[Carol]

Thanks Sara but I think you should have put a spoiler alert on your attachment. Even after watching only the first episode I had similar concerns that complex issues were being over simplified.
For those who haven’t yet watched episode 1 it’s on again tonight at 9pm on Viceland.

[Carol]

When I first started being out as my real self 6 years ago, the small number of people that reacted with shock or surprise (I only had one nasty reaction that I recall) were massively out numbered by those who didn’t give a fig. Now I can only remember friendly comments, smiles and co-operation over the last 12 months. On the broader public front marriage equality was a huge reality check for the forces of reaction. They seem to have switched from attacking LGBTI to defending themselves from the progressives or keeping their heads down .
The poor dears now worry about their religious freedoms rather than attacking our rights.
I see nothing but good news coming our way not an increase in intolerance quite the opposite.

[Carol]

Hmm. Looks like there is going to be a crowd at Glebe on 29 June. Memo to self: be quick when Adrian opens the bidding for seats.

[Carol]

Meanwhile NSW is still working on bringing State law up-to-date with Commonwealth law. I wonder if the short lead time to the next State election is slowing down or speeding up the process. Memo to Gladys. Carol has just been added to the electoral role and is resident in a marginal electorate.

[Carol]

I used to have a favourite really cheap basic hotel just round the corner from our Café (2 minutes walk). Since last time I stayed there though it has been renamed ( now Ryals Hotel), totally refurbished and greatly increased its room rate, $174+). Last time I stayed at the Urban in Newtown (a 10 minute bus ride from the Café).Years back I stayed at the Mercure, very close to Central Station and a 30min walk up Broadway to the Cafe. I’m hoping to go to the June Café night and am currently researching my accommodation options.

[Carol]

Definitely one of the best One plus Ones in quite a while. Thanks for the heads up Caroline. Apart from her self-awareness at age 4 (I took another 10 years to partially work it out) everything Ayla said rang bells with me. She spoke with such dignity too.

[Carol]

I watched this program by happy accident. I just turned on the TV and there it was. The amazingly accepting community left me with a nice warm feeling.

[Carol]

The time is getting very close to me having to have this sort of conversation with my grandchildren and sons-in-law. My 3 daughters have known for some time but have chosen not to meet Carol. The two eldest grandchildren have, according to reports, been puzzling about my pierced ears so the discussion is really overdue. I’ve decided that they can continue to call me Grandad unless they are embarrassed by that in the circumstances, “Carol” is an option at their choice.

[Carol]

This is so sad. I met Christine just a couple of times at Seahorse events. She seemed to be such a tower of strength to the organisation. Someone you assumed would always be there.

[Carol]

Oh yes, oh yes, oh yes, today of all days. I legally changed my name to Carol at the end of September and have been arranging various cards since. I now have Medicare, driving licence, seniors card, Opal, and credit card in my new name.
Today I started with a visit to pathology to have blood hormone levels checked after my latest estradiol implant (I’ve been on hormones now for over 4 years). Then I updated my Medicare details with my GP’s reception. I’ll be seeing the GP on Monday to see what the pathology results are. Next a visit to Medibank Private to wonder why they haven’t yet sent me my new card while all other agencies have. Promises gained that they’ll fix it. At least they’ve been sending emails to Carol. Then a visit to my wife to watch the results of the postal survey. Yahoo! With luck the flow on will mean that we don’t have to divorce to allow me to press on with transition. Back home to find a letter from my hair transplant surgeon inviting me for a follow-up 6 months after my surgery.
TG Life is one happy moment after another.

[Carol]

Just found a City Chic in Stockland, Shellharbour. I was in a hurry but it definitely looked worth a second visit.

[Carol]

I wouldn’t worry too much about rapidly growing a big pair of bazookas and frightening your new boss. At age 50 growth will be slow to start with and, while you will feel great, to an outside observer they won’t raise any more alarm bells than ordinary man-boobs. The rule of thumb is that it will be a couple of years before you reach your full potential. Anyway your GP/Endo will have ideas about how to manage the introduction of anti-androgens and estrogen. You’ll just have to follow instructions. If there is any hint of male pattern baldness the sooner you get onto anti-androgens the better. I wouldn’t presume to comment on castration versus anti-androgens. I’m still dithering about that step myself.
Enjoy your journey.

[Carol]

I went to the Taylor Square clinic and they immediately put me on low dose anti-androgens but referred me to a psych for a report before putting me on stronger anti-androgens and oestrogen. GPs who are less experienced with trans gender patients typically don’t prescribe the hormones but send the patient to an endocrinologist. I have heard of GPs out in the sticks bravely prescribing rather than making the patient travel to Sydney to see the endo.

[Carol]

I enjoyed that immensely Josephine. Did you know that “Carlotta” is just her professional public face name? At home or with her friends she is “Carol”. Whenever she appears in the media I have a little smile about the name we share. Actually I chose “Carol” for myself long before I found that out about Carlotta.

[Carol]

Sheryl wrote:

I completely agree with Sara, any MtF students would prefer to be addressed as girls and why would any FtM want to be in a girl only school?

Just possibly an FtM would want to stick with their school friends? Forcing trans people to move as a consequence of their gender seems wrong in principle to me.