I've notified my boss I'm a transsexual and going to live full time as a woman starting in May (right now, I live as a woman full time except for work). I am also getting breast implants the day I start vacation. I am sooooo excited and scared--I will leave my job a rather feminine looking male and come back 14 days later as a woman named Kara!
I really wonder how my co-workers'll react. I've been on a female hormone regimen for a while so I have hips >:) I have longish highlighted hair (I try to tie it back discreetly for work!), and my nails are long... so there are already some clues for my smarter co-workers.
But--it'll be a shock. For them, and me! I am already DREADING being the subject of office gossip, but of course I will be for a while.
Have any of you had to deal with this? My company doesn't have an official 'transgender' treatment policy like some big ones might, so I wonder if I should have my boss notify everyone over the two weeks I'm gone? He may plan to already.
2007-03-10 08:30:57 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender
Well, it seems as though you work in an office environment. I would suggest you contact your Human Resources Department and talk to them about what action should be taken. If they choose to go ahead with sensitivity training, then fine. If not, you probably won't get fired, seeing as how your boss is a good person. You co-workers will probably talk about you around the water-cooler, but pay it no attention. It's just gossip, anyway. Do your job and do it well. After that, there shouldn't be an issue. Don't pressure people to accept you if they don't want to. Everybody is entitled to their own opinions.
Take a good look at all the bigots that post on this particular subject. We're never going to get rid of them. They will always exist and we have to accept that.
2007-03-10 08:53:27 · answer #1 · answered by Danielle 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I am 19 so had a couple things different that you did. My friends and family all had assumed I was gay, and in public I was frequently taken as female due to my slight frame and long hair. None of my friends or family were surprised to any great degree, some of them had guessed it before I told them, and so far everyone has been really supportive.
My work is only part time, but I told them first to make sure that I would have some income if my parents decided to kick me out or something, everyone at work is really supportive or don't care lol. At college no one cares, I took online classes after getting my name legally changed to insure that no one will remember me.
Most companies don't have an offical transgender policy or anything like that, I would have your boss explain it to everyone for when you come back to make sure that people understand that you are serious about it and don't think that you are joking or anything. It will also give them time to adjust to the idea and realize that it really doesn't effect them.
2007-03-11 03:53:07 · answer #2 · answered by elvishbard 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Well, my dad is transgendered and went through all this a few years ago. She said there was some office gossip, but it was very minimal, and that it didn't get in the way of work. And eventually, gossip goes away. Most people were actually very accepting of the situation. If you do want the office to know, inform your boss of this, so he can find the best way to tell everyone in a discrete way. Good luck with everything, I hope it all works out.
2007-03-10 09:29:29 · answer #3 · answered by consumingfire783 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
people will be shocked and won't really understand. you may want to ask your boss or someone to brief the staff about what you are doing, and why you are doing it. some will be more accepting than others.. i'm sure every step of the transition process will bring new challenges and obstacles, but you will continue to develop strength and confidence as you deal with each one. don't let a few bigots get you down. focus on the positive people at work and focus on educating them about transsexualism and what it really is all about.
2007-03-10 18:01:08 · answer #4 · answered by Jeff 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Good luck to you! What a journey this must be. I agree that you should check into your Human Resources or similar dept. so you're informed. Yes, people will talk. Some out of curiousity and simple interest, some from a position of hate and bigotry. Hold your head high. You're being true to yourself which is the most important thing you can do.
2007-03-10 10:15:17 · answer #5 · answered by pugmo 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
What will you re restroom facilities I have always wondered about that. What about clothes? I mean underware? Are you having any surgery? Will you date? Men or women? So many more but enough for now.
2007-03-10 08:38:20 · answer #6 · answered by bigjohn B 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm not a transsexual, but I would like to say "way to go", and I hope things go well for you :)
It's got to be a tough thing to do, and I admire your courage.
2007-03-10 08:36:28 · answer #7 · answered by manbearpig 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Let us know how it goes? Good Luck!
2007-03-10 09:04:44 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
Homosexuality is an abomination in the eyes of God.It`s the one sin He hates.Don`t do it.
2007-03-10 09:17:24 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 11⤋