Coming Out to Co-Workers on Monday: Seeking Advice

[JaneNicole2013]

I am meeting with my coworkers on Monday (6 total--training professionals) to let them know what's going on. I have most of my spiel down but I am having trouble with the opening lines.

I just wanted to share something important going on in my life. I am transgendered and have been undergoing medical treatment, hormones, for the past six month. I plan to transition fully to my new role about six months from now--mid September. I know this might be a new experience for most of you--if not all of you--and I am more than happy to answer any questions you may have. I also have some resources, pending HR approval, that I can share with you if you like. I've experienced quite a bit of change the last six months and sure I have many more to go. Regardless of what lies in store for me, I've never been happier or have felt more myself. I know I have a long way to go, but I wanted to loop you in early to give us all time to adjust. Rest assured that I want to make this as little of a distraction as possible, and I hope I can count on your support. When I told Paulette last summer, she told me that she fell in love with the person I was on the inside, not my wrappings. I hope you feel the same way about me as a coworker.

We have been in touch with HR representatives who will be more than happy to speak with you--confidentially--if you have any questions or concerns. Also, I'd like to keep this between us for the time being. I plan to notify the entire department, and the rest of our team, at a later date.

At this point, I would turn it over to my supervisor (who has been WONDERFUL by the way) to say a few words and then ask if there are any questions.

"Coming Out Week" has been quite an emotional experience so far. My youngest one's mother (he is 14) reacted MUCH better than I expected and we are meeting with his (he has Asperger's) and her counselor (they are one-in-the-same) next week. I plan to tell my older kids this week.

Thanks!

Jane

[Jerri]

Hi Jane,
I came out at work about a month past, just before I left for FFS, I started with expressing how I have changed over the past six months and explained the reason for hose changes is being able to identify with my true feelings and that my medically supervised hormone therapy has brought a since of peace and had them acknowledge that the changes have been positive for all of us, and going forward not having to deal with confusion and stress I will be able to give 100% of my focus to excelling in my position, then explained that as a result of many years of suffering I have decided to come out and will be presenting in my true gender. that I identify as a transsexual and when I return I will be starting my real experience to qualify for the rest of the physical changes i will need.
started with the plant manager and department manager, then went to my peer group, then did face to face with most of the other area supervisors and managers, then had larger group meetings with the work force,
met with about 300 people in two days, I had to small adjustments for each group as in pertained to my relationship with that group or area. all n all it went well. I return back into the plant next week so will see. I also had a trainer come up from PFLAG and she did a transgender 101 to the leadership group and my direct coworkers and a third session for the general work force.the corp hr manager came out for the day of the training and to be certain that I had support and understood my role and guidelines.

wishing you all the best it is an awesome experience
xo Jerri