Some Legal Transition Tips for Trans Men
As a trans man two years into my medical/legal transition who just got all of his ID documents changed, I wanted to share some tips. I know things are terrifying and uncertain now, but the best thing you can do for yourself is hurry and get your documents changed as soon as possible. (I.e. before it gets any harder to obtain them.) Some of these tips *may* be helpful for trans women as well, but I can really only speak to my own experience as a guy.
1) Don't let yourself get overwhelmed by the enormity of the process. It really is huge but a little planning and research will get you through.
2)Preparation is EVERYTHING when it comes to legal transition. Start by going to https://transequality.org/documents and select your state in the dropdown menu to look at requirements in your state for changing each of the numerous legal documents, including photo ID or driver's license, birth certificate, social security card, and passport.
3) Gather the ID documents you already have. If you don't have them in some cases - like an original birth certificate - there are often forms you can fill out to get around that. Another document that you might need depending on your state: a letter from a doctor and/or therapist indicating you have had "appropriate treatment" for gender reassignment. In some states it need not be specific, in other states, unfortunately, there may be a surgery requirement.
4) Start setting aside money, and a lot of it. The legal name change process is EXPENSIVE and the government offices stack lots of bullshit nickel-and-dime fees for things like fingerprints, criminal background checks, county of residence searches, mandatory newspaper publications of court dates, certified court order copies, etc. It also costs money to change your other ID documents. Not to mention you may have to pay for public transportation, parking, photocopies, or notary services during your legal transition travels.
As part of this, start a list of all the fees as you research (and what types of payment each office takes). Getting a lawyer to help you is insanely expensive as well, so I flew solo. It is very possible to do it yourself, even if it seems scary. Wrapping your head around the cost is a good first step.
5) Print off all of the application forms and fill them out as much as possible before the fact. (You may need to snag obscure information such as parents' ssn's or places of birth.) Collect and organize the applications in a safe place. I kept a divided folder and clipped/sticky noted everything with the appropriate government office addresses, contact numbers, hours, important things to remember about that step of the process, required documents, etc.
The more organized you are, the faster you can make all the document changes. Because I set myself up and did research ahead, I was able to run around and change ALL of my primary ID documents on the same day as my name change hearing! (A friend jokingly referred to it as a "Trans 5k" but I digress...)
6) If you don't already own a suit, set aside your coins and get some affordable suit separates from someplace nearby. As a trans man, I've found it is often a struggle to get people to see past my pre-op body. The silhouette of a binder, waistcoat, tie, and suit jacket helped me immensely, both to camouflage my body and make me feel more confident.
I could have gone to court in street clothes, but the three piece suit created a powerful and immediate sense of Respect. The judge actually initially mistook me for a *lawyer* when I walked into my hearing. Employees at the social security office looked down at my outfit and asked me in a serious-business, hushed voice *"Where do you work?"*
As classist as it sounds, people make judgments on clothes and appearance, so play that to your advantage if you can!
7) Get LOTS of copies of those important proof documents - for example your court ordered name change will need to be sent to everyone and their mother. Your deadname is registered in SO many more places than you think: health insurance, car insurance, car title, school records, loan servicers, employers, etc.
8) Stand tall, be firm, and be yourself, even if you're scared. Bigots can smell fear, so don't give them the pleasure of watching you squirm.
Anyway to all of my trans sisters and brothers out there, I love you. Things are bleak right now, but I know we can help each other through this. 💕 If anyone else has tips to add, please reblog and add onto this.
