I came out to a co-worker today. After coming out to my manager on Wednesday (who works in another state) I realized I needed someone local whom I could count on for support. I knew immediately who it needed to be.
I had brought in donuts this morning. My co-worker asked what they were for, and I said it was because I was happy. She asked for details, and I said that we needed to talk somewhere private. We found an empty conference room and I handed her a copy of the note I had sent my manager. I gave her a note because I knew I would not be able to get the whole story out before falling apart. As she was reading the note I started crying and she said I shouldn't be scared. I told her I was crying because I was so happy to finally tell her about my secret. Her reaction was amazing. She said she could not imagine what I had been going through and then she gave me a big hug. It turns out that she had worked with two transgender women previously, and worked beside one of them before, during, and after her transition. I feel extremely lucky to have found such a caring co-worker who has some understanding about what this is all about.
The flood of emotions I experienced was almost overwhelming. After all these years of having to hide my them, finally being able to let them out is simply incredible. I never though that coming out would be such an amazing, liberating experience. Initially I thought the day I decide to come out to everyone would be frightening, but now I am beginning to look forward to that day with a sense of excitement and joy.
