HR and one step closer

[Wendy C]

This last week has been monumental for me in that after all the fretting and facing what for most if us is a daunting problem to face, I had sent a letter to HR and in record time of three days was called and had a meeting with the HR Director. It went well, beyond my wildest dreams even though all my prepared materials were at home.

I work for a Gov't Department and there are no real policies or procedures in effect short of EEO, descrimination and such. Nothing really aimed at protections for transsexuals excusively. What I received from her was a verbal committment that I would be treated the same as any other female employee with dignity and respect. She also said that should there be any problems, I am to contact her and that she would take steps to correct it the same as if she would be descirminated against. WOW!

So all that is left now is my Feb 11 court appearance for my name change after which I will be FT and completely RLE. On a lighter note the bathroom issue was solved when I suggested I be allowed to use Uni, or single stall with lockable doors staff or public restrooms. In that way I will be allowed to explore female staff attitudes towards me before using multi stall restrooms and risking problems. Stealth is impossible for me as I have been there so long as male and known to most. Onward I go. Hugs

Wendy

[Jay]

Congrats Wendy I am glad that you are getting everything prepared for Full time, and it sounds like the place you work for are really supportive.

Congrats.


Jay

[Wendy C]

Thanks so much Jay, Hugs. Im still apprhensive about it all but then thats been the way almost all of this transition has been everytime you take another step forward.

Wendy

[sneakersjay]

Congrats!

It's very validating to be at work and have coworkers use the proper name and pronouns, and to hear the same from clients/customers!

Enjoy.


Jay

[Janet_Girl]

Welcome to the other side of the looking glass.  I absolutely love full time.  And on the bathroom issue.  I was told the day I stepped into the store as Janet, I was required to use the ladies.  Required, no ifs ands or buts.

And i have never had a issue.

Janet

[SusanK]

I work for a Gov't Department and there are no real policies or procedures in effect short of EEO, descrimination and such. Nothing really aimed at protections for transsexuals excusively.

That's cool. It's also why I waited until retirement to transistion (28 year career with a federal agency). I would have been transferred, been demoted or handed my early retirement papers had I come out then. What you need to develop is the support of a few key managers, especially ones who will support you in the worst situations, because without their (political) power to convince other managers, especially senior ones, and HR, you could just as easily be put in a no-win situation.

You correctly pointed out that policies are just that, words of intent, but not substance beyond the belief of people to follow them. And it's easy to disguise any personnel action as anything else, including simply reoganization or job descriptions. I spent half my career in local senior management watching just that for other reasons. Sadly you have to tread lightly.

I wish you the best. It's cool what you're doing.

[Wendy C]

Jay, Janet, thank you so much for the ecouragement, It means a great deal to me. I am looking forward to the experience of living full time including work and only hope I will be respected for who I am.

Susan, I'm sorry that your experience ended the way it did. I am under no illusions that things could change against me as fast as they seemed to go well. I can only hope that the rapport and work ethics I have established over the years will help to carry me through it all. I will continue to educate as opportunity presents itself in a manner that is not threatening to any.

As much as it would hurt finacially, I am in the position with time and age to retire if it comes to that. Hugs and thanks again.

Wendy

[katherine]

That's great Wendy!  I truly hope all goes well for you.  At this point I can't imagine being full time, it must be wonderful!  Sounds like you have support and I guess time will tell.  Please let us know how it goes.  Good luck.

[Wendy C]

Thanks Katherine I had another meeting with my service Chief and ironed out the details of my informing my coworkers yesterday and his notification of the other supervisors. All is set to go on the 10th and my name changing with HR hit a minor snag for the morning of the 13th, lol. It seems that Employee Health decided to schedule my annual physical and hearing test for when I was planning to do it. Gaaaaah. Means I'll still have to use boy name one more time. Oh and yes, its hard to decribe how comfortable it feels to be yourself finally even if a little scarey. Hugs

Wendy

[katherine]

I'm sure it is somewhat scarey and a relief at the same time.  I have to find work when I leave this job, and transitioning is of course one of my main concerns.  It's really good that you have that support.  I imagine that on one hand there may be a certain comfort level transitioning among people you already know, but also some apprehension as to their reactions, level of support, etc., when they all realize they have to change the way they address you and adjust to your gender change.  Like you said, comfortable and scary at the same time.

[mmelny]

This last week has been monumental for me in that after all the fretting and facing what for most if us is a daunting problem to face, I had sent a letter to HR and in record time of three days was called and had a meeting with the HR Director. It went well, beyond my wildest dreams even though all my prepared materials were at home.

I work for a Gov't Department and there are no real policies or procedures in effect short of EEO, descrimination and such. Nothing really aimed at protections for transsexuals excusively. What I received from her was a verbal committment that I would be treated the same as any other female employee with dignity and respect. She also said that should there be any problems, I am to contact her and that she would take steps to correct it the same as if she would be descirminated against. WOW!

So all that is left now is my Feb 11 court appearance for my name change after which I will be FT and completely RLE. On a lighter note the bathroom issue was solved when I suggested I be allowed to use Uni, or single stall with lockable doors staff or public restrooms. In that way I will be allowed to explore female staff attitudes towards me before using multi stall restrooms and risking problems. Stealth is impossible for me as I have been there so long as male and known to most. Onward I go. Hugs

Wendy

Congratulations Wendy!   Personally, I've found the preparation for the transition in the workplace to be the hardest part of this journey  (I go "live" in mid-March),  kudos to you for moving forward on your path!

When do you officially start work as Wendy?  On the 11th with your name change  hearing, ie today?  Good Luck!


*huggs*,
Melan