Still updating IDs...

[Guest LizMarie]

I'm still updating things as time goes by. Almost all the major stuff is done but then I get something and say, oh yeah! The renewal notice for my life insurance policy came up and it was another "oh yeah!" moment.

So yesterday I went into town to update our home, flood, and my life insurance policy. As I sat there, the woman looked at the court order, then at the computer screen, then back at the court order, growing clearly confused. She glanced at me and I said, "That's me. I'm changing from David, male, to Cara, female." Then in typical southern lady fashion, she pulls her (reading) glasses down her nose a tad, looks at me over the top of those glasses, and said, "Sweetheart, I'd a'never known!" We both laughed and she took some paperwork back to the actual agent to look over and told me to come back tomorrow (Tuesday) to sign some things.

Today I went in to sign and she grinned at me and fetched my agent, who came out, shook my hand, and spent a lot of time staring at the papers then glancing at me. I didn't say anything but he seemed to be clearly ill at ease. But we got through that without incident, I signed, he shook my hand and as I turned to go, the secretary looked up at me and said, "You have a great day, sweetheart!" I smiled back and said, "You too! Merry Christmas!" As I exited, I could see through the glass front to the office that she was grinning as she looked up at the agent and he was frowning as he spoke to her. I think I shattered some mental image he must have had about "men in dresses".

[KathrynJulia]

Cara

That guy need to understand he is talking to a lady in a dress and be properly respectful. Applying for jobs, I realize I still need to change my name on my college diplomas. More employers are now asking on applications what name you were employed under at each former employer. So I'm still forced to out myself.

I had an interview yesterday and realized I'll never get everything converted until it no longer matters. Sighhhhhh. Kathy

[Guest LizMarie]

Oh he was respectful. I suppose he didn't want to lose the business but he was clearly uncomfortable. His problem though, not mine.

[Charlize]

Sounds like a wonderful interaction in so many ways. His lack of comfort is not as lovely as her whole heated welcoming support. I got the same thing at our motor vehicle service. The women were so kind and happy to help. Every time i went back in i found support. The one guy didn't seem to "approve". Ok by me as i prefer the company of the other women. They also get things done and who knows what he gets paid for.

It is amazing how many things there are to change. I've been lazy and going after it slowly now that the basics are done.

Hugs,

Charlize

[Guest]

I love those interactions when people finally see me for me and you can tell they're just thinking, "I'd never known". What's so much neater is that even in his uncomfort, your joy and peace was completely intact and not hindered in anyway. To me that is truly living. I finally got my letter from my doctor so once my passport is updated (name and marker), I can update my license gender marker and that will start the snowball of other things to change over fully. Life is good when you're just yourself.

God bless

Ashley

[StephanieVikingGirl]

Hi Cara,

Well I finally did fill out my portions of the paperwork to change my name and gender, but I am going to need some gas money to get down to Fremont California to get a doctor to sign off on it. Maybe soon. I really have some dysphoria about my driver's license too, so I really need to get things rolling so that I can get that changed. I had to show it yesterday at Health and Human Services in Napa, and the nice lady said "wow, that really doesn't look at all like you", "you really need to get that changed", "just let us know when you get the court to legally change things so we can update, and change your Cal-Fresh, and Medi-Cal cards". They were nice to me, and even had me sign some of the paperwork with my chosen name of Stephanie, and called me Stephanie when it was time to go to the desk to pick up the Cal-Fresh card. I love hearing my own true name. Thanks Cara for your updates. I know I will be changing things for a looooong time.

hugs,

Stephanie