A Curious Question.

[CorsetAngel]

Hello, I've often wondered a few things, and I mean no ill or harm so please do not take any offense to me. But I've wondered what is the normal process a person takes to change their gender? IS there a set procedure that one must undergo by law or even by medical standards? Or can a person just simply say, "I want to be the gender I feel I should have been" and just go to the doctor and pay them to transform them? Again, I mean no dis-respect, I'm just curious.

[Jorja]

Here in the U.S. it is a fairly simple process. Most doctors follow the Standards of Care put forth by The World Professional Association for Transgender Health. These standards act as a guideline to assist transsexual, transgender, and gender nonconforming people with safe and effective pathways to achieving lasting personal comfort with their gendered selves.
The usual process is to start by seeing a gender therapist. After about 6 months to a year a letter is obtained and taken your doctor stating you have been found to be a good candidate for Hormone therapy. They usually require a period of living as the gender you wish to be (male or female) As the process continues, a letter is provided stating you are a good candidate for (in the case of M2F) SRS. I am not exactly sure for F2M but pretty much the same. The next thing you know, your a woman or a man.
Here is a link to The World Professional Association for Transgender Health you can download a copy of the SOC there. http://www.wpath.org/publications_standards.cfm

[CorsetAngel]

thanks for replying Jorja

[Barbara Ella]

Katie, Jorja gave you the particulars. Your OP mentioned the crux of the matter. First you must say I "am" the gender I feel I should have been, and then it is no holds barred. That is the most difficult and confusing decision in the process. And, you are an angel.

Hugs, Barbara