Therapist Letter

[Guest Nadeest]

I have been advised to ask my therapist for a letter, as I am starting to go out fully dressed now, as my trueself. She is not a gender therapist, so I need some advice as to what this letter should contain.

[Guest Leah1026]

I have been advised to ask my therapist for a letter, as I am starting to go out fully dressed now, as my trueself. She is not a gender therapist, so I need some advice as to what this letter should contain.

The "carry letter" should be short and to the point. The one I carried was written on my therapists official office stationary and read as follows:

March 22, 2004

To Whom It May Concern

<Boy Name> aka Leah Xxxxx is a transsexual currently under my care. As part of the transition process preceding surgery, it is appropriate for him to dress as a woman in preparation for assuming this role in society.

<doctors signature>

<typed doctors name>

It should be noted I never actually had to use my letter. Once I was stopped and given a warning for speeding by a policeman, but he didn't ask any questions. And when I bought my Mac computer the Apple store asked to see my driver's license. I was not yet full-time so I explained the discrepancy and they weren't interested in reading the letter, they just wanted to make a sale! Anywho, I felt better knowing I had the letter in case I needed it. I kept one copy in my purse and a back-up copy in my car.

[Guest Nadeest]

Um, what should it say about bathroom usage? That is one of the areas that I am really concerned about, right now. I am not fond of the idea of going to jail, for some odd reason.

[Guest Leah1026]

Um, what should it say about bathroom usage? That is one of the areas that I am really concerned about, right now. I am not fond of the idea of going to jail, for some odd reason.

Using the ladies room is appropriate behavior if you're presenting as a female. That said I wouldn't do it until you are ready psychologically and appearance wise. I didn't routinely use the ladies until after I went full-time. What do others in your area do?, experience? I think bathroom use is inferred in my therapists original letter.

[Guest karen_h]

mine says.

to whom it may concern'

this letter is to certify that

also known as

who resides at

is under treatment at the rosenburg clinic for a neuroendocrinoligical condition dommenly refered to as gender dysphoria or transsexualism. As part of her treatment program, she is required to live and work full-time in the female gender role. This period of cross-gender living is medically required as a prerequisite for surgical sex reassignment.

hope this helps

Karen_H

[Guest Leah1026]

mine says.

to whom it may concern'

this letter is to certify that

also known as

who resides at

is under treatment at the rosenburg clinic for a neuroendocrinoligical condition dommenly refered to as gender dysphoria or transsexualism. As part of her treatment program, she is required to live and work full-time in the female gender role. This period of cross-gender living is medically required as a prerequisite for surgical sex reassignment.

hope this helps

Karen_H

I like yours better than the one I carried!

[Guest Nadeest]

I just saw my therapist today, and got my letter. It is similar to your's, Leah. Ty everyone, for all of your advice. Hugs Nadeest

[Guest nova]

This might be of help: see the Transgender Law and Policy Institute website, www.transgenderlaw.org for an up-to-date list on state and local laws and policies regarding restroom use. The Transgender Law Center here in San Francisco www.transgenderlawcenter.org actually has a publication called: Peeing In Peace. The National Center for lesbian rights (NCLR) www.nclrights.org is a national legal resource center that provides resources and representation to LGBT individuals on key issues that advance lesbian rights. they might be of some help. I hope this is of some help. Good luck!

Nova

[Guest Little Sara]

Um, what should it say about bathroom usage? That is one of the areas that I am really concerned about, right now. I am not fond of the idea of going to jail, for some odd reason.

There may be differing policies, but rarely any law about bathroom usage and sex. That is, if they arrest you they can't charge you with "going to the wrong bathroom", but more something like "loitering" or "indecent exposure" or something like that at worst, unless specific laws exist in your region.

I haven't heard of any specific law in Canada, and have no carry letter. Never needed it either.