Came Out at Work, Need an Educator

[ElanaV]

I recently came out to my HR director and immediate supervisor about my intent to transition. I have been speaking with my HR director and she believes it might be best to bring someone in from the outside to speak to my workgroup before I return from FFS surgery in February. Does anyone have any recommendations? I have a few people in mind but would love to hear from the wonderful people here at Susans. I work in the Washington D.C. metro area.

[FTMax]

I also work in the DC area, so if you find an "expert", please let me know

I work at a really small company, and I don't think it's going to be any kind of big deal when I come out there (half of my coworkers already know, it's just a matter of telling the boss). I would say give Whitman Walker Clinic in DC a call and see if they can either recommend or if they have someone on staff that would be open to it.

[ElanaV]

Thank you for the recommendation ftmax. I did contact PFLAG in D.C and they provide a few recommendations. I will let you know as soon as I find out more.

[ThePhoenix]

PFLAG in D.C. is pretty lousy on trans* issues, IMO.  I would approach their recommendations with much skepticism.  I'm based in the D.C. suburbs and I do trans* activism and education throughout DC/MD/VA.  I have had a pretty consistent stream of difficulties with PFLAG to the point where I generally don't even bother trying to work with them anymore.

Why not go to some of the local trans* groups and ask for their suggestions?  I know this subject has come up at MAGIC so folks there are likely to have some suggestions.  You could also try places like the D.C. Center or other places that are actually part of the trans* community or heavily engaged in it. 

[ElanaV]

PFLAG in D.C. is pretty lousy on trans* issues, IMO.  I would approach their recommendations with much skepticism.  I'm based in the D.C. suburbs and I do trans* activism and education throughout DC/MD/VA.  I have had a pretty consistent stream of difficulties with PFLAG to the point where I generally don't even bother trying to work with them anymore.

Why not go to some of the local trans* groups and ask for their suggestions?  I know this subject has come up at MAGIC so folks there are likely to have some suggestions.  You could also try places like the D.C. Center or other places that are actually part of the trans* community or heavily engaged in it.

Now, I just found out the president of HR may not want anyone to come in from the outside. He believes that it should be low-key and not made into a big deal. I sort of agree with this, but I'm also concerned with this approach. I will have to listen to what he says. Anyways I'll be prepared. We will meet again next week.

I have considered D.C. center too. I may contact them and and some local trans groups. PFLAG has been very responsive to me, but I know very little about them. Thank you for the information.