Community Conversation => Transgender talk => Topic started by: AndrewB on June 26, 2015, 01:40:13 AM Return to Full Version
Title: Reintroducing Yourself to Acquaintances?
Post by: AndrewB on June 26, 2015, 01:40:13 AM
Post by: AndrewB on June 26, 2015, 01:40:13 AM
So, for background, today at work I ran into a guy that I knew a little bit pre-transition, because he worked here once before but left for a while. I walked past him today as I was walking with my boss before a corporate lunch thing and he just goes "Hey I don't think we've met" so, as I usually do, I took the easy route and just went along with the notion that we've never met before; I mean, technically he's never met Andrew, right? :D
I guess I'm just curious if anyone else does this, and if not, how you go about explaining quickly that you actually have and why your face is 100% unfamiliar.
On the bright side, I guess that means I'm pretty darn transitioned and passing? He would have definitely remembered pre-transition me, I think, since everyone at the company knows my mom and usually remembers me because of that. He and my mom are pretty friendly, too, so I guess I've changed a lot since he left!
I guess I'm just curious if anyone else does this, and if not, how you go about explaining quickly that you actually have and why your face is 100% unfamiliar.
On the bright side, I guess that means I'm pretty darn transitioned and passing? He would have definitely remembered pre-transition me, I think, since everyone at the company knows my mom and usually remembers me because of that. He and my mom are pretty friendly, too, so I guess I've changed a lot since he left!
Title: Re: Reintroducing Yourself to Acquaintances?
Post by: Cindy on June 26, 2015, 02:29:17 AM
Post by: Cindy on June 26, 2015, 02:29:17 AM
Hi Andrew,
I've had this a lot as I have worked in the same places for many years. OK when I went FT it went viral but I meet people who haven't seen me since I 'changed'. I was a grey haired, skinny 'guy' and now I'm a good looking woman (even if I have to say so myself :laugh:). People see some facial resemblance and of course my surname is familiar to them, if they ask 'aren't you peter m?' I just so 'no he has gone, I'm Cindy M and took his place'. I usually leave it there any they can work it out themselves!
And although I don't know what you looked like pre-T, I would say you are now a good looking guy and no one would ever know that you were AFAB.
Congratulations!!
I've had this a lot as I have worked in the same places for many years. OK when I went FT it went viral but I meet people who haven't seen me since I 'changed'. I was a grey haired, skinny 'guy' and now I'm a good looking woman (even if I have to say so myself :laugh:). People see some facial resemblance and of course my surname is familiar to them, if they ask 'aren't you peter m?' I just so 'no he has gone, I'm Cindy M and took his place'. I usually leave it there any they can work it out themselves!
And although I don't know what you looked like pre-T, I would say you are now a good looking guy and no one would ever know that you were AFAB.
Congratulations!!
Title: Re: Reintroducing Yourself to Acquaintances?
Post by: DanielleA on June 26, 2015, 06:03:33 AM
Post by: DanielleA on June 26, 2015, 06:03:33 AM
I had to join this conversation. :D Most of my school friends don't recognise me either. I was that tall, super thin, quiet "boy" that they knew and since starting hormones have gained 35kg, self confidence & alot of womens clothes. I had to reintroduce myself quite a few times and got a kick out of talking to them about their school days while they struggle to think about who they are talking to. And I agree with Cindy. You look great :)
Title: Re: Reintroducing Yourself to Acquaintances?
Post by: suzifrommd on June 26, 2015, 06:29:18 AM
Post by: suzifrommd on June 26, 2015, 06:29:18 AM
I have a couple ways of doing that.
If I need to cover a lot of ground quickly, it's "Hi, I'm Suzi. You used to know me as <old full name>."
If I'm in a LGBT space talking to someone who knows I'm trans but doesn't know they used to know me (this has actually happened three times): "Remember <old full name>. Well, you won't see him around anymore..."
If I need to cover a lot of ground quickly, it's "Hi, I'm Suzi. You used to know me as <old full name>."
If I'm in a LGBT space talking to someone who knows I'm trans but doesn't know they used to know me (this has actually happened three times): "Remember <old full name>. Well, you won't see him around anymore..."
Title: Re: Reintroducing Yourself to Acquaintances?
Post by: Kaydee on June 26, 2015, 06:38:56 AM
Post by: Kaydee on June 26, 2015, 06:38:56 AM
In the case where they appear to recognize me, but don't know for sure, I like to introduce myself by saying that I have changed my name to Aimee, and leave them to put the pieces together.
Title: Re: Reintroducing Yourself to Acquaintances?
Post by: Sammy on June 26, 2015, 07:02:30 AM
Post by: Sammy on June 26, 2015, 07:02:30 AM
I have run into former coursemates and acquaintances in public places and in most cases when our eyes meet, there is blank expression in their eyes as they dont recognise me. so I prefer things to stay this way.
Title: Re: Reintroducing Yourself to Acquaintances?
Post by: Cindy on June 26, 2015, 07:08:47 AM
Post by: Cindy on June 26, 2015, 07:08:47 AM
As an addendum. I totally adore the shock when people realise!
I think I have a streak of evil in me!
I think I have a streak of evil in me!
Title: Re: Reintroducing Yourself to Acquaintances?
Post by: Dena on June 26, 2015, 07:24:37 AM
Post by: Dena on June 26, 2015, 07:24:37 AM
So far meeting people from my past hasn't been a problem BUT I am thinking about attending for the first time my 45th high school reunion in October. I wonder what the topic of discussion might be. As I was one of the most unpopular kids there, I suspect few will recall me. Now if I can just get them to issue me the correct name tag.
Title: Re: Reintroducing Yourself to Acquaintances?
Post by: Cindy on June 26, 2015, 07:28:24 AM
Post by: Cindy on June 26, 2015, 07:28:24 AM
Quote from: Dena on June 26, 2015, 07:24:37 AM
So far meeting people from my past hasn't been a problem BUT I am thinking about attending for the first time my 45th high school reunion in October. I wonder what the topic of discussion might be. As I was one of the most unpopular kids there, I suspect few will recall me. Now if I can just get them to issue me the correct name tag.
I went to a reunion last Saturday. It was great! Rocked it. I was me not him. Dena you are you not the past, go and enjoy as the lovely woman you are.
Title: Re: Reintroducing Yourself to Acquaintances?
Post by: AndrewB on June 26, 2015, 07:52:58 AM
Post by: AndrewB on June 26, 2015, 07:52:58 AM
Awesome, glad I'm not alone in this! I've actually only had one person not recognise me and then later have it click, but it was over the phone that he didn't catch it, saying he had met me yet. About an hour later it clicked (he's in management, and was somewhat in the loop when I am out) and he called my mom going "Oh! I figured it out now!" all excited, like he'd just solved the case of the new accountant. ;) Also, great solutions, guys! I'll definitely keep those in mind in the future.
Luckily I won't have the reunion problem, as I came out during my last school year pretty loud n' proud, but I could definitely see that being a small issue when trying to reconnect with old classmates. Good luck, to those of you in that situation!
Luckily I won't have the reunion problem, as I came out during my last school year pretty loud n' proud, but I could definitely see that being a small issue when trying to reconnect with old classmates. Good luck, to those of you in that situation!