Okay guys....tonight I had a worst case scenario.....I had to cash a money order with my 'female' passport....
the woman behind the counter beckoned me over as 'sir' (of course) and when she saw my passport she didn't say anything but disappeared to the back office for what seemed like ages. Then she came back asked if I lived in New York...got me to put my name address and phone on a form, sign it and then took a pic with her computer camera.....I felt like a criminal....wtf??? right?!

We have to be prepared to this kinda of situation. It can happens, it happens and will happen 'till we get 'male' docs.
I have some troubles on my last plane trip, but I didn't make a big deal of it.
Just said that was really me, they gave me a strange look, but I got to travel with no other problems.
But there's still some weird situations when I use my credit card, and what can I do? I guess not much...

Situations like that suck and are very uncomfortable. Was she nice towards you? I mean, did you feel like she was judging you?

Carry passes can be good for those type of situations til you get formal docs changed over.

that sucks man =(
and she took a pic? i'm not too familiar with cashing money orders, but why would they have to take your name, address, and especially picture?
jeez, unless thats normal procedure, just seems weird and rude :/

I've heard of some people carrying a note from a psychologist explaining how they are trans just in case they have problems like this.  Seems like it would be helpful sometimes, but it does feel a bit too much like carrying a hall pass to me.

Ok that is definitely one of the craziest things I have heard. Taking your picture? Definitley time for a new ID.
Myles

If you didn't already, go back or ring the place up and ask exactly why they needed to do that and what happens to the photo and information. Because that's just a little excessive...

Ive had to have my picture taken to cash checks before.  I used to go to a currency exchange, and the first time I went I had to fill out a bunch of information, and they took a picture of me and my ID.  Then it was all saved in there system so anytime I went in, they had a current identification picture in their system.  It did seem kind of weird, but it makes sense for security, and made it impossible for anyone else to cash a check with my name on it there.   Its pretty standard at check cashing places in big cities.

If you're looking to change your passport ASAP, you're in luck!  Last June, the State Department removed nearly all barriers to getting your sex marker changed on your passport.  You now only need a letter from a doctor saying you've initiated transition.  There is no requirement of surgery or time living full-time or anything else.  So, if you've seen a therapist or endocrinologist already, you're set!  (You can read about it here: http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2010/06/142922.htm.)

Quote from: kyle_lawrence on January 05, 2011, 11:12:43 PM
Ive had to have my picture taken to cash checks before.  I used to go to a currency exchange, and the first time I went I had to fill out a bunch of information, and they took a picture of me and my ID.  Then it was all saved in there system so anytime I went in, they had a current identification picture in their system.  It did seem kind of weird, but it makes sense for security, and made it impossible for anyone else to cash a check with my name on it there.   Its pretty standard at check cashing places in big cities.

Wow...thank you for that. I guess on reflection its also for security in case the Money Order bounced etc....was still pretty uncomfortable though...

Its pretty standard at check cashing places in big cities.

This.

They're just covering their own ass.  I know it was probably annoying and felt awkward, but I wouldn't take it personally (easier said than done, I know).

All this makes perfect sense....thanks guys...guess I was over reacting....must be that last female hormone making itself heard....lol!!!