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Also referred to as "Real Life Test" (which is currently a deprecated term), the period of time one starts living as the target gender to acquire knowledge, skills, experience and to see if the target gender fits one's life. This period of time may also be referred to as "Going Full-Time", which means that one is living all the time as the target gender.

For purposes of qualifying for SexReassignmentSurgery, the period of time considered RLE varies from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. Generally WPATH guidelines indicate a period of one to two years spent living full time in the target gender. Some surgeons may have specific requirements for how long someone has lived full time as well.

Full-Time vs Part-Time

Some people begin living as the target gender on a provisional or part-time basis. In fact, most people start out this way, gradually easing into going full time when they can arrange all their various situations and roles to accomodate their changing gender. Workplace, family, friends, other social aspects all bear on the decision to go full time.

As far as this author knows, no surgeons will take a patient without them showing some commitment to living as their target gender. (Sure, there are stories and apocryphal tales, but most surgeons are conscientious about this.) Surgeon's requirements vary, some being one year, others requiring two years. Psychiatrists following the WPATH guidelines will make an assessment of their patients' readiness for surgery after some time spent living full time in the target gender.

Starting RLE

For many, the commencement of RLE may depend on many factors. Looks, hair, clothes, makeup, hormones, surroundings, support, family and friends, work, and other factors contribute to one's decision to start RLE, either part-time or full-time. In some jurisdictions, one must be living full time for a set period of time before one is given access to HRT. Many find this difficult and work around such restrictions be using private resources instead of public health services.

People's experience differs widely in this area. Some find starting RLE very difficult, for others, it is quite natural and easy. Contributing factors primarily have to do with one's attitude, confidence, and even desperation.

Passing

Much is made of the concept of "passing" as the target gender. This means that one is taken for and treated as the target gender in whatever situations one finds one's self in. This is also an area of huge subjectivity; some people pass easier than others; some may never pass. There is much speculation that the younger one transititions, the easier it will be to pass. In MTFs, this is thought to be because of the ravaging effects testosterone? can have on an individual. On the other hand, for FTMs, age seems to be a huge contributing factor to their being able to pass.

The most commonly held belief is that one's attitude is the most important key to passing. How one carries one's self, projecting confidence and authenticity have consistently made the biggest difference for many people.

But do you really pass?

For some, this may be the case, but for others they may just be receiving the benefit of people's basic inattention or politeness. However, if the effect is the same in the various situations one finds one's self in, what does it matter?

Categories: Transition