What are your views about carry letters?
When we present as a gender or have a preferred name and/or pronouns that are different than what our legal documents and drivers license indicate, the idea of getting pulled over or being asked to provide identification becomes a lot scarier.
It’s hard enough to explain who we are to our partners, even if we have hours (or days or months) to discuss, but having an unplanned conversation about gender identity with a police officer on the side of a highway is ever more challenging. Luckily more cities are being educated about transgender and non-gender conforming people.
A carry letter can help in situations like these. A carry letter is typically written by a doctor, counselor, or therapist. They usually state that you are transgender and that you are presenting as a gender that is different than the one you were assigned to at birth. A carry letter is not uncommon for people who are transitioning and haven’t changed their birth certificate or name yet.
A carry letter is also helpful for those who wish to board an airplane presenting as a gender that is different from the gender on their identification cards. On a related note, you can also familiarize yourself with the TSA’s policy on transgender passengers.
An example of a carry letter could read something like this:
To whom it may concern:
RE: ___________________________, ______________ ______, ______ This individual is under my care for the diagnosis of Gender Dysphoria which would lead to Gender Reassignment Surgery (GRS). As part of the necessary process, ______ is to live the real life experience and dress in the gender to which the assignment will be made. ______is also receiving hormone therapy as part of the procedure, therefore is to be considered _________ and to be treated as _________ in all instances. If you have need for additional information, or to speak to me personally, please contact me.
Sincerely,
___________________________________________________________
Health Care Provider
Personally I think this example is a little outdated as it assumes that a transgender person will be pursuing surgery or hormones, but this should give you an idea what a carry letter typically says.
Like matte or gloss lipstick, a carry letter is an individual choice. If someone feels a carry letter would be a helpful document to have tucked in their purse, then I see no reason not to have one.
Love, Hannah
______________________________________________________________________________________________
Have a question for me? Oh yes you do. Ask me here!
Hannah McKnight 