Hi everybody,
Well, more updates from my up and down journey
Eldest is back to Leicester , with some of his issues solved, good so far.
Youngest has started driving lessons so Im paying half but not towards the insurance for the Vauxhall Corsa 'C' SX 1.2 (2005 plate) that we bought a few years ago before the separation for the kids to learn to drive in. He's doing well .
Parents have talked to my Uncle and Aunt (my godparents - I am really surprised that they have done this as the seemed to want to not do anything at the moment), and they are saying all the good supportive stuff, but more importantly have in turn told my one and only female cousin, who in turn has sent me a letter so I have called her and have talked extensively with her about me, and she has been so really sweet, supportive and even wants to come over and talk to me face to face. I was somewhat of a help to her as she went through growing up and I hope helped her towards the wonderful life she has now (married to a really nice man, 3 gorgeous kids, and still has her career in Marketing.. cool).
So she wants to be there for me.. And she will be as I love her very much.
Finally, I decided to talk to HR at work.
Wow.
I did this with trepidation as I still have quite a way to go, but I did know that it would be unfair on the Company for me to waltz up and say I would be presenting as Katie after the weekend sometime (or that sort of thing).. not good or professional given the number of large projects I am involved in.
I was aware that the HR manager for the site had managed the introduction of a girl some years before, and recently supported an engineer going through the transition, so she would be aware of not only what it would mean for the company, but also the pressure and anxiety this time can give us, if not handled properly.
So I booked 30 mins for a personal discussion yesterday, and we both duly arrived at the meeting room. I gave her the best seat as I'm always polite (well usually anyway
).
As I have done in the past, I highlighted that this was a personal and private discussion, but then added that if we both agreed that this would be best recorded, then we would make it official. She still did not know what this was about. Anyway, I am usually direct on subjects concerning me, so I stated that I am trans and that I need to discuss the best way for me to transition in my current role at work and I needed her help. Well after a few seconds, her face changed from mild shock to a beautiful smile and the she was so reassuring, telling me of her previous times helping people transition, and that she understood generally what we have been through and that she wanted to make sure that I got the best transition possible at work. I was so happy to hear this, although as I have known her for almost 5 years, I wasn't surprised as she generally is emphatic towards people with genuine issues. So I told her briefly of my basic story, the trials and tribulations over the years, and my current position. She was so nice. I highlighted that I was out to some carefully selected close colleagues, and that they were concerned but OK with everything, and generally my family were also in this position.
So, we agreed that this would be done at my pace and by agreement only. She said she may want to let one site Director know, so that we were both covered, and that the diversity protocol was followed at the site. She will agree with me who that is over the next couple of weeks, and how we can fulfil and support the company policies.
I am to set up fortnightly meeting to discuss progress and plans as we get set for the big day, as it will be a few or several month off yet, but as I work across most sectors of the company, deeply involved with many people from finance, procurement, engineering, management (all sorts), operations and the suppliers themselves, (the site has about 2000 workers etc) then for my sake we need to have a good strategy.
With regards to acceptance, she saw no issues and that the women in 99% of cases would accept me anyway as most have worked with me and that I was well liked and regarded as a good person anyway.
Last comments from the HR manager was that she was really please that I had chosen to include her in my close friends group at work, and that she would make sure that this will all go well and that I was as comfortable as possible. This caused me to go a bit blubby, and she even apologised for that when she really didn't have to.
So, that bit done and I think it turned out nice, again..
I don't think I can top this lot for a while.
Oh, and going out for a meal with a good friend (a girl like me) on Monday night (its platonic friends with someone who has helped me a lot with my issues this year, so don't worry)
Roll on life
Feeling good and feeling me (Yay)
Love and hugz
Katie, again
