I have been thinking lately about coming out to some people at work. Partly it is to have some confidante's and supporters there, but also because I feel people often think we are some rare strange breed. We are sisters, brothers, mothers, fathers, your coworker and your friend. I don't think it is fair to stay in the shadows while allowing our brothers and sisters who may have trouble passing to take the brunt of societies cruelties. Anyway, that's just me. People can and will do as they see fit.
So, the first person I came out to was a very, very gay manager we have. I should say, Disney is a very gay place. On my attraction alone, we can have about 5-7 gay people working at one time on any given day one of which is an FTM friend of mine. I told my manager after he asked me if I was married to a man. I don't like to make up stories, so I told him the truth. His brain just about melted down trying to wrap his head around it. You could see the smoke coming out of his ears as he tried to process the idea that I was a straight man and now am a lesbian woman. Even after seeing my before pictures, he couldn't see it, which left me kind of bemused. My FTM friend witnessed much of it and told me "I think you broke him." LOL. The next day though he saw me and gave me a huge hug. Something he also did the next day. I have been touched by his kindness.
The next person I came out to was also a gay guy that was literally going out the door to start working at a new attraction. I told him quickly and he got a huge smile on his face. He basically just said, "that is awesome!" He made me promise to see him at his new place of work. Felt good about that one too.
Last night was the latest person I told. Straight young girl who I have gotten kinda close to. We were alone for a few minutes, which is rare, so I told her I was a lesbian. She thought that was it, but then I told her I was trans too. At first, she thought I was pulling her leg, but I let her see photos of me and she just got a huge smile on her face and laughed. Her only question was whether I was happier now and I said yes.
So, three people at work now know. It makes me feel better somehow. I am not defined by my transness, but it is an important part of me. I feel it says something about me and where I came from. Since they never knew him though, they still see Maia. I've also realized that people seem to have an easier time of it if I tell them to think of my past as me being a very, very butch lesbian. It helps them connect the dots in a way in their head that the male/female, straight/lesbian seeming discontinuity makes difficult for them. I know I am taking a chance and time will tell how it works out, but for now I feel good.
