New Milestone Reached: Name & Gender Marker Change

[Susan R]

Yesterday was a HUGE day for me.

 

I had been discussing with friends over the last few weeks that I am going to start the long process of name & gender marker change on all my documentation and ID.   I called a local Trans organization that helps specifically the Trans community with this very process.   I call them a few weeks ago and set up an appointment for last Thursday.  Then coincidentally last Weds. (the day before), my local WGA Trans meeting topic of discussion was "ID and documentation changes for Trans individuals".  I felt a sudden overwhelming need to get this done.  I'm not sure why this happened so suddenly but I could not stop thinking about the need to complete it as fast as humanly possible.  It was the next milestone to tackle but I assumed I was going to start the process and work it over the next 6 mos. until it was completed.  I think I'm the type of person that enjoys a good project and when I do find one, there's no stopping me.  Last month, I completed my entire "coming out" as trans to the world milestone and that likely played a big part of it the urge.

 

So Thursday's meeting with Ingersoll Gender Center added to my excitement and push to get things done.  I received copies of all the forms for nearly every major document and ID I would need to make it all happen.  They were so helpful and affirming I thought how wonderful it would be to work there.  Sorry, I digress.  Immediately after the meeting, I made calls and drove to my Gender doctor and requested my transition & treatment Letters and then the real fun began.  Over the course of the next 4 days, it felt like I put 1000 miles on my car (in heavy traffic, mind you).  After paying for and getting a court date & time for my name change (yesterday, June 12 @ 8:15am).  I was in and out of there in 30 mins with a whole new name.  The judge was very nice...he saved me for last.  At the end he said, "Congratulations, you are now officially Susan Kelly R****".  I was shocked at first.  But was so happy.  It was a such good start to the day.  I was even complimented on my new outfit at court which my wife snapped a pic of me trying on the night before.

 

Pardon my mascara in the pic below. I normally don't wear that much but it was one of those days but anyways... I love my new outfit! ?

 

After getting my name change order, I went to the Dept. of Licensing and ordered my new name with gender corrected driver's license.  I'll get my hard copy in 10 days.  I was even able to change my voters registration information at the same time.  The employee helping me at the DOL gave me a little tip that sped things up in a very big way.  She told me to drive up north (30 min. drive) to get my social security changed at that office because they always have very short wait times.  I have heard stories of people waiting 3 hours to get in the one by my home.  I wasn't even going to tackle that yesterday but the thought of getting it fast excited me even more.  My wife and I hauled ourselves up there and we got in and out in about 30 mins.  Done! I will have a new SS card sent to my home in about 10 days.  When I got home I was exhausted from all the adrenaline.  I only two ID's left to have changed...my birth certificate and passport.  I have everything to complete those two ID's by mail but I'm just waiting for the birth certificates to arrive.  That's only a matter of time. 

 

Well, that's all the good news I have to share for now.  Thanks for reading.

Susan Kelly R?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[lauraincolumbia]

Congratulations!  You've made some huge steps! 

[Kirsten]

Awesome news Susan!!! So happy for you!! And that’s awesome that it was so fast. It took me months. Congrats! 

[Cyndee]

Excellent Susan and congratulations ? Very happy for you !!

 

The legal name/gender change is the premier event in transition (IMHO), even more so than GCS. These changes will pay you back over and over in life. Yes Ingersoll center is wonderful and so helpful to our community, glad to read they were of assistance to you. My 6th anniversary for name change is coming up in a few days, is June the month to do it, or what ? 

 

Your picture is adorable, BTW...

 

Best

 

Cynthia -

[Jani]

Super good news Susan!  Congratulations.  I'm sure you didn't mind all those miles driven after all.  

 

Cheers, Jani

[DeeDee]

? Congratulations Susan! maximum results for a four day period, but I am guessing it was well worth the mileage, and sweet that your wife made the trip with you too. BTW you really suit the new outfit - great choice.   

[VickySGV]

Good going!! 

[Susan R]

19 hours ago, Jani said:

 I'm sure you didn't mind all those miles driven after all.

Jani, I'd do at all over again knowing now how it all turned out.  It was so worth the extra effort.

 

Thank you all for the congrats and compliments on my new outfit.  It's my new favorite outfit...well, at least until my next clothes shopping trip!

 

I am hoping to receive all the legal documents/ID's over the next few weeks.  Most, if not all, will be sent to me via USPS.  My wife and I are the only ones receiving mail at our home.  I tried calling USPS this morning to ask them how to add a new name to our mailbox but the wait was an 70 mins. so I hung up.  The 'change of address' form does not address the 'add a person' issue or the fact that the 'person' literally did not exist a day earlier.  Has anyone had any issues getting mail with your newly changed name?

 

I'll likely have to wait in line down at the PO today to ask them in person.

 

Susan R?

[Kirsten]

I didn’t do anything with my new name at the post office and I’ve never missed any mail.