Apr 12 - catching upI dropped off the face of the earth for a few days while I was sorting out a few things. Guess I do owe some updates on the rest of my convention and trade show.
It remained pretty uneventful from the trans perspective. One or two slips in using Sarah and he but that was it. No one used my old name (well, that was a tongue twister for anyone non-german). All in all pretty boring.
A big thing for me was that I finally managed to consistently use the ladies room. Something I have so far avoided but now feel I do pass well enough that I can do that and I was wearing clearly female attire. I know I could always fall back and go to my room, but that would have been quite a walk.
Day 2 was the main day and I did get to talk to so many customers and colleagues (we are spread around the world, so many have never seen me). Also bumped into some of the more conservative customers I have done projects for in the past (very religious) and I got a big smile and "Hi Sarah". Apparently my LinkedIn update last Summer made the rounds with them, so they all knew. I did surprise one or two people who had not known, but as usual no one asked any questions, used Sarah and she.
Day 2 ended with the big party where I was supposed to greet all the guests. Turned out plans had changed slightly and the only thing we had to do was to distribute about 1,500 hats in the parties theme (Havana Nights) after the main stage events ended. Got that done pretty quickly given that there was Mojito waiting... I have to admit after 14 hours in 4 inch heels, my feet did hurt a little bit.
Day 3 was mostly a wrap up of the conference. Some really interesting sessions (at least for me, not sure how much more are interested in debating the effect of UHD HDR on post production processes). After the main brunch, I did get interviewed by our social media team and caught up on a bit of sleep. Went out for Dinner and Drinks with the bosses.
Day 4Day 4 was trade show day - I did get to attend a trade show for opening day. This time with corporate logo on my blouse (yes, I did receive blouses with the corporate logo in January). After the staff meeting I did not have any other meetings scheduled, so I could explore the show floor a little bit and also continue chatting with customers and colleagues.
I did surprise a few people from previous job (they did know but had never seen me since I did go full time last June). They where amazed by all the changes.
Also bumped into two of my former bosses (well... a few layers above me back then), both very well known females in the industry and I have to admit they have always been role models. I have rarely seen someone being so genuinely happy for me and my transformation. There was such a new strong bond with both of them. One had attended a big panel on women in the workplace and she included me when saying "In the end it is up to us women to change it". Wow. That felt so inclusive. Then we discussed footwear for trade shows (yeah, my heels had to go after lunch and I ended up with flats). I can tell you my heart jumped when these two power women included me in the girls club.
In kind of a last minute meet, I bumped into a friend who used to work on my team (also cis female) and we have since built a really great and fun friendship. I was already on my way to the airport and she offered to drive me and I bought coffee in exchange. We only had about 90 minutes but we had a blast. She was a bit more curious and we did go through my transformation album. Did get a lot of compliments for my look from her, which means a lot since she is really pretty,
Well, she dropped me off at the airport, I got on a plane and after an exhausting red-eye I made it finally back home.
And for everything else: What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.
Day 2 outfit:
Day 3 outfit:
