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I had been offered a training contract before I had commenced my transition. I then transitioned over a 2 year period before actually starting my training contract.

Aside from a few unpleasant experiences with some homophobic colleagues, I was fortunate to complete my training contract relatively unscathed and I obtained my GRC during my training contract.

I honestly don't recognise any of the problems listed, but that was possibly because I prepared my application to the GRA Panel in the same way that I would prepare any application to the court. Preparation, research and a bundle containing the required evidence.

Fee remission still applies in exactly the same way as other court applications and those on low incomes or on benefits wouldn't have to pay anything. My trainee salary meant I was entitled to a part remission on the fee.

It wasn't difficult and didn't take that long and didn't affect my health, although the way in which I was treated by some staff at the firm at which I trained, certainly did.

Obtaining a GRC was however very important and personal to me, because I have a faith that is very important to me and I identify very firmly as binary.

Others who have gone through the same experience me agree that it could be simplified, but surely watering down the provisions risks weakening the very protections that it is there to provide?