I heard from a friend that /males/ can't get there name changed to something that is concidered to be a fem. name by america's standards. Is this true? If so, is Shinobu really seen and labeled as a female name too? I know in japan its a unisex name.
        It all just seems a little silly since far as I know Shinobu is a japanese name and weird that US took and twisted it around. =(

You overestimate the number of Americans who watch anime.

I'm pretty sure most people who see that name requested won't sense a difference.  It's worth a shot, and if they give you trouble, you can demonstrate to them that it is in fact androgynous.

I don't think that's accurate, but you may check out this link; just to be sure.


tinkerbell

Shinobu, I'm no lawyer but I don't think there is any rule that says a man can't legally change their name to a "woman's" name.  If you want to pay the bucks and go through the hassle, I believe you can use any name you like.  I seem to remember 10-15 years ago, there was a guy who legally changed his name to "Trout Fishing In America".  If he could do that, it seems like a guy changing his legal name to Missy or Jennifer wouldn't be a big deal.

Then again, free advice is worth every penny you pay for it.

....Laurie

       Ok, I've talked to one of my friends who is going through the MTF process and they aren't legally a female yet but they have gotten their name legally changed without issue. So whatever that person told me was a lie or they have been misinformed.