If people knew what we went through...

Here’s a photo journal of my journey from changing my name, to first day out at work, to getting my passport, to losing my family, to now

Let’s see when people decide it’s ok for me to “self ID” who I am

So, first day on hormones!
1/25 Image
Next, the day I changed my legal name

Is that the point I meet their standard?
2/25 Image
The day I got my corrected passport maybe?
3/25 Image
No? Ok, how about the first day at work...
4/25 Image
Not enough? How about the first time swimming with my child (since about 2 years prior)
5/25 Image
Still not sure? Ok. Let’s try first hair cut in a proper hairdressers (for the GC crowd, that’s a “women’s salon”)

(Added bonus, first family Christmas. They all accepted me by the way)
6/25 Image
Ok ok. How about, first tattoo as a woman? Yeah, guess what, the tattooist didn’t have a problem either...
7/25 Image
I get it though, maybe it’s not “official” enough. Let’s have first GIC appointment

(Oh didn’t I mention, I’d gone through all this with no support so far...)
8/25 Image
So, now I have a formal diagnosis and recommendation for surgery but, I get it’s not enough for some people. So...

First invite to a wedding as myself (stood with my mum)
9/25 Image
Fine, that’s all family stuff. How about speaking on equality at @Tesco?
10/25 Image
Or launching a project to help people who are going through what I’m going through?
11/25 Image
Or maybe spending the day racing around London with @GoCharlieM to gather support for young trans people
12/25 Image
Perhaps speaking about diversity and inclusion at the British Standards Institute...
13/25 Image
Ok, that’s all positive stuff but, how about when my wife left me and took my daughter after 18 years? Is that enough?
14/25 Image
No? Maybe when I became so mentally unwell from stress and depression that I had to stop working
(Incidentally, the doctors all got my name, gender & pronouns right)
15/25 Image
Or how about when I got off my backside and decided to exercise myself out of that slump?
(Using the women’s changing rooms of course - without a problem)
16/25 Image
Still no? Really? Ok...
Well let’s skip a bit to meeting my boyfriend...
17/25 Image
Then on to building an incredible new relationship with my daughter...
(Who also has never had a problem with me by the way)
18/25 Image
Or a family holiday together... (y’know, because it’s not a problem in other places either)
19/25 Image
On that note, flying out (on my female passport) to Poland... possibly the worst country in Europe for LGBTQ+ people

Turns out, they didn’t care either...
20/25 Image
Or maybe when that little project I started earlier went and released an album (even the BBC who interviewed me didn’t have a problem understanding that I am who I am)
21/25 Image
Nor did the global news group who gave me an award... (curiously enough, for being nice!)
22/25 Image
The love, the fun, the laughter, the tears. The fear, the pain, the adversity, the constant battle to have the right to be me.

When does it just become a fact?
23/25 Image
I’ve fought long and hard to get from there to here. I’ve done all of this without any changes in legislation to help me. I’ve done it without infringing on any woman’s rights. I’ve just lived my life, as myself, for myself and guess what... most people didn’t even notice!
24/25 ImageImage
So when I say I’m going identify myself as female, it’s not because I’ve got any sort of agenda & not because I’m trying to erase anyone!

It’s because I am a woman and I’ve earned my place at this hard won table!

#TransWomenAreWomen
Get Over It!

End Thread, Peace Out!
25/25 Image

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More from @TransSamSurrey

31 Dec 21
2021… what just happened?!?

January: It Snowed Image
February: We celebrated LGBTQ History Month Image
March: We got a hot tub Image
Read 12 tweets
27 Apr 19
It’s gonna be a long thread so, get comfortable.
Whilst my life is fairly innocuous, I still face a lot of discrimination. It’s driven by a number of factors but, mostly ignorance and a lack of understanding. So, let’s clear a few things up. /1
Q: What are Trans People?
A: We’re normal people who just happen to not identify with some of the characteristics we were born with. These can be physical or emotional issues and some trans people take medical or social steps to resolve their conflicts. /2
Q: So they’re confused?
A: No. I had a long period of my life where I couldn’t understand a lot of the conflict I had in myself. This can look like confusion but, I always knew who I was. It was just working out how to convey that to everyone else. /3
Read 20 tweets
16 Sep 18
I’ve been on a bit of a rant today but, I just want to offer the benefit of my recent experience in changing my name in the UK.

Firstly: Most people dont know the basic legal requirements. The only document you need is a witnessed deed poll. You will have to explain though. 1/7
Deed Poll: This can be written & printed by you, at home and witnessed by anyone, who is not a blood relative, over the age 18. Have a look at freedeedpoll.org.uk for an easy way to get a legally binding document. No need to enroll it. Nobody has insisted so far
2/7
Photo ID: You should ask the question what they want the ID for. The only proof of your name change required is your deed poll. HMPO & DVLA will want more proof.
If companies want to confirm your identity, they can do it as before you changed your name. It was secure enough! 3/7
Read 7 tweets

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