Update and Gender Marker Change NJ

[Nadya]

Hi Everyone!

I haven't been on here in a long time. If you remember me, I was a closeted MtF transgender woman afraid to go out and desperately wanted to be on HRT. I've met a wonderful friend who has been like family and my adopted sister helping me deal with all the hardest stuff that comes with the territory. I've been on HRT for almost 9 months now, have come out to everyone close to me (family, friends and relatives) and live full time now as my authentic self. I don't go by Ryce anymore, I go by Nadya and that is the name I work under because all of my coworkers and colleagues know as well. I've been very fortunate. I really don't even think about going out with my normal makeup and clothes. It is truly wonderful how far I've come. I'm currently tackling the process of getting my name and gender marker changed to reflect who I really am. I live in a state (Utah) that doesn't actually have legislation against it so they are granting it. The problem is that I am not native to Utah so changing my birth certificate won't be done locally. My home state is NJ and their current laws prohibit changing the birth certificate unless you've had surgery. Since I could not in the near future see that as a possibility, I am kind of stuck. Does anyone here have any experience trying to change their birth certificate in NJ without surgery? Is there a loophole or anything I could exploit? I can still get the name and gender marker changed in Utah and I might pursue the passport as an option to get it changed at least on the federal level so it can act as a replacement for the birth certificate in case I move and have to get a new license. I hope you are all well.

<3 Nadya

[jentay1367]

Good for you, Nadya! Looks like you're well into living the dream. Ask the Mod's to change your username...

[PretzelGirl]

Well I had forgotten your old name.... ;-)

This is one of those tough areas. Birth certificate laws are so different across the board. I had to wait for surgery also and was fortunate that I didn't need my BC in the interim. Just to check, did you contact the state or see this on a website? If you haven't called, it can't hurt to do it and be sure the information is current. The website I went from said I would get an amended copy and I got a nice, clean one instead.

[Nadya]

Thank you all for your kind words. Hi Sue! I hope you are doing well. If I ever get down by you, I will let you know. Last visit was to the Ob/Gyn so it was a busy day. Anyway, I got the information from the website about the policy but my sister also suggested I call to make sure it was it was accurate as well so I'm going to do that first. Since laws in Utah are unlikely to change as soon as the passport rules will, I may pursue the passport so I can at least get my marker changed. I have a finite amount of money so I may try to get a waiver in Utah for reduced court fees. :/ I am still overwhelmed because I'm so worried I'm going to mess something up or choose the wrong path to getting it done. *sigh* Anyway, Thank you for the advice! We need to catch up soon! <3

[PretzelGirl]

You just missed the Rainbow Law Clinic and another event like it, but it is monthly, so you can go to the next one. Let the lawyers guide you, it is worth it, especially since you are going to court in your district. They may see this less up there and a little guidance could be helpful. Come with all the blank paperwork you think you need and they can make sure you have it right. If you want a legal marker change, the "rule" is change every place it says "Name Change" to "Name and Gender Change" on the downloadable form. If you are able to come, maybe we can get dinner too! You might be able to meet a beautiful lady that sees something in me.

http://utahpridecenter.org/event/rainbow-law-clinic/2017-01-12/

[Lauren B]

Does anyone here have any experience trying to change their birth certificate in NJ without surgery? Is there a loophole or anything I could exploit? I can still get the name and gender marker changed in Utah and I might pursue the passport as an option to get it changed at least on the federal level so it can act as a replacement for the birth certificate in case I move and have to get a new license.

<3 Nadya

I'm in a similar boat. I'm a Jersey girl in Arizona. I got all my state and federal documentation changed over, including name, drivers license, passport, and social security. I was much more concerned with getting the passport changed than anything, because you can use that as a substitute for a birth certificate in nearly any situation (also because I didn't want any new administration hijinks blocking me from getting my gender marker changed). Sorry I don't have a workaround for you. I'm just going to leave it alone until I get GRS.

[Georgette_USA]

Not from NJ,
But it would be great if we in USA could have some federal help on state Birth Certificates. LOL, Like that is ever going to happen. Seems to be a big push-back on Trans rights, and the Trump crowd have become very emboldened.

Back in the 70s, my partner and I had some problems with that. I was born in IL and all I had to do was send a copy of surgeons letter of SRS. My partner was born in WASH DC, and they did not make changes. She was self employed so never needed that for use. We lived in VA and could change all other documentation, even went to the DoD security people for the changes, but I'm sure they maintain records of all my changes anyway.

I was Roman Catholic, and thought of submitting a change to my Baptism Certificate, just to see what they would do.

When I came back out, was surprised how much can be changed now. In the 70s, not much could be changed with out SRS. Got a court legal name change before SRS so might have been able to get name change on some stuff, never tried as SRS was only a year away. So maybe there is some hope in the future.

[Nadya]

Thanks for the input! Lauren, I kind of figured that was going to be the end of it. I'm glad I'm not the only one trying to figure that out. I'll figure out getting the passport and driver's license changed in the meantime. Georgette, I'm sure a lot of rights we have are in jeopardy with the new administration but only time will tell for sure. I rather naively hope people forget about us for a while. SUE! I have to meet this lady you speak of, dinner or not! :D If they have another rainbow clinic soon, I may drive down so I can have a once over before I file them. Ugh, scary! Thank you for all the resources!

[CostaRicaRachel]

Hi Nadya, I'm very happy that you are finally able to successfully live
as yourself. I've read that if you tell the judge you are following
the guidelines and living as a female for the recommended 1 year before the surgery.
Having the female marker would make life a lot easier. This might
convince the judge to change the marker.

I don't know if this works, but I heard it might.

Good luck to you!

Rachel