In my q phase/part, finishing my auto tech school, in deep south. what do I do?

[sara9mm]

Here's one for the book's yall.

So I'm nearing end of my Questioning phase getting ready to bear down and search for a gender psych.... and well I'm also .... finishing my schooling in auto repair tech.  whilst living in Florida's bible belt a.k.a deep south. Any one here know what problems I might face? Given that many of the auto  repair men are of the older generations.
any advice anyone can offer would be great especially all of you born before 1975.

like for instance would it be a good idea to stay super stealth?
What do I do about the masculine form I'm going to have from all the hard labor?

[kathyk]

You already know it can be strenuous work, but the few women do great jobs.  You'll loose muscle mass and strength if you start HRT in the future, although everyone seems to adjust in time. 

I know 3 mechanics who worked for Toyota, Chrysler, and Jeep.  They said dealer shops want good motivated and ON TIME people.  Good mechanics are always in demand, while the ones who take too much time on a job or always need help don't have the same kind of job opportunities.  I don't think gender is an issue in dealer shops, but in private ones a woman in coveralls might have a hard time if customers don't like her.

No idea what it's like in the South.  But here in a far north conservative Christian area almost all transgender individuals have moved to friendlier places like SF, LA, NY, Seattle, and Portland. 
But if a trans mechanic worked around here I'd send work her way.

[suzifrommd]

like for instance would it be a good idea to stay super stealth?
What do I do about the masculine form I'm going to have from all the hard labor?

Can't answer questions about the south - I live in the northeast.

But I can answer these two. First, a lot of women have a form that looks more masculine. They're still women.

Second, I think stealth after transition (that's what you mean by stealth, right?) is psychologically draining. You're always worrying about people finding out. You can't take the (very freeing) attitude "I'll do my best to pass. If I do, I do, if I don't I don't." When someone clocks me, it's no big deal. If I were stealth, I'd have to worry whether my cover will be blown.

I think people who get to know you will usually accept you no matter what part of the country you live in. They may not approve, but who really approves of everything their friends/coworkers do.

If someone quotes bible at you, quote it right back at them. I like Isaiah 56:4-5. "For thus saith the Lord unto the eunuchs that keep my sabbaths, and choose the things that please me, and take hold of my covenant;Even unto them will I give in mine house and within my walls a place and a name better than of sons and of daughters: I will give them an everlasting name..."

[Katie]

Last time I checked there are female auto mechanics.

To address your first question. I have to assume your actually serious (many are not).

Learning to keep ones mouth shut is one of the hardest things a trans person has to learn. If you want to be a ->-bleeped-<- then by all means tell people. On the other hand if you are a woman then be a woman. That means keeping your mouth shut. People don't need to know your personal business. All that is important is you fix the car. Simple as that.

[Miss Jill Thorn]

Hugs and greetings from Alabama

[Sarah Louise]

No matter where you live, the trick is to live your own life as you feel you need to.  Don't spend too much time worrying about others, most people are to busy with their own life to worry about you.

The stealth, non stealth life is up to each person individually.

[victoria n]

 believe it or not the people in flogida are more accepting that the puritans of Mass. The florida government still might discriminate allow discrimination of trans people.  thing's have not changed that much since before 1975 in the acceptance department. If you feel you really want to transition which is loaded with pit falls and if your post is legit.
It depends on if you are hired as a male then transition they might be able to fire you or find a way to fire you.  if you go in dressed as a chick and have changed  you gender info but don't pass so well they probably wont' hire you. they might hire you.

[Rachel]

Seek a therapist and begin a journey of discovery.

[Kim 526]

Hi Victoria, I was wondering where you got your information about Massachusetts.

I've included a link to the Massachusetts Law About Gender Identity or Expression.

http://www.lawlib.state.ma.us/subject/about/transgender.html

Take care,

Kim