Way back, when girls did not belong to the Future Farmers of American, I did. With a name like Henry, no one was the wiser until our chapter traveled out of town. I was the only female to make the illustrious bus trip to the state capitol at Baton Rouge for the Livestock Show Rodeo. And then, they tried to refuse me admission to the rodeo on my FFA identification. On my 18th birthday, I received the usual notice from the local draft board. I'm sure they thought that some people would do anything to avoid being one of the "Few Good Men" when I wrote back to say that I was female. As the token woman on the Louisiana State University Livestock Judging Team, I was proud to win an award at a Houston show. However, when I approached the podium to receive my award, the puzzled announcer refused to give me my prize, a tie clasp, until our coach vouched for me.
Even when I made that classic mistake of applying for a marriage license, the old man behind the large desk grinned and drawled, "Henry and Gary? You know Louisiana isn't ready for this kind of marriage, hear." And, I fared no better in Texas the second time around when I was trying to form a union between Henry and George.
When I belatedly joined the Army National Guard (the draft board knew I belonged), they had the courtesy to put my photo to accompany Henry E. on my military identification. When I applied for a driver's license in Wisconsin, however, the Dept. of Motor Vechiles insisted on first name and middle initial. It convinced everyone from policemen to store clerks that I was trying to get away with something.
I finally learned to anticipate and head off trouble. For example, I drove 30 miles and bought an extra piece of furniture for the privilege of earning a "free" airline ticket. A letter to the airline accompanied the required receipt and request for the free ticket.
Dear Airline:
I realize that my furniture receipt reads H. Ellen Whiteley, which corresponds to the name on my charge card. The "H" stands for Henry. My driver's license and military ID reads Henry E. Whiteley. Please put name on airline ticket to correspond with the ID you want me to use. Which holds more weight? Master Card and Dillards or the US Army and state of Wisconsin?
I appreciate your understanding in this matter. I am female; in fact, have always been. It is only of late that I've worried that someone will think I've had a sex-change operation. I am now at the point of considering an alias except my veterinary license reads Henry Ellen Whiteley. Send reply and airline ticket soon.
Sincerely,
Me
P.S. Your "frequent flyer" card came in the name of Mr. Henry Whiteley, and the man at the ticket counter refused to let me use it on my last flight.
The above article appeared in part in my column in the Milwaukee Sentinel on Feb. 11, 1984. The problems described continue to this day. Recently, my husband George suggested that I go to court and change my name. My reaction was shock. I've had the name for over 60 years, and I suppose the problems that go with it are familiar. I started out as Henry, and I'll go out as Henry. Maybe, I'll donate my body to science and let them deal with the mix-up that then results in the anatomy lab.
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