Not Sure If I Should Be Worried or Not

[kountrygurl]

So I've been completely out to everyone at work for nearly 3 weeks now. There had been lots of talk about how my presentation at work seemed to be a lot more feminine. The thing was nobody would say anything to me directly, they would just talk among themselves and ask my closer coworkers/friends what was up with me. Only one person knew and she had promised to keep it our little secret and she did until I said it was time to put an end to all the talk. I have been pleasantly surprised at how everybody has reacted so far. Nobody has said anything bad or out of the to me at all. The ones that have felt comfortable enough to, have came to me with very supportive encouragement. I do know that some have a big problem with what I'm doing but most of those are people that I never really liked or cared for any how so what they think means very little to me anyway.  Now what does worry me is I have sent letters to the higher ups in the company explaining about my transitioning. I mentioned in the letters how everything in my life is going great and it was now time for me to start living my new life as a women full time. I also told them I was starting the process of changing my name very soon, hopefully this week. At the end of the letter I had mentioned that I needed, and looked forward to meeting with them one on one to answer any questions and to discuss a few concerns I have (bathroom issues mostly). That's been 2 weeks and I have not heard anything from them directly. My immediate lead hand has told me they sent out emails to all the leads saying for them to make sure everyone shows me respect and remind them we have very strict zero tolerance rules that include harassment, bullying, and/or discrimination of any kind. To me that sounds positive but it still worries me they haven't contacted me personally. I should mention that I work in factory that produces rubber for the production of tires and other finished rubber products, so its not a job where I deal with the public at all. Its mostly a male dominated job with women being out numbered 10/1. So I was thinking about sending them a reminder that I needed to schedule a meeting or do you think I should just give it a little more time.   

[stephaniec]

you formally gave them notice , which should be enough. I don't know your company policies so I really don't know what to say other then its in there cornner

[LittleEmily24]

I'd say give it some time; i would assume your higher-ups are very busy individuals (assuming your place of business is a large one) so maybe they just haven't had time to address it, but after a certain amount of time i think you should remind them, maybe after 3 weeks to a month. Meanwhile, maybe you could discuss with your female employees how they would feel about you using the female bathroom. I dont know what your area is like, but in my area i've noticed that women don't mind me using the female facilities because to their eyes, if i look female and act female, I am female regardless of whether or not they can tell im trans (just started hormone transition but dress full time), with a lot of women i've noticed its all about maturity and respect ~ they know im not going in there to cause trouble, they know i'm just going in there to use the bathroom . Ive actually noticed that when i first started using the female bathroom and would sometimes use the men's out of fear, a LOT of the men felt uncomfortable with me being in there. But then again, it could just be related to the area I live. I've even had women talk to me in the female bathrooms, women who knew i was trans, telling me I need a touch-up on my makeup, or saying that they wish they could wear something I was wearing at the time.

I can't say i have any experience in a business or office situations since I work with my parents and our office has like 4 bathrooms, all of which are unisex but are divided by regions of the office building. I usually use my dads personal bathroom because its the one my dad, mom and big brother use. 

[Suziack]

That's been 2 weeks and I have not heard anything from them directly. My immediate lead hand has told me they sent out emails to all the leads saying for them to make sure everyone shows me respect and remind them we have very strict zero tolerance rules that include harassment, bullying, and/or discrimination of any kind.

Since they sent out the emails, management is taking it seriously and are already backing you up. Other than that, they don't need to talk to you about it. If YOU need to talk about it with them, then YOU schedule a one-on-one time to meet. Otherwise, forget about it. They are tending day to day business, and are more concerned about other things. If it were me (which it's not), I'd send out second email (letter?) acknowledging their support in the form of the email that was distributed to leads, that you really appreciate it, and that you see no further reason for one-on-ones, but that if anyone has any questions they are welcome to follow up with you. Then, I'd forget about it. Simple as that. If anyone has issues about the bathroom, tell them they can talk to management. If management has an issue, they'll come to you about it. Don't make it any more traumatic for them than it has to be! LOL

[Jessica Merriman]

Just a suggestion, but a carry letter from your Therapist would end any and all of your bathroom, locker room, etc., issue's whether at work or in public. It is a legal document and gives you protection. Sounds like things are going well at work, good job!