The time is very near

[Ms.Behavin]

Hi everyone

The time is fast approching when I go full time.  I've been living full time everywhere except work for a few months now.   I'm working at a small (12 person) engineering firm in Napa California that was pretty diverse before I started there.   The Hr guy is an openly gay fellow.  The boss is just a very nice guy, also not quite typical for an engineer.  He's the first engineer who I've seen giving clients hugs.  Definitely not the standard engineering firm. 

I'm pretty sure that everyone at work knows that I'm not the standard guy engineer.  I think the plucked eyebrows, earrings, light ash blonde hair and well, my more hum, flamboyant personality might just give them a few not so subtle hints.  Of course, they might think I'm just gay, which was the prognosis others had of me in Florida before I came out to friends and my SO.  Oh well.

Anyway,  I'm to the point where; one I really don't like not being truthful to the folks at work about who I am,  and well I have a strong desire to just get it over with and come out to the company.  I've got to do it sometime and if it goes well, I'll get to be me sooner, which is a big plus to me. 

Of course then reality enters and I think about what happens if it goes badly.  It's a very nice little company and we all get along very well.   I'm going to be a very sad girl if things don't go ok.   My feeling says that they will be Ok with me as Beni.  My therapist also said that the Napa area is probably the most liberal and open city about GLBT issues in the state. 

I have to say that if there is an engineering firm I could work for during and after transition, it's this one.  It's a pretty laid back firm.  My letter and supporting docs are assembled.  I just need to take a deep breath and just talk to the HR guy.  I feel that this will probably be next Wednesday. And yes I'm still scared.   LOL, if I'm writing to the forum, you know I'm nervous, just a wee little bit.   

Thanks to all the ladies here, just for being here.

Beni

[tinkerbell]

I wish you the very best, Beni.  And yes I've also heard (from my therapist) that the Napa area is not as conservative as some people think.  Just remember that we live in one of the best places in the world, I think.  California!  yes!   Also don't forget that California has laws which prohibit employers from discriminating against transsexual employees based on gender identity.

tinkerbell

[cindianna_jones]

It sounds like you have set yourself up in a very proactive position. You don't need to be nervous. You just need to get it done... already   You'll be fine.  Keep us posted.

Cindi

[Ms.Behavin]

Hi Tinkerbell and Cindi,

Even though CA and the Company policy list  protection  against discrimination from gender identity, I think in reality there could always be ways to get around that.  The practical side of me, says they (the company folks)  are easy going and actually like me,  Ha they are more worried that I'll leave,  but it's exactly what I've been looking for.  The little girl in me, well I worry too much, but then again I always have. 

LOL, I guess it could be much worst, I could be back in SW Florida,  There was a very conservative place with no laws in place to protect anyone.     I've found Napa  and northern CA to be pretty receptive to alternative lifestyles.   DUH.   We'll see how it goes next week.  I just need to get it over with as the suspense is just overwhelming.

Thank you for your thoughts

Beni

[tinkerbell]

Hi Tinkerbell and Cindi,

Even though CA and the Company policy list  protection  against discrimination from gender identity, I think in reality there could always be ways to get around that. 

Beni

That's true.  I guess people (management in this case) could find ways to fire anyone if they really wanted to despite the current laws; however, they would have to find a really good reason to do so.  You know which city they say is the most liberal in Ca? Los Gatos!  I've heard there is a large TG community there although I think the one in San Francisco surpasses them all in size.

tinkerbell

[Ms.Behavin]

I'm not to worried today,  Guess the 5 mile walk and trip to bodaga bay helped.  What a wonderful day.  Well, I'll just need to see how it goes this week.  I'll let you know how it goes. 

Beni