So I'm gonna be going back to college for the summer again in just under two weeks, and I was wondering what to do about pronoun usage. I've been living as a guy for over six months now, and so I haven't had to worry about any pronoun usage or passing issues for ages. I know I pass 100%, that's not an issue either. But I know that on my high school roll calls, they list gender because one time a substitute refused to believe I was me for half the class period and thought I was pulling some prank because it said I was female. So I was forced to come out to the whole class, not like it really mattered because most people in there already knew I wasn't a bio-guy, but it could have been a trainwreck if I was totally stealth.

I'm unsure if the college I'm going to will have some way of letting teachers know what gender their students are, aka, gender listed on class rolls or something, and don't really know how to go about the issue, just in case there will be something that gives me away. Should I email my teachers before classes start and let them know that how I look will not match up with anything on paper? Should I just wait and try to approach them in person before/after class and hope they don't confront me in front of the class like that one substitute? Any other options?

--Thanks.

I emailed my professors a week before classes started and told them my preferred name (that was pre-name change) and pronouns, along with the request that they do not reveal my status as trans.  If you want, you can pm me and I can give you a copy of the letter I sent my professors.

When I was in university I don't think they had gender by the names. Most classes I don't think the professor even took role. College has the mentality that you paid for this class, so if you show up or not is your decision and responsibility. I knew some people who never went to class except for test days.

University is totally different to school. It is up to you to go to class if you want to, they won't call role. They tend to be much more open and accepting. You are there to learn and think and they don't stand over you making sure you do anything, it is totally up to you. You can probably go to class in pajamas if you want, I know I did. You're an autonomous adult in their eyes, if you want to learn you show up. If you don't show up only you lose out, they won't come looking for you.

Likely you will get a student photo ID of some kind or a student number (I did anyway), as long as they can match you with the id and the id and your work you should have no worries. If you are worried, give the college a call and ask them specifically about this issue. I'm sure they will be happy to help you out.

Oh I know the atmosphere of college, I've been to college for two summers already, just not with the gender issues.

Or, you could change your name.

Why is no one on this forum willing to actually change their name?

Why is no one on this forum willing to actually change their name?

Because they can.  With not very much money (compared to the other things we talk about), and almost no time, effort or sweat.  Heck, that would give them one less thing to complain about.

And taking attendance is done at some schools, not others.  By some professors and not all.

Quote from: tekla on June 16, 2009, 11:11:27 PM
And taking attendance is done at some schools, not others.  By some professors and not all.

I was about to say...a few years ago, I was told that I would have to start taking attendance for financial aid reasons. And this is at the University of California, no less. Feels like I'm teaching Romper Room, but I do it anyway.

The issue here appears to be gender markers on rolls - not name issue. Changing name won't do squat to gender markers.

Oh, and we don't have gender markers on our roll sheets. Do other colleges?

Asher, I've heard of other students here who have notified their instructors ahead of time, and it seems to work pretty well most of the time.

Mister: What Teknoir said. Also, I am a minor with disapproving parentals, aka, it's not going to happen.

My college has an LGBT equity office.  I contacted a guy there, and he went to the office of enrollment and changed my name and gender listing for me, and that is where the professors get their rosters from, so it went smoothly.  Although now I can't get my financial aid award package until I register for the draft...oops.

But definitely check if your school has an office like that, or even go directly to the office of enrollment yourself.  Finding an advocate really helps, though.

Oh, I forgot to add... if you're in the US to the school system you are a number. Your social security number. If you don't know it by now you will (I sure had too ). They seem to ask for your SSN alot and then all other info pops up. I'm not saying the instructors have your SSN on their role, I'm just saying the office departments do.

Quote from: Mister on June 16, 2009, 11:02:18 PM
Why is no one on this forum willing to actually change their name?

I don't know about others, but I'm legally unable to change my name 'till I'm post-op, like all other Icelandic transsexuals.

Quote from: Quicksand on June 17, 2009, 06:20:51 AM
My college has an LGBT equity office.  I contacted a guy there, and he went to the office of enrollment and changed my name and gender listing for me, and that is where the professors get their rosters from, so it went smoothly.  Although now I can't get my financial aid award package until I register for the draft...oops.

But definitely check if your school has an office like that, or even go directly to the office of enrollment yourself.  Finding an advocate really helps, though.

If you're in the US, you can't register for selective service.  You have to get an exemption letter, but if you haven't changed your gender with SS, you can't get one. 

Quote from: Miniar on June 17, 2009, 07:12:36 AM
I don't know about others, but I'm legally unable to change my name 'till I'm post-op, like all other Icelandic transsexuals.

myself and others i'm sure HAVE to have a COURT ORDER to change your name, much less anything else. i had about a third of the money for that saved up, then a check that wasn't supposed to be bad got cashed and they took about twice of what was in my account to make up for it. like i've stated before, EVERYONE does NOT have the luxury of seeing dr. so and so and filling out a form and turning it in like an exam paper. i work 3 days a week, because they refuse to give me any more hours period at work, i had to fight to get the hours i got now, i can't transfer to another department because of write-ups, and if i could most everything would be a cut in pay, not really much of a big help when HALF my paycheck goes to pay child support, and the rest goes for whatever else i need to pay for to just LIVE period.

some people on here also, just may be starting NEW employment, some of those people MAY have been unemployed for some time. there are no advocates to change anything in ohio, you do everything on your own with your own money--period.

if i could AFFORD to change my effin name I WOULD!!!!

i'm sick of people assuming things on here and at work, and everywhere else, it's just RUDE!

you need a court order here, too.  you need them practically anywhere. 

it's rude to think the world's going to fall in line with whatever you want just because you want them to, IMHO.

Sent out emails to both my professors, one replied promptly and was totally supportive, she's going to change the roster so I show up as Asher, so no loose ends whatsoever. The other hasn't replied; am trying to get my hands on a phone number, would really like to avoid explaining in person and last-minute before class. It's also my morning class, so discussing anything before class could have complications.