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It's Official!

Started by K8, May 22, 2009, 05:46:53 PM

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K8

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
Life is a pilgrimage.
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Janet_Girl

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
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gween

i im so very happy for you.
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fae_reborn

Congrats Katherine!  I remember when I got my name change letter, and I was so happy I cried.
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myles

Congratulations!  ;D
Myles
"A life lived in fear is a life half lived"
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Cindy

Absolutely wonderful news Katherine.

Have another champagne on me :eusa_clap:

Love and Hugs
Cindy
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Sandy

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
Out of the darkness, into the light.
Following my bliss.
I am complete...
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sneakersjay



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Feever

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Buffy

Congratulations Kate.

A significant step!

Rebecca
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ArleneTgirl

Congratulations Katherine.  It's a wonderful thing.
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FairyGirl

congratulations Katherine, it's a beautiful name  ;) 
Girls rule, boys drool.
If I keep a green bough in my heart, then the singing bird will come.
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she_male

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kody2011

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Teknoir

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) ;).
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Cowardly Lioness

How exciting  ;D

Congratulations
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Lori

Congratulations Katherine.
"In my world, everybody is a pony and they all eat rainbows and poop butterflies!"


If the shoe fits, buy it in every color.
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LordKAT

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.
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Jay

Congrats! Pop those champagne bottles! ;)

Jay


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K8

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
Life is a pilgrimage.
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