'A GAGA Conversation' - post MTV Music Awards Performance as Jo Calderone

D: Did you read that quite a number of people in the queer community are really upset with Lady Gaga doing the boy drag? I thought it was good, I mean she's representing herself to the mainstream and getting the whole idea of artistic expression/drag out there and making it a cool thing to do...we have to be thankful for that, I feel. I don't think shes appropriating anything, and especially not me/FTMs. I really couldn't be happier she’s doing this.

A: No I didn't hear that & frankly it doesn't surprise me at all after the flack I've copped around the word 'misrepresentation'...end of day she's an artist & freedom of creative expression is a human right for all (as is transitioning). If people within the trans community wish to personalize that to create more individual suffering and 'poor me' syndrome then good luck to them, the rest of us will still be living, being true to ourselves and grateful for the gift of life. I'm glad u see through their whinging. She's the best thing that's ever happened to the trans community in my world view! ps still going to marry her one day

D: I totally agree. I think she’s helping to break down the barriers in ways frankly we never could. She’s in touch with the mainstream in particular the kids, the adults of tomorrow who are important.

A: Exactly!

Who Really Knows Whats Going On - A Trans Every Day Dialogue on the 'Red Tape'

Hi Andy,

Congratulations on your recent surgery and legal change of gender by BD&M.

It would appear that BD&M accept a hysterectomy as sufficient to meet their requirements to change gender on the birth certificate for FtM's; is that correct?

It seams a little at odds with the MtF requirements where removal of the testicles would not be considered sufficient. Even on hormones the reproductive capabilities are removed through chemical castration. It is my understanding that they need documentation that a full Gender or Sex Reassignment Surgery has been performed for MtF.

Were you able to get anything from BD&M that documented their requirements for gender change recognition.

I have changed all my name and all my documentation to female, however I am still stuck with a male passport. I do have to travel overseas with work and it really makes things very difficult.

I think the whole focus on gender in government documents will be removed when we have same sex marriage rights in Australia.

Best Wishes

K

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Hey K,

God this stuff is such a can of worms isn't it!

I didn't know it was so specific for the M2F community. As far as I am aware (still learning big time) for the BD&M registry in NSW you just need 2 doctors to sign a stat dec that they have performed an 'affirmation procedure' as part of the transition. I haven't read anywhere anything legally outlining what is counted as a procedure, just lots of other trans guys thoughts...

The two doctors I got obviously were firstly the endocrinologist (hormones) and this gynaecologist - neither had to outline what they actually did as part of their procedure. I know another guy did it just with having his breasts removed and hormones with nothing at all done down below, however I hear from other trans guys this shouldn't have been allowed legally and it's slipped under the radar. Not that I am aware of anyone who checks the radar?!

The only thing I do know is that this is the policy in NSW and is most easily done if you were born in NSW and have a NSW birth certificate...being born outside the state makes it more difficult and I know this isn't the procedure in other states, in Perth I think they are still legally fighting to get it so a hysterectomy is enough, without needing any phallo or medioplasty ... nothing is consistent.

 I hope that helps shed a little light on the clear as mud situation that this is with Govt...it was challenging on Monday for me submitting everything, the 3 people I had to deal with all were confused with how much to charge me and what the process was, it seems to me not many people know exactly what is going on really.

Test Bunny!

who would have thought...the surgeon who did my surgery is going to continue tracking my process, for his own understanding of hormones within the body, with the motivation of offering more support to menopausal women at a community clinic he works at, b/c research out there is so lacking - love being a 'test bunny' ;-D

Legally Male

Today is the 15th August, 2011 and I have spent the morning at the NSW Registry of Births, Deaths & Marriages being interviewed and 'approved' *insert big stamp sound* for a new male birth certificate and change of name certificate which officially makes me 'LEGALLY MALE' *insert cheer, clap & champagne bottle pops* :-D!!!!!!

A long time coming and very exciting as I can now re-register for a passport, head off globally anywhere as 'male' and even get married if I want (no immediate pending plans however - yikes!) ... and in celebration I have worked with two fabulous creatives Sally Flegg and Lynne O'Brien in creative photographic heaven unleashing the fresh male-ness...I call this picture:

Revealing a more Authentic Self