Hi!
Let’s begin by introducing me. My name is Katherine Jane DeIrlande. I am a male to female transgendered chick.
The name that has been given me was the one that my mother chose before I was born, so not much thinking on my part to come up with a new, and exciting name. I have since a very young age identified as female, and now, I am doing something about it. First, I have decided to plan out the identity change over, and any help or suggestions would be very greatly appreciated. What are the pitfalls? Risks? And finally rewards in being officially recognised as a girl? What are your experiences?
Hi Katherine,
I transitioned 16 years ago and have been involved with the trans community ever since. Transitioning is both exciting and scary at times. Hormonal changes. Bodily changes. Social changes.
My suggestion is to start out by getting in touch with a transgender support group in your area, if there is one. It’s a lot easier to find now than when I transitioned, largely because of the internet. A support group can help put you in touch with service providers (therapists, physicians, and even places to shop) and remind you that you’re not alone.
Also you might want to join MTFMentors.org, which offers a forum and a way of reaching transwomen around the globe.
Finally, check out the Transgender Survival Guide podcast. You can find it on iTunes or at http://www.dharmakelleher.com/wordpress/.
If you are employed, you will to find out about your employer’s policy regarding employees changing gender. More and more employers allow workers to transition on the job. But some still do not.
In general, most trans women begin by living part time in their new gender (typically when not at work). During this time, many begin taking hormones prescribed by a physician (which may or may not require a letter from a therapist). Most transwomen also get electrolysis to remove facial hair.
You will likely feel awkward and nervous when going out “dressed” at first, but everyone does. Just avoid potentially dangerous situations (like redneck bars, etc.) and avoid alcohol and recreational drugs that could impair your judgment.
Eventually, you will reach a point where you will begin living full time in your new gender. The next step for a lot of us (but not all) is surgery. If it is one of your goals, you will want to start saving up money for this. Some start out with a more minor (and less expensive) procedure called an ochiectomy, which involves the removal of the testes. It does not remove the penis or create a vagina. It simply ends testosterone production.
The more major surgery is reassignment surgery which involves creating a vagina which is lined with the inverted skin of the penis. It can be rather expensive, but is generally required in order to change most forms of legal identification. Some also opt for breast augmentation and/or facial surgery.
It’s a big journey with lots of potential paths. Plan as best as you can, but expect the unexpected. Trust the process.
Peace out,
Dharma Kelleher
dharmashanti@gmail.com
Hi Dharma! Thank you for your words of advice. It certainly is a daunting task! The Government makes it no easier, as you are no doubt aware, especially with the REALID Act! At this point, I’m in the process of changing documents, etc, etc, etc. Trials, and Tribluations galore!!!!!!