The diferance a week makes

A little break from the story, to say how amazing this week for me it has been. Monday I had a call from my former partner informing me that my photo driving licence had expired and according and technically I was driving around illegally.

Being a pure Yorkshire girl I loathe having to spend money twice, and so in a rush of blood to the head Karen Amanda Richards came into being sooner than planned, this also meant all my information had to change, tax, DVLA, passport, bank account and of course CSCS (I think the in call centre are is recovering well and should be back at work next month!!).

So as from Monday my two year real life experience began, a contract with myself to live 24/7 as a female and only use my female name. Friends and family should address me as Karen and also use the correct nouns and pro-nouns.

After this period (in which I will be prescribed female hormones) I can be referred for surgery and obtain a gender recognition certificate.

Tuesday came as the first day of my first aid certificate re-qualification; I walked into the classroom with the deed poll and handed it to Mary who was the course tutor who quickly realised what was going on.

The first module was on controlling shock, which after all the delegates seemed to need after the lady in the corner of the room introduced her in a typical male voice (this needs urgent attention!). The first coffee break came and it was very apparent that I was the isolated one in the group, most would have never met a transsexual in their lives never mind the inkling to understand one, so I was sat on my own.

The next module was practical demonstration to which I was partnered with a very nervous security guard who was obviously made worse by my presence, I think I now know what it was like to have Leprosy.

Lunch came and I walked to the local supermarket to get a sandwich, and was quite amazed the no-one seemed to read me, (this was a buzz!!). On my return one of the girls on the course decided to break the ice, I think it was out of curiosity and wanted quite a few questions answered, which I don't mind as I believe knowledge is the path to acceptance.

By the time the afternoon coffee break came all the ladies on the course were happily chatting with me, and it was the security guard that now had leprosy, as I always maintain women are much more accepting of diversity than men.

Day Two - Because I have held a four-day (now three) certificate for over 15 years, it was very apparent that I was at an advantage to the others on the course so most of the second morning was spent helping the girls revise for the forth coming exam and practical. The exam came and as usual 100%. Then came the dreaded practical which was to be done in pairs, and of course I got partnered with the security guard who was looking more nervous on hearing the pairing.

We were to go in pairs at 40 minute intervals and I was drawn last, so it was two hours sunbathing and revising with the girls until we were called in.

First I was given a practical to do with the security guard on control of bleeding, then came the CPR, which started fine -30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths, then back to the compressions 1,2,3,4,5,6,7 and suddenly a prosthetic breast flew out of my bra and onto the dummy, still I continued but the examiner was rolling on the floor and saying "enough, you obviously know what you are doing!

That evening I received an email with my first certificate in my new name!! WOW!

Thursday I was contacted by an employment agency wanting to discuss a contract, the guy was obviously driving and on hands free, 30 seconds into the conversation I dropped the bombshell, about my impending transition, and as he reversed his car out of the tree I had a surprise reaction, "Well the work you have done for us before has always been spot on, so I don't see it make that much of a difference”. Although I haven't heard anymore.

Friday was spent changing details over.

Then came today seven days of 24/7 female and an early morning doctor’s appointment. This was to do with my treatment which will move like a lethargic slug on the NHS. Fortunately I have a very kind and supportive GP who has refereed me to a private consultant in London so my hormone treatment can start as soon as September! Result