It's time...

[Sushi-Q]

Hi All.

/hugs

I just wanted to say that I have taken next week off for vacation.  I have moved all my options and savings out of control from my work and I visit my Therapist on tuesday.

I'm going to tell him I need to come out at Work and I have to do it soon.

I'm scared out of my tree of the reaction my co-workers will have. 
I'm scared out of my tree that the reaction I'm going to have is the same as my ex-wife.
I'm losing sleep over this and that is something I haven't had to deal with since I started my transition.
I cannot take this dual existance at work.  I hate the lying and pretending and trying to be something I am not.

I have come out to all that matter and, for the obvious exception, I have been met with open arms and love. 

I have a years worth of salary saved up and if I lose my job, I will be able to continue.  Some important surgery's will have to wait but that is something I will have to deal with.

My direct boss is an open supporter of the GLBT community and I suspect things will go well with him.  It is not him I am worried about.  My Therapist is sure this will go well and he has offered to come in with me and explain the situation to my department.

It doesn't stop the fear but I will not go back to the deception and denial that was my life pre-transition.

Wish me luck...

Rachel

[HelenW]

GOOD LUCK SUSHI-Q ! ! ! !

I don't think I'd be way out of line by saying that we're all pulling for you and are wishing you well.  I certainly am.

Stay strong!
helen

[NightAngel]

I wish you luck SUSHI-Q!!

...*Fingers crossed*...

**


Michelle

[Annie Social]

Rachel...

I'm looking at the same thing sometime in the next few months, but without the security of a lot of savings, and I'm as nervous as can be! I'll try to channel that nervous energy into rooting for you... good luck!

[Chaunte]

Rachel,

I wish you all the luck in the world.  You already have the courage.

Deep breath.  Hold hands with all of us here.  And you go, girl!

Chaunte

[Sushi-Q]

Hey Ladies,

Thanks for your warm wishes.  I'd like to think that I'll be able to help someone the way you all have helped me.

I talked with Kevin (my Therapist) and he is writing me a letter to give to my Immediate supervisor.  I will give that letter to him in a one on one session.  From there, Kevin and Him will work out how to let my department know.

Kevin talked to me about, who in my department, would react positivily and negativily.  Kevin will eventually come in and talk to everyone at once.  For me that means, 5 immediate co-workers and an IS staff of about 50 people.

I am hopeful because of the fact my supervisor attends the gaypride parades, knows some people in the community and even goes to the same lesbian bar I've been to.

I'm still scared but I am in charge of what's going on and I've gotten the wheels turning.

/hugs to you all.

Rachel

[molly]

Rachel:

I am just reading your post, so you have most likely already come out at work.  How is it going?  I wish the best for you.  It sounds like you planned very carefully and are making an informed choice.  You are a strong woman going against your fears - stay strong and be safe.

Molly

[Robyn]

Yes, it brings back lots of memories.

I, too, hope it is going well for you, and I'm glad your therapist is willing to talk with your management and colleagues.

As my husband's gay son said when told his mom was transitioning to male, "Big deal; one little thing."  I hope your bosses said the same.