Transitioning on the job; college or highschool teacher

[Alyx86]

Hi,

In the past 6 months I've realized that I'm am transexual, and can see myself transitioning. I teach at a college in a male dominated (read "macho") degree program, and my biggest obstacle to starting transition is losing my job or just not being able to handle student reactions. I'm the bread winner to my wife and two very small children. Has anyone transitioned while working in a similar environment? I'm really interested to hear peoples' experiences.

PS This is my first post. I think introductions are standard practice. I'm 29, I have an awesome supportive wife (this means the world to me, and I know how fortunate I am), and two small children. I grew up as an "alpha-male" exceling in obscure male things like paintball, working on old trucks, etc. I've struggled with gender issues since I was 3 continuing every day through now. I love to rock climb, and a big fear is that I'll lose my cis-privilege in finding rock climbing partners. So, that's me.

[warmbody28]

i haven't but i know someone our age in florida who did it gracefully on the job and shes a electrical engineer

[Alyx86]

Wow, I'd really love to hear her story. Electrical Engineering is actually the field I teach in. Is your friend an instructor or is she working in the field?

[warmbody28]

she works in the field. she came out slowly. as she changed on hormones and had FFS she went full time. she made it as comfortable for her co workers as she could and answered any questions they had. I didn't think she could do it at first. but she proved everyone wrong.