I have to write down why I want to change my name, but I don't exactly want to put "I'm transgender." Would "common usage" be okay, or are they looking for something deeper? What did you guys put?

"Common usage" sounds great to me.

I advise clients to put ... common useage, want name to reflect self,  safety (if they ask that a man with a female name causes you to get into violent situations), ...etc...doesn't really matter - they just want you to say something so if you are doing it for criminal reasons they have another charge against you.  Most judges really don't look at it.   

I don't know what state you live in .. but lots of states will now allow for you to state you want your birth certificate gender changed as well if you bring a letter from your doctor or therapist.

I think that would work.

I think I mentioned sex change, and also that no one uses my other name

yes, just put common usage.

I'm just putting down "personal preference." Common usage works too. I don't think they actually care.

Here it is standard to put 'Change of Gender'. No one cares.

I've heard you can just put 'name i go by' or 'personal reasons'. something vague like that should be fine, thats what i put.

Here the name change form specifically states "personal reasons" will not be accepted.

I wrote transgender and want the name I use to be my legal name.

I'm going with common usage and it better reflects who I am now.

25 more days until my court date.  I can't wait!