Workplace transition-full time next week. Yikes!

[jonnismith]

I am transitoning on the job. Back in June I sent a package, containg letters and various information on GID and my intent to transiton on the job, to the HR manager. Then she confered with the VP of our company about it. They said they were supportive. Then I was left in limbo for a few months as she unepextedly went into labor. Then of course she went on maternity leave and got back this Tuesday. I called her Wednesday and we had a meeting Thursday with my managers. Then after that meeting they anounced to everyone what was going to happen and that they would be supportive and that there is to be NO harrassment of any kind. I go fulllitime Wednesday 9/11 when I come back from my days off.
I have had a few people give me words of encouragement and no word from others. I found out durinf my meetin that with the changes in my looks, etc that people thought I was just gay. LOL.
Overall I think it went much better than I anticipated! Especially given that our business is a very male domininated one.The woman in the next office, whom I have known for almost 15 years, in our showroom is very supportive.
This all happened so fast and luckily I have accumulated a wardrobe beforehand( khakis,jeans and blouses or polos and of course SHOES). I colored my hair last weekend, almost the same color as Famke Jannsen as Jean Grey in the X-men movies. I only have little things like eyebrow waxing and maybe acryllic nails(not sure on nails as I type a lot).
Even though the bulk of my anxiety has been alleviated I am still very nervous about next week. Any advice or words of encouragement would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Jonni

[DeValInDisguise]

Congratulations Jonni!  You must be excited.

The best advice I can give is to recommend treating the day, once you're at work, like just any other day.  For example, for the first several days I didn't wear a skirt to work.  Someone later told me that people were afraid that I was going to be like a campy stereotype and dressing someone "boring" at first helped.  (Of course, I ended up wearing skirts for several days in a row at the end of the week, thanks to a limited wardrobe...)

As for the few words of encouragement from coworkers, that happened for me too.  Four people emailed me and one stopped by to say congrats, good luck, etc.  But over the past several weeks a lot of people talk to me more and like me more than before, so even though they didn't show support in the beginning they came around.

Val

[Janet_Girl]

Jonni,

You go ,Girl.  I'll be right behind you on the 20.  Almost everyone in my store knows and the ones that don't really don't matter, I guess.  I cant wear skirts at work because of the fact that they aren't really.  Which is understandable with lifting, climbing ladders, and other such stuff.  I am going to go to the thrift store and get more jeans and tops that are more suitable to the workplace.

I go on vacation on the 13th and the first place I am heading is to have my nails done.  On Monday or Tuesday I should have my official name change papers from the court and I am hoping to be able to get to the SS office by Tuesday to change my name there.  And then to work to change everything there.

Seeing that you will be starting on 9/11, you will always able to remember the date, and so will America.

For your nails, ask for an active length.  A girlfriend likes her squared off and she types a lot.  If you tell your nail tech that you type, they should be able to get you set up.  Have you ever tried to type with nails?  It is a trip to get use to.  I use glue-on ones on my days off and I love it.  I on have a hard time typing without them.

Enjoy your first day.  Follow Val's advice as she has went before both of us.

Love,
Janet

[debisl]

It sounds as if you have done everything right. Going through HR is the best thing. I found if I kept a low profile and was acceptiable of questions being asked me I was accepted. You have to try not to think about what people are saying about you behind your back. That will just lead to paraonia. Take it slow with the outfits you wear to work. Let them feel like you are just trying to be yourself.

Deb

[Bethany]

congradulations It gets easeir from here I did it in feb 2 of this year in a forging plant and made it so will you you be honest with questions asked of you .you are our ambasistor for us in your workplace as for the acrlic nails they really grind off alot of your own nail bed if you have a good lenght just get a mani and a nice color . anyway thats my 2 cents for whats it worth. anywayt condgrads on this very big step enjoy it Bethany

[sneakersjay]

Congrats, Ladies!

I can't decide if I want to come out before or after top surgery.  Practicality says after; but the women at work like to refer to other women as lady, miss, ma'am, woman, girl, etc, so it's not just the she pronouns.  I cringe every time they say something like the nice lady will be in to help you in a minute, telling clients about me...ACK!

After my name change on the 30th it will be harder to take, I think.

Jay

[Ms.Behavin]

Hi Jonni,  the nails just take a little practice on the computer, but yes go with shorter - sport length nails.  I have mine done more oval as I think it makes the hands a bit smaller (ok in my dreams maybe).  I agree
about not worrying about what other people say behind your back and just be yourself.  Be friendly and open when asked.  Some will be weirded out at first.  but even my harshest critics see that I'm just me and have changed their additude

Going fulltime at work is scarry but after the dust settles and people see your just you then its normally ok.  Has been for me anyway.

Jay  follow your heart on the transistion.  Me I transistioned at work slowly (my boss and HR knew but company wide did not.  I did it slowly changing a bit every 4-6 days.  By the time I came out to everyone I had already been wearing womans clothes (including bra)and makeup (light) for a week.  Be the Guy.  Best of luck to you two.

Beni

[sneakersjay]

Jay  follow your heart on the transistion.  Me I transistioned at work slowly (my boss and HR knew but company wide did not.  I did it slowly changing a bit every 4-6 days.  By the time I came out to everyone I had already been wearing womans clothes (including bra)and makeup (light) for a week.  Be the Guy.  Best of luck to you two.

Thanks, Beni.  I've been dressing 100% male for months, sporting a corporate male haircut, etc.  I'm achieving enough androgyny in my look that I'm now presumed to be a butch lesbian and have had coworkers ask if I am.  So that's a start in the right direction.  It shouldn't be a surprise when I come out.  I've also been on T for 6+ weeks now and I'm hoping to start seeing some effects before I do come out.  Voice is a tad lower but that's about it.

Jay