Diary Update:

On September 18th, 2016, I made the decision to apply for name change documents through the website https://www.theukdeedpolloffice.co.uk. This was a significant moment for me as a transgender woman, as it allowed me to change my name and title to better align with my gender identity.

Interestingly, this decision was somewhat spur of the moment. I was sitting on the sofa chatting with my mum, and we were discussing the possibility of a name change. Earlier in the conversation, she had mentioned that if I were born female, I would have been named Gemma. As I sat there, I impulsively decided to take action and ordered the Deed Poll documents on my phone.

My mother was surprised but supportive of my decision, which included adding Gemma as my middle name. I paid a little extra to expedite the process, and to my surprise, the documents arrived just two days later.

The package included instructions on how to change my name with various organizations, such as banks, employers, and national insurance. It was a daunting task, but it was also a necessary one to fully embrace my identity as a transgender woman.

Looking back on this moment now, I realize how much this decision meant to me. Changing my name was a powerful way to affirm my identity and assert my right to live authentically. It was a small but significant step in my journey, and one that I will always remember.

While changing my name may have felt like a small step to me, I recognize that for others, it could be a daunting and challenging task. It’s important to acknowledge that everyone’s journey is different, and what may seem insignificant to one person can be a major milestone for someone else.

For me, changing my name was a way to assert my identity and begin to align my external appearance with my internal sense of self. It was a powerful and affirming step that helped me to feel more comfortable and confident in my own skin.

I hope that by sharing my experience, I can help others who may be considering a similar path. I want to reassure anyone who may be struggling with their identity that it’s okay to take things one step at a time. Whether it’s changing  your name, coming out to loved ones, or seeking medical treatment, each step is a significant one on the journey to living authentically.