…change my name.

Visited on Tuesday, June 11, Thursday, June 13, & Tuesday, July 2, 2024

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Aside from coming out as trans, and starting HRT, changing my name has been the next big step in my transition. On June 6, 2024, I was informed that as of May 31st, my name change had been granted. Although I had been warned it might happen, I was surprised by the overwhelming emotions I felt from just reading an email. Happiness and relief flooded my body, and I cried. However, this email wouldn’t officially do anything for me, so it was time for me to head downtown to the Albany County Clerk’s Office and get certified copies of my name change petition.

On my walk downtown, I passed the New York State Capitol (pictured above), the New York State Education Department (white building pictured below), and Albany City Hall (clock tower pictured below). These are all just a few blocks from where I live, and my pictures don’t really capture the immensity of these buildings.

I finally arrived at the county clerk’s office, and bought two copies of my name change petition. I was told I probably only needed one, but should get a second to have just in case, and they were only $5 per copy, so it wasn’t a big deal. It was a fairly smooth process, and I was happy, so I headed home for the day.

A couple days later, I was off to the DMV to update my ID. The DMV office was pretty far uptown, so I walked a few blocks from work to a bus stop, and then rode the rest of the way. Now for anyone who’s ever been to the DMV, I’m sure you know that this was not a smooth process, even though it totally should have been. I was there for about an hour, and had about three mini anxiety attacks that something was going to go wrong, and I wouldn’t be able to get my new ID, but after the third time the woman helping me spoke to her supervisor, everything was settled and done. I waited exactly two weeks to receive my new ID in the mail. Naturally, the picture isn’t the best, but I love it anyway.

Now that I had my ID, it was time to head even further downtown to the Social Security Administration office. I found my way into the giant government building, told the man that I didn’t have any weapons or explosive devices on me, had my purse x-rayed, and walked through the metal detector….all good, and up to the fourth floor in the elevator. I was told that this place was going to be so busy that I would have to sit and wait for possibly hours, so I prepared myself for that, so imagine my surprise when I walked in and it was completely empty. I got my number, waiting (at most) five minutes, and then they called me to the window. Went through the paperwork with woman working the counter, and ten minutes later, I was back in the elevator on my way down to the lobby….done.

Now, I’m sitting at home, knowing I still have more to do to change my name for my personal accounts, but according to the government, I’m Avery. It’s awesome, and I couldn’t be happier knowing that in this moment.

Thanks for joining me on this trip, and hope to see you again!