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The legal challenges faced by transsexual persons can be quite daunting and very confusing. Considering there is no actual uniform code throughout the U.S., or even in each state in some cases, it is hard to know which side of the line you are in many instances. When exploring the legal aspects of transsexualism there are several areas which demand attention, some apply to all transsexual persons, others apply to a small group of said people, but are still significant. With those factors in mind, as well as focusing on the U.S. alone as a full international examination would be too exhaustive and confusing, onward we march.

The first hurdle most transsexual people face which often blurs the lines of legality, or outright breaks them is in regards to medical care. The first step for many is to get on an HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) which can for some be difficult. Many decide to fore go the necessary medical consultation an try, or actually do, acquire what we call Black market hormones." Few think of this as illegal, but those along with steroids many transmen often use in conjunction with testosterone are in fact illegal to obtain or possess without a prescription. Furthermore it is just dangerous from the standpoint of health, you never can be positive what you are getting is genuine.

The second area which often raises a problem is the change of name process. This is especially problematic for some that fail to get their name legally changed prior to starting the transition process. A transwoman may be known as Michelle to her friends, but if her legal name is Jason (or a similar scenario for a transman) problems are bound to be met. Many transpeople will not think twice about trying to open online banking accounts under their unrecognized by law AKA, they will sign simple things like debit card receipts with it, or even try to apply for jobs using it. In the first two cases that is illegal. You cannot use your not yet legal name you have adopted to try to conduct financial transactions. In the case of trying to open bank accounts it has led to plenty of people going to jail, it is fraud.

So far as signing financial receipts goes, it is still illegal, but not likely you will face a problem unless you need to contest a charge. Then you have opened Pandora's Box and leave yourself potentially subject to legal action, this too has happened when users contesting a charge are forced to explain who the person that signed receipts using their card is, and

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