.

Unfortunately, to change your gender, they will most likely require a letter from a physician or registered psych, stating that you are receiving treatment. This follows the practice set out in the federal guidelines on recognition of gender and sex. There are some uni's that have not updated the policies and still demand a passport or birth certificate. I suspect that if you complained about the gap between this and best practice, most would acquiesce and update the policy.

Where have you applied to? What are you hoping to study?

Quote from: Claire_Sydney on March 05, 2016, 09:39:23 PM
Hey Moneyless - I went through this with an Australian university last week. I also reviewed the policies of 15 other uni's while I was at it.

Anyone can use any title they like (Mr/Ms/Miss). The only title you may have to provide evidence to use is Dr.

Most uni's should also let you set a preferred name in the administration systems.

Unfortunately, to change your gender, they will most likely require a letter from a physician or registered psych, stating that you are receiving treatment. This follows the practice set out in the federal guidelines on recognition of gender and sex. There are some uni's that have not updated the policies and still demand a passport or birth certificate. I suspect that if you complained about the gap between this and best practice, most would acquiesce and update the policy.

Where have you applied to? What are you hoping to study?

That's awesome! Thanks and thanks everyone else I just wanted to make sure. I am applying for UTS (University of Technology Sydney), and will be applying to others. Strangely enough they didn't ask for my sex, only my title.


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Awesome.  UTS is a nice uni. Good luck for your application.

Unless you are using honorific prenomial titles such as The Hon, Sir, Dr, Prof, Justice, Cmdr, etc, you are free to choose your own salutation.

My organisation sponsors scholarships at UTS. Each year I visit the campus to conduct candidate interviews. I expect this year will be the first time I will conduct interviews as an openly trans person. Scary!

Good luck.