Transition / Treatments for Transsexualism

Changing your Name

As I mentioned, you can do these steps in different order, but changing your name early helps in your self-acceptance, and helps when you are attending Doctors, obtaining HRT medication and so on.

There are some interesting articles here on changing your name, what you can do to remain stealthy after transition.

I found this was a great step in my transition, and a slightly hard one.

Trying to find a name that I can use, finding a name that wouldn't upset my parents, finding a name that will allow me to remain anonymous (stealthy) after all my operations.

The first issue in choosing a name is to chose one that matches your age group. Having an ultra modern name will send warning bells to people, the whole idea of trying to blend into society can be lost with the wrong type of name. I looked in my old high school books and found a first name that I liked that other girls my age group had, secondly I needed a new last name, as I have had lots of exposure on national media such as Australian TV, written press and on the Internet.

Not doing this could have allowed people to cross match through information and track my old self down. That is something that I may not want happen after I have become stealthy and have forgotten my old life. (Gender Amnesia)

For me I chose a surname that had been a family name, one that my parents whole heartily accepted (and I liked it).

So after choosing the name, next step was to register the name.

You will need to contact your local Birth Deaths and Marriages office.

Here are links to the various states BD&M Offices;

• New South Wales $124.00

• Australian Capital Territory $117.00

• West Australian $140.00

• Victorian $84.60

• Queensland $88.00

• South Australia $166.25

• Northern Territory $55.00

• Tasmania $133.10

Prices as of 7th Aug 2006

Once you have completed the form and received your new certificate, it will contain your old name and your new name on the certificate.

The next step it to make many copies (10) and get them certified by a Justice of the Peace (JP). I did this by visiting my local court house who had a GP available to do this at no charge.

I also had copies of my Birth Certificate done, and my Ex Wife also did the same.

You can then use these forms as a method of changing your name on other items such as Drivers Licences, Bank Accounts, Utilities etc.

So a short list of places that you will need to contact are;

• Your Local Vehicle Licence Office

• Your Car Registration Department

• Medicare Card

• Australian Tax Office

• Australian Electoral Commission

• Electricity

• Gas

• Telephone

• Internet Provider

• House, Car Insurance

Some of these may cause some issues if you haven't come out and am living full-time, places such as;

• Your Landlord - Renters

• Your Employer

In my case, I found everyone I dealt with fantastic and helpful.  I had to initially explain to some that I had Gender Dysphoria, especially when contacting financial institutions as my voice was not yet acceptable as female, but that was no problem and most banks on;ly required a faxed copy of a certified 'Change of Name certificate' and a copy of my old 'Birth Certificate.

I requested they send a confirmation letter.

More information be added to this section.

I will include a sample of the letter I used.