Today is my One Year Anniversary

[KathrynJulia]

Friends:

Today, July 1st marks the day I sat in court, a little nervous, but excited just the same. I knew that when I was finished, there would be no looking back. "He" no longer excist anymore. The one thing I remember is the judge was more nervous than I was. He was a fairly new judge and I ran into him several weeks afterwards. He stopped me and we joked about that day. I was his first transgendered person to appear before him requesting a legal name change. Everyone else used an attorney, but I was Pro Se which means appearing by myself. So he had to ask the questions even though I had them written down. He had been a prosecutor and DA for his legal career. Name change with a Pro Se petitioner was a new one for him, but we got through it. I also changed my name and gender on my driver's license and social security that very same day.

Changing your name is one of the most profound steps you can make in transitioning. You change inside. You are saying to the whole world that this is the true me. My year of transition is complete for RLE, but it is just the beginning of the rest of my life.

In one month on August 2nd, I will board a plane to fly to Bangkok, Thailand for Gender Confirmation Surgery or SRS or GRS if you prefer, but it will be the final step in my journey to complete me. It's not for everyone. It's a journey that has taken years to complete. But it is the right thing for me to do. I have two friends who live here in Missouri who have had their GRS surgery in the past 10 weeks and soon I will join them. The pain, discomfort, and dealing with dilation will be another birth process for this girl is being born anew. This time we will get it right. To my folks who are now deseased, I will announce, Mom, Dad, it's a girl, You have a girl. She's blond haired , with blue eyes and has a very bright smile. Love her and cherish her for she has a big generous heart, loves people, and is very giving to others. Kathy

[Guest Sarah1967]

That is really fantastic an I wish you the very best,

[VickySGV]

Its 17 days to go until I am two!! I know those feelings and hope they do not fade since they are wonderful.

[Carolyn Marie]

A wonderful, uplifting post, KJ. Congratulations on your first year of living proudly as your true self, and best wishes for all the things to come.

HUGS

Carolyn Marie

[Guest ashleynikole]

Wow. I cried (not like it's hard with these darn hormones).

Congrats Kathryn.

God bless

Ashley

[Cyndee]

Wonderful update Kathryn, and congrats on 1 year of name change and living proudly as yourself. I agree it's one of the most profound changes we can make to transition socially by going to court and getting the name change done.

Best wishes on your upcoming trip.

Cyndi -

[tracy_j]

Congratulations Kathryn

I hope things go well on your trip

Tracy x

[VickySGV]

Actually, it was a little less painful than the surgery, but that does not make it less important, for sure!!

[Guest Cyd]

Happy anniversary, Kathy! What a wonderful, life-affirming post. I wish you all the best for your upcoming surgery!

Cyd

[Charlize]

Kathy another crying one here. You said what i would have loved to say to my parents. Thanks for sharing your brave and wonderful journey. My judge was a bit nonplussed as well. I think he felt more than a little awkward when he asked me why i wanted to change my name. I was in the cutest little business suit and had already been asked by a man in the courthouse if i was an attorney and could represent him.

We are on such a trip of discovery but the reward is honesty about ourselves.

Best of luck with your surgery. I have a friend coming back from Thailand with a big smile. You will soon be joining in that joy!

Hugs,

Charlize

[Guest Lacey Lynne]

Kathryn Julia, I echo exactly what Carolyn Marie told you! CONGRATS, GIRL!

Actually, I believe your legal name change and gender marker change officially are THE crowning moments of a transition, because, as other say so well here, you are telling the world that THIS is the real you!

When I had mine done just under 2 years ago, it was a total no-brainer. The judge was an experienced pro (a cool Asian guy) who had done bunches of these. He signed me into female legality, no questions asked, after taking one look at me.

You, go, girl!

Peace & Joy Lacey Lynne

[Guest Markietoo]

Hi Kathryn,

I wish you the best of luck and know that the time will fly by for your trip to Thailand. Be safe and follow the Dr.'s orders! I look forward to joining you as my own journey continues. You are one of the women I've followed on LP that helped me to understand and not feel so alone as an older person (I'm 64) in a sea of younger girls in transition. We more "mature" gals need to support each other! We all hope to hear from you when you return as the woman you always knew yourself to be. Have a great trip.

With love and a big hug,

Markie

[faerie princess]

Congrats on your 1 year mark.