Help & Advice - Transgender and transsexual

This item has been contributed by one of our active P2SForum MtF members. It covers her own experience of returning to work in new gender role, and some useful advice for what to expect in the military workplace.

So you've changed your name, re organised your wardrobe, you have your new MOD90 (Forces ID Card) and you've had your week off work while everyone who doesn't already know has been briefed up, or you have asked for a move to somewhere a bit quieter, and had some laser to remove a large chunk of the dark evil face fuzz. You may have even had Feminizing Facial Surgery to get rid of heavy masculine facial traits.

This is where the potential fun and hazards start, but the most important part of your transition begins. You are now under female regulations , if you're in the Army, working dress, as you know wont change (unless it's FAD day). If you're in the Navy or RAF get ready to get your legs out, something that may feel very strange in the working environment. Where the girls in DPM stay in combats only with a lumpy jumper.

The 'Real Life Test' is under WPATH (World Professional Association for Transgender Health) rules a minimum of 12 months monitored (24 months for NHS Patients), proven, time living in your chosen Gender Role prior to being considered for Sex or Gender Reassignment Surgery (SRS/GRS). You must be able to prove you have held down a job, be it full time paid, or like many girls who cannot get paid employment, voluntary work, but you must prove you are socially integrating, and not living as a hermit, or indeed ... Girl by night , Geezer by day! Being military this is really easy to prove, the long hair, the new ID card with female service details and name on it, pay statements, your medical officer being in that chain, the list is endless.