Engaging with HR at work.

[Megan.]

So I'm planning to start HRT shortly and I'm currently part-time at home, and out in public where practical. However many of my colleagues live near me, so it's difficult to be out more without being out at work. I work in the UK with good legal protection and for a large blue chip with excellent LGBT policies. My question is when should I inform HR of my status? I'm thinking of telling them soon, just to start a dialogue and agree a way forward with them, does this sound like a good idea?

[Dena]

To answer a question with a question, how soon before you plan on going full time? If you are thinking a year or more, it's early to tell them. If you are 2 or 3 months, it's time to have a talk. You want enough time so they can prepare for you but not so much they will be asking you if you are ready yet.

[JoanneB]

There are various degrees of being 'Out at work'. Plus just how sure are you of being recognized presenting as female as Mr. X?

I worked for the largest employer in a rural area where I was living. I was seen daily by some 500 people, all living in the area. At 6ft tall in a world filled with shorter women I was nervous about present as female. Often in male mode I'd come across or see people from work. Hard not to when there are only 2 supermarkets  and a Walmart, and the place I worked at employed some 1700 heads. The dropped jaws of my support group members when they first ever saw me presenting as male spoke volumes. I never had issues the other way around that I know of.

You can also out yourself to selective others at work you either run into, or know you will and they will know. Hopefully they are friendlies and keep a secret. If you are truly recognizable in female mode you may also just be another of the faceless people we all see while we are out and about. Or, just a fleeting that woman looks like _____.

No need for HR involvement until it is full-time time when all the official paperwork needs changing and the gender diversity classes to get scheduled for your work mates.

[Megan.]

Thanks for your thoughts. Although I'm getting itchy to do it, in reality it will be year until I can go full time. I have bumped into work colleagues coming out of my front door, they know where I live. I'm happy to handle this as a situation if it arises though.