Outed at the Office Update

[Chantelle]

I was outed at the Office by a leaked Email. (See post Outed at The Office)I havenot posted here for awhile because of the ongoing vetting process. I completed it two weeks ago and have been awaiting a verdict from The Officer. The last couple of interviews have been really bad in that every part of my personal life, including webstites and finances have been trawled over.

To be totally honest I have felt like I am a Criminal even though I know that I have done nothing wrong. The One on Finance had been especially traumatic, as the assumption was that a Dual Role TV spends a large proportion of their cash on being who they are which is in excess of someone who isnot. They also found out that I had been buying using Hormones. The Officer really didnot like this at all and clearly felt it was disgusting. I was even asked about Wigs and the amount clothes that I brought each month. I pointed out that a Dual Role TV or Transexual is no more guilty of spending more money than someone who isnot. They for example could spend it on drink or drugs. I believed that at that stage they would dismiss me based on financial reasons alone.They also know about loans that I had taken out. Which is to be expected and is fine.

Anyway I finally got the all clear from the Head of Security. So I donot loose the clearance. Which means that I can stay on in my job. As everyone now knows around the Office, and I get looks and stares, even though I dress as a male at work I am a stage where I am now more angry than I was. I donot think it should have happened like that. I also am pleased  as well that everyone does know. I didnot really have a choice. Perhaps in not having one, the difficulty, of whether to come out or not had been decided for me. I feel that my private life has been trashed and that everything is on public display. I can no longer afford the luxury of having a private life. But on the other hand having come out to everyone in one go means that I donot have to worry and I can with in reason do what I want and donot have to live with fear of discovery. Also my farther knowing means that I donot have to worry about that side of things any more.

[Kate Thomas]

Congradulations Chantelle!

This is a big Win not just for you but for all transgendered workers.
By hanging in there and getting through the process, you educated your coworkers and your superiors. Had you left your job they would have quickly forgoton the issues. Instead administrators had to face the issue and deal you a fair hand.

You GO Girl!!

Good Luck
Kate Alice

[Robyn]

Your best weapon is to give a big smile when someone stares and to keep on walking.

I don't know where or what you do or what kind of security clearance you have Chantelle, but I'm glad you made it through.

I have a Secret clearance and had no trouble when I transitioned at work 7 years ago.  Industrial Security just wanted my name change court documents and therapist's GID diagnosis letter.    When I had my periodic background investigation a few years later, I just lais it all out in the questionnaire, including my surgery and my husband's FTM surgery.  Had my renewal in no time.

Good luck with the Officer and your colleagues.

[Jillieann Rose]

Wow that sounds like a rough ordeal. I feel for you Chantelle.

What I would share is that you look at the bright side.
Now there is no more need to hide. 
And you don't need to fear losing your job. 
You still can transition at your own pace. 
As reikirobyn said, "just smile..." and keep being girl you want to be.

Jillieann

[Melissa]

You still can transition at your own pace. 

I didn't think she was transitioning.  I thought the deal was that she is a dual role ->-bleeped-<- and that she had mentioned to security so that while she was at home and if somebody dropped by, she wouldn't get in trouble with work.  However, somebody in security "leaked" the information and everyone knew, hence the investigation.  At this point, if she did want to transition, it probably wouldn't be a big deal.

Melissa

[Louise]

Chantelle,

I am sorry to hear about your ordeal.  The upside is that it is over and you seem to have come through all right.  Just keep smiling.

Louise

[LostInTime]

Glad that you made it through.  Perhaps they realised that with this cat out of the bag you were less of a security risk than before.