Greetings all! I thought I'd share some uplifting news regarding my own transition and how things are going at work!
So, if you weren't aware, I'm an iOS developer for a financial/insurance company here. Well, I've been out to HR for sometime, keeping them apprised of my time frame and plans (I'm getting FFS in December for my Adam's apple/chin, so I HAD to come out).
HR was extremely supportive, and told me that not only did I have the full support/backing of the company, but that transgender related health benefits would be covered starting 2015! Including SRS! They are shooting for a 100 on the HRC.
Naturally I'm all, "WOO!", so I've been anxiously awaiting for when I can get bottom surgery and be DONE with it! I still need to come out to all my coworkers, but I've taken baby steps by telling my bosses.
My immediate boss reacted like this, "I just want you to know, that I support you 100% through this. You never have to worry about anything from me, and I think every human being deserves the right to live their life authentically. If there is any way I can support you please let me know"
My future boss (I'm a college student and was offered a full time job for when I graduate in 1 semester!), well she had this to say,"Oh wow! I just want to make sure you know I support you completely. I'm just so flattered that you felt you could trust me to tell me! Please don't hesitate to ever ask for help for anything, I want you to know I am completely in your corner and you can count on me!". Shortly after that conversation I was sent an invitation to our company's women's networking forum. I was FLOORED!
My big big boss (i.e., biggest IT guy in the company), well, my immediate boss accidentally outed me to him. Next thing I know he has scheduled a meeting with me to 'talk about things'. As you might imagine I was pretty much terrified, but I went to the meeting and he had this to say to me after some small talk, "So I've obviously been told about your situation; you know I had a friend go through this back in the 80's! I just think it's so remarkable the strength people in your situation show just so they can live as themselves. I already see you as female, I mean you definitely have a female spirit. You're not going to have any difficulty at all, in fact I'm just extremely excited for you! Just so you know: I am completely behind you, and if anyone says anything nasty or if I hear anything questionable they are going to have to answer to ME. You can come to me with literally anything and I want you to know if my door is open you can walk right in and tell me exactly what's up and I'll do everything in my power to help you. I'm legitimately excited; this is just a really interesting situation you don't get to encounter every day!"
And that's not to mention all the supportive emails I've received from people who've heard through the grapevine!
lots of:
"I heard about what you're going through and I'm so proud of you/happy for you!!! Please add me to your support network, and I look forward to meeting the real you!"
I'm planning on going full time the day I return from break January 5th (and have hopefully had all my swelling go down). I has just been so blown away by the acceptance of everyone around me I had to share. It has certainly been a huge morale booster for me, and it's comforting to know just how far the world has come!
