Hello everyone , haven't been around much lately.. been so busy. I will cut to the chase. Just before Christmas My workplace implemented a new bullying and harassment policy that seems quite intense and ill behavior will not be tolerated. Coupled with that, our provincial government drafted and passed legislation that you cannot discriminate on gender identity or expression.
With that in place I took my HR advisor aside and told her about some Inappropriate comments that had been made to me about my hair growth in the last year and that I got my ears pierced. The comments need not be repeated but, I did deflect the attention from me with sarcasm and an "it is not your business" attitude.
In passing information to advisor she immediately asked "who?" i said at this point I would not reveal as that may constitute their job loss or backlash of some sort towards me. "If your earrings are pink and dangle to your shoulders I dont care". "If that is who you are as long as it does not interfere with safety or dress code I am ok with that," She said . I did tell her that it did have to do with gender expression , but did not discuss my hormone therapy or full time female life away from work. I left that little chat with alot of fear removed, and the thought that i could go on.
Fast forward to today, the Caitlin bashing has slowed down lot in my Presence, and some of the trans phobic slurs have turned "to people have freedom do do as they chose". I kinda think that some of my co workers have seen hormonal changes such as, minimal breast growth, large nipples, slight facial changes. Plus some of my inflection in speech has changed. I do speak with my hands a bit more too.
With all that being said I feel closer than ever to come out at my work place. I still have some issues I need to deal with. I have never seen a gender therapist , I have never felt the need as I feel i know who I am. My transition so far has been fairly smooth. I think therapy, may help with some issues like do I really NEED to come out at work? Also help overcome pitfalls of negativity when I do take the plunge.
I do have a draft of a letter explaining my concerns and wishes but not a final one yet. I am debating to tell my female HR rep, as I feel she is an ally. I find it harder to come out to a male manager.
My goal in all this is to be accepted as a woman, I do not have a desire to wear a pink skirt and big hair just because I am female. My desire is to dress as any female would in a male orientated job"ready for work".should not be a biggie. To have a female name and gender marker on my drivers licence and the respect of my peers , management are small requests. Oh ya and some where to pee.
I put this out If any of our sisterhood, and fellow members, has any thought or can add any thing to be of help or concern. Please post, I am almost ready to take the leap, but may need a lil help with putting water in the pool. Thank you all in advance.
