i have a few unusual questions to ask

[SocketRocket]

Louise, welcome to the asylum.

I have discussed this with my wife who is a member of the same club as me. After some consideration she said that she would have no problem with playing golf with a transgendered person. She did suggest that she could see that some Women members would probably have a problem if the person was (please excuse me if any termanology is incorrect, it will not be meant in a disrepectful way) a Transvestite, dressing and acting as a Women but sexually a man. She says that Women shower and dress in the changing rooms and are sometimes in a state of undress and would be uncomfortable in this situation. She did not see this as a problem with a Transexual person.

I hope this is helpful to you and I also think you are to be admired for your brave attitude and honesty.

 

[DaveM]

Just be yourself. Thats about it really. Your just a person, like me, tom, dick, harry, mary or whoever. So just be yourself. Do what you feel is right for you. Good luck with whatever you decide. Oh and a big welcome to the forum.

 

[louise_a]

Fair comments Brian, if I was a transvestite, I wouldn't even consider trying to join the ladies section but I have no problems in changing rooms.

yes fair comments Bladeplayer and that is a big worry.

In all honesty I have little or no problems in other walks of life.

White tees? I presume we would get half a dozen shots added to our handicaps

Reading are on great run Richart, but we are playing very well away from home at the moment, debating whether to go to that game myself. I have a lot of friends at Blackpool and as far as I know non know my background.

 

[Heidi]

p.s at forum meets all ye women can play off the whites ... equality & all that

Happily I can hit the ball a long way when i put my mind to it!

 

[Liverbirdie]

no chance I support the Mighty Pool................

Blackpool that is.

My hopes were raised until I scrolled down further. Well reeled in.

 

[G1BB0]

Welcome to the forum Louise.

I found this article - http://www.transgenderlaw.org/resources/Griffinarticle.pdf (3rd paragraph)

you are totally within your rights to play as a Lady member.

do what you feel is right, personally I dont feel you have to inform them but that's down to you

Good luck

 

[ArnoldArmChewer]

If legally you are now a woman then surely you have every right to join as a lady and play and complete in the ladies section, good luck to you and welcome to the forum.

By the way I bet you will get plenty of offers to play in mixed comps, what did you play off as a man?

 

[Fyldewhite]

Before you join anywhere I would make sure you have sight of the clubs rules and understand their policy on equality. Many clubs have had to re-examine their policies due to legislation over the last couple of years. If it's in writing then there will be no issues downtrack. Personally I always think being open and honest is the best way so I would make your situation clear. You retain the moral high ground by doing so which is important if there are issues later. I don't think the strength issue is relevant unless you get to a standard where you play in scratch events. Your handicap should reflect your ability and make it a level playing field.

As I'm sure you are only too well aware, the average golf club is a haven for racists, bigots and some very "old fashioned" views etc and for the most part dominated by "lads" humour and banter (mostly a good thing!!). You will get a lot of prejudice at first and there will be situations that develop that will be hurtful. My club gained some new lady members several years ago who are openly gay (civil partnership) and a great couple. There were lots of comments at first but the vast majority accepted them and both are now involved n committee and very good additions too.

Anyway, good luck, welcome to the forum and "up the Pool" (as long as they are not playing the mighty Wanderers).

 

[The19thHole]

Welcome to the forum Louise.

 

[AmandaJR]

Welcome Louise and enjoy this fab place. At my club I reckon the great bunch of Ladies we have wouldn't bat an eyelid about your life's journey and choices but I've seen plenty of much stuffier places where I could see if being an issue and perhaps unpleasant for you.

My advice would be to keep what is your private life private - no need for anyone to know...

 

[louise_a]

I received an email for the EWGA this morning, offering to contact the club for me, it also stated that if I wanted to play in a county event (some hope). This makes me wonder whether the same would apply for club events, I would have thought that I would only need to provide proof if challenged.