How has being transgender effected your professional life?

[DL71]

I was wondering if anyone had anything on how being transgender had effected their professional life? I am particularly interested in any bosses or business leaders that might be here, but I am also looking for any information I can get really. Post away! 

[juliekins]

I opted to sell my business in order to raise funds for transition. I also had decided that I would rather "start fresh" with new clients than be the poster child for our cause. That was then, and this is now.

I did look for work after I was fully healed from surgery, but decided to start my own business again- an independent insurance agency that works a great deal with the LGBTQ community. I have had lots of help getting it off the ground from my real life partner, Julie Marie. We're still in start up mode, but still optimistic and hanging in there.

It's not easy, but you can do almost anything that you set your mind to. There is discrimination out there, but there is also a lot of good people, too. I'll just try to find them and earn the right to have them as clients.

Some day I hope to be able to stand in front of both the straight and gay and trans community as an example of success-especially to the young people who are still fearful of transitioning. I'd like the "outside world" to see that we are just as competent, capable and motivated as anyone else. 

[Krissy_Australia]

I consult here in Australia and overseas to various mining companies. I present as female and have had no negative reactions (that I know about). So long as you act in a professional manner people quickly forget the outside appearence and concentrate on what you have to offer to their company.

[Ms.Behavin]

I'm a professional engineer  building systems, process, etc.  No major problems transitioning, though I find I hit the glass ceiling now.  How weird.  They treat me just like a woman.  No complaints, but a surprise at first.  Of course I found it better to transition at one company and then switch to a different company.   

Beni

[jesse]

in in law enforcement so its yet to be determined although i am aware of a narcotics detective in Aurora who transitioned with in his dept without getting fired in fact it actually helped them out as he was able to bust people he had prieviously busted in male mode again as a female because they didnt imeadiately recognize him lol
jessica

[DL71]

Hahaha that narcotics story is priceless 

[FairyGirl]

I'm a self employed artist and I also own my own small business, but I do the majority of my work for 2 other corporations, and I have to be in contact with their art directors, products marketing coordinators, store managers, etc. who have all known me since before my transition. One of the companies is based in Salt Lake City, Utah, and many of the people in that company are life-long Mormons. Without exception however, every one of them has treated me with respect and dignity, and the amount of work they buy and/or commission from me hasn't diminished. I feel very fortunate to be able to do what I enjoy and actually make a living at it, including paying for my transition.