Quote from: Epigania on September 07, 2010, 09:18:34 AMThey probably are just looking for a picture and a name close to the one on the card. They likely don't care or look at the gender because it has no baring on anything.

Possibly. But, for now, my middle name is so feminine it's disgusting. I'd think it would jump out. Also my photo is slightly different than how I look now but it's probably good enough. I'm not bothering getting a new license until after the name change has gone through and is hopefully approved.

 dee-pntx, Thank you for those pictures. You look great!!! It's so encouraging to meet people like you all.

Quote from: Dee_pntx on September 06, 2010, 12:05:01 AM
You're welcome sweetie!  And remember, just be calm and act confident and cool.  If you act nervous people will pick up on that and look more closely at you.  Just try to fit in.  Dress like the other women do.  Don't wear an evening gown, heels and a pearl necklace to Walmart or the grocery store, ya know?  I dress casual and kinda plain.  Nothing loud and outlandish. 
But, on the other hand, I have the most insanely bright red hair you ever saw so that sorta blows that up.  Hehehe!
A friend of mine told me one day "Dee, the red hair is PERFECT!  No man would have the balls to wear hair that red!" LOL!!!

Seriously though, the first year is the hardest.  When you first start trying to go out as new and improved self.  I would cry all the way home and get seriously depressed when in my first year I would go somewhere and people would call me sir.  It was horrible at first.  But I kept at it.  And as hormones began to do their thing and my hair got longer, things began to get better.

I began to experiment with very mild and light makeup and over time I got better and found a look that works for me.  It's a mellow look but it's beyond any shadow of a doubt, feminine. 

Just be careful and don't go over the top.  It's better to come in a little under the mark than it is to go over.  Too much makeup is far, far worse than no makeup.  Same with clothing.  Dress mellow but dress feminine.  Don't over do it.

Just to give you an idea of where I was and where I am, check this out.

This was me in 2002.
hxxp://a.imageshack.us/img26/796/mvc064f.jpg



This was me on December 31, 2008
hxxp://a.imageshack.us/img192/7441/9980335385165.jpg




This was me in Sept. 09
hxxp://img543.imageshack.us/img543/5197/img0029b.jpg



This was me in October 2009.
hxxp://img412.imageshack.us/img412/623/iphone102209074resized.jpg



And this was me in March of this year...
hxxp://a.imageshack.us/img221/579/t3errsv.jpg

If I can do it, anyone can.

Voice was the second hardest thing to master.

The number one hardest thing to master?  Self confidence.
I'm still not there yet but I'm trying hard and I will not ever give up.

It's not easy but it's 100% worth it in the end.   

Wow! You are amazing. It really gives me hope!

Paige

It seems the need to pass is a huge thing. I am no different either. I have been going out almost everyday now for over a year. I drive my same car and go up town in the town I live in.
Very small town too. I change my front plate on my car when going out. Its just a cute plate with a C on it for my name. I have also learned to just ignore things too. I love it when there's no double looks. I went in a beauty supply store the other day and someone complimented my lipstick. I think that speaking is the hardest thing. One day I will even be ok with that too.
But yea sweetie, I know the feeling....

hey!

first off, I just wanted to say that I love how supportive everyone on this forum is... it really is a nice family

the best advice I can give on passing is actually a quotation from a fortune cookie I got: "if you want others to like you, like yourself first."

self-confidence has definitely contribute to my ability to pass, for sure.

good luck!