Gender Questions

[Reaperbird]

Okay so I'm 25 and identify as agender (genderqueer/non gender/non binary). Instead of going in to detail I just want to post some questions and if any you have any answers I'd really appreciate it. So uh, here goes:

1) Who do I talk to about gender transitioning? Things like hormones, surgery, etc. (I already asked my doctor, but she was no help.)

2) How do I 'come out' when I have such high social anxiety? I don't need to tell everyone I'm trans or anything, but even asking people to use my preferred name is really embarrassing. I feel scared people will judge me or ask why. Does anyone else get nervous about this stuff?

3) Is it hard to get your name legally changed? Will I be accepted?

4) I don't identify as male or female, and have mixed emotions about who I am and who I want to be. Are there any support services I can talk to about it? (I might add, I'm from a small rural town.)

5) I often feel like a "fake" because I'm never certain about my gender, is this normal?

Thanks for reading!

[Doolhof]

Hi Reaper Bird, Paul and everyone,

Moving can certainly be an intense time. We moved to a little town of under 500 people almost 4 years ago after having lived in Adelaide. One of the first things we had to find out was where to get bottled gas from as there is no gas pip system here.

It does take a while to find services and work out how to get from here to there and how the community works.

One good thing with moving, is that you can be who ever you want to be once you get there! No one here has to know my past unless I decide to tell them. I can join what ever group I want to.

It can be a little difficult trying to fit in as well. I have persevered with a volunteer organisation here for the 4 years with a few ups and downs. I actually resigned at one stage but they didn't accept my resignation.

I have realised this group can not supply me with all that I am looking for, so on Monday I am going to inquire about joining a "Riding for the Disabled" centre.

I wish you both well with your moving and finding a new place to call home.

Congratulations to you Reaperbird for making the call to the Gender Centre. It is a shame you have to wait so long, but excellent you now have your foot in the door so to speak.

Sometimes making the first move, taking that initial step, can be the hardest.

All the best to you both, cheers from Mrs. Dools