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Misgendering as an Opportunity

Started by Constance, October 26, 2012, 10:44:51 PM

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Constance

At work, I was in a small meeting discussing upcoming changes and how they'll affect us in customer support. It was three people: me, Coworker A and Coworker B.

Coworker A was one of the first people to really reach out to me at a company dinner last fall, right after I went full time, really making me feel welcome as one of the girls in the office. At this meeting, she inadvertently used a male pronoun for me and then corrected herself, apologizing right away.

I really hadn't interacted with Coworker B all that much over the last few years. Still, I think she knows my history, too. But it was the first time I was misgendered and I wasn't embarrassed or upset by it. Instead, I thought of it as an opportunity to share my story in case Coworker B asked about it.

Ms. OBrien CVT

It would be a good educational opportunity, but I honestly think is was just a slip of the tongue.

  
It does not take courage or bravery to change your gender.  It takes fear of living one more day in the wrong one.~me
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Constance

Oh, yeah, total slip of the tongue. But this was the first time that an innocent slip up didn't bother me.

justmeinoz

Nice result by the sound of it. Glad things seem to be going well, workwise.
"Don't ask me, it was on fire when I lay down on it"
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suzifrommd

Quote from: Constance on October 26, 2012, 11:28:39 PM
But this was the first time that an innocent slip up didn't bother me.

This is good. Means you're becoming more comfortable with your place in the world.
Have you read my short story The Eve of Triumph?
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Constance

Things are indeed very well at work. And, yes, I am feeling more comfortable with what and who I am.

peky

You just reacted like the lady you are. Bravo!
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Constance

Peky, I think you and my and my daughter define "lady" in 2 very different ways!  :D

The way I reacted caught me by pleasant surprise.