Frequently Asked Questions

For some FTMs, the change can begin in a matter of weeks. But you don't have to rely solely on hormones to effect the change you want. Through commitment and practice, one can masculinize his voice through training. Choose a masculine model, someone you hear often that has a voice that you would like to emulate. It helps if your model does not have a voice that is too terribly deep. Listen to how they speak. Note where your voice resonates as you learn to speak in a deeper timbre. Most importantly, believe in yourself as you project yourself through your voice. Note that MTFs get no advantage via hormone therapy to feminize their voice. They pretty much HAVE to rely on voice training.

We strongly recommend that you work with a medical doctor that you can visit and who can monitor your health and progress. Protect your health by ensuring that you get the right dose and avoid undesirable side-effects and health impacts.

Come, listen, join in if you want.

There is no charge for groups. We encourage and welcome donations to support Ingersoll and it's mission but no one is every turned away due to inability to pay.

You can find the text of the Washington State law protecting Freedom from Discrimination (RCW 49.60.30)  here. Transgender people are protected by virtue of inclusion in the definition of "Sexual Orientation" including "Gender Identity and Expression".  Find the details in RCW 49.60.040 (15) here. Use of the terms "Gender Identity and Expression" to cover all transgender, transsexual and gender variant people is a well established legal approach and provides excellent protection and has been tested in legal precident.  The strategy of including it under the definition of sexual orientation may seem a bit odd but is pragmatic and effective. Excellent materials relevant to Washington State law and implementation can be found here.I brief, Washington State law protects individuals from discrimination based on Gender Identity and Expression along with Sexual Orientation (being Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual by identity or practice) in these areas:

• Employment (hiring, firing promotion)
• Accomodations (service in hotels, motels, restaurants open to the public)
• Insurance (health, homeowners...)
• housing (ability to rent, lease or own a residence)

These are the same areas protected for all "suspect classes" - Sex, race, religion, ability etc.. 

It depends to some degree on what your intended job or career is and what level of education or training you may already have.

WorkSource of King County can be a great help in employment counsling however.

Be sure to check out or Empower NorthWest section for information about Ingersoll's Trans employment and Jobs programming.

No! It's never acceptable to fire, harass, fail to promote or otherwise discriminate against anyone due to their gender identity and/or expression.

In Washington State it's illegal to discriminate based on Gender Identity and Expression in Employment (Hiring, promotion or wages), accomodations, insurance or housing. If you have any problems in these areas. Contact the Washington State Equal Rights Commission .

Requests to change gender designation on drivers licenses and identicards must be made in writing to the Assistant Director for Driver Services. Request must include:

• A letter from the applicant explaining the change being requested.
• A letter from the applicant's physician verifying that the applicant is in the process of, or has completed, a gender change. The doctor must sign the letter personally.
  If the gender change has not been completed, the physician's letter must verify that changing the gender designation is necessary for the applicant's treatment.
• A photocopy of the applicant's current driver's license or identicard. Make sure your photograph is legible.
  

Please mail your letter and documentation to the following address:
Department of Licensing
ATTN: Assistant Director's Office
PO Box 9020
Olympia, WA 98507-9020

Upon approval of a request to change gender designation, the Assistant Director will send an authorization letter. You may present the letter of authorization to any Licensing Services Office to have the Department's records updated and a replacement license or identicard issued.