I've worked at my current place of employment for almost 15 years. We are small non-government, non-profit advocacy organisation and as such, over that 15 years I've worked with a lot of people, either directly or indirectly. Based on my previous attempt at transition - where I discovered news about being trans* goes through multiple grapevines with astounding speed - I figured there was no hiding from it if I was going to transition at work, which I have done.
I decided I wanted to be able to say that I was trans* on my own terms and to that end I have included a small snippet in our membership newsletter - distribution 1,200 or so. Next to a pic of me (my current forum avatar, in fact) I wrote:
QuoteNew Comms Officer? Not exactly!
by Grace C#
For transgender people, transition from their assigned birth gender to self-identified gender is generally a very seismic life experience - for them as well as those around them. As a transgender person in transition, I am extremely fortunate to be working at N#; I couldn't have asked for a more supportive and accepting workplace.
I've been the N# Communications Officer (now Co-ordinator) for almost 15 years. During that time, in my former gender, I've worked with many people as a part of my role here. Some may remember me, others not, but I'd like to reintroduce myself to all as Grace.
My deepest gratitude goes to my colleagues at N# - especially A#, W# and J# - for their wonderful support. Also to The Gender Center for their help and assistance, not just for myself personally but also provided to N#.
I kind of wonder if I'm not a bit nuts for doing this. But I showed my counsellor at The Gender Center and he was incredibly proud of me. The newsletter doesn't go out until next week but has already been seen by some and I've received only positive comments so far...
It's gonna be a couple of interesting weeks I think!
