Community Conversation => Transitioning => Real-Life Experience => Topic started by: Julie Marie on April 21, 2008, 07:26:03 PM Return to Full Version
Title: Full Time Until The Day I Die!
Post by: Julie Marie on April 21, 2008, 07:26:03 PM
Post by: Julie Marie on April 21, 2008, 07:26:03 PM
Today was my last day at work as the ols self. I wasn't doing a very good job passing as a man.
About a month and a half ago I came out to HR. The HR rep was clueless. She took it to corporate out east. They asked "What's LGBT?" I thought I was dead. Before I knew it the corporate rep took the bull by the horns and opened the doors for me to be full time at work. She set up training seminars, called in my therapist to speak, and made it clear to everyone there was zero tolerance for discrimination.
The night before the seminars my girlfriend and I had dinner with four women from corporate who flew in to deliver the message to my co-workers. I was going to wait until after I came back from surgery in July to come out. They would hear none of that!
"What do you want to do?", the attorney said.
"If I had my choice I'd go to work as me tomorrow!"
"Then it's settled." she replied.
All of the sudden I realized that this was for real. There was no bathroom issue, no concerns about losing my job, no worries about all the silly things that kept me afraid. Friday everyone learned about transgender people and that I was one of them. One woman complained about me using the women's bathroom and the lawyer shot her down cold. Zero tolerance!
Tomorrow I will walk into work as all me for the first time. What a great feeling!
As a present to myself I got my nails done. No more hiding. I'm home.
Julie
About a month and a half ago I came out to HR. The HR rep was clueless. She took it to corporate out east. They asked "What's LGBT?" I thought I was dead. Before I knew it the corporate rep took the bull by the horns and opened the doors for me to be full time at work. She set up training seminars, called in my therapist to speak, and made it clear to everyone there was zero tolerance for discrimination.
The night before the seminars my girlfriend and I had dinner with four women from corporate who flew in to deliver the message to my co-workers. I was going to wait until after I came back from surgery in July to come out. They would hear none of that!
"What do you want to do?", the attorney said.
"If I had my choice I'd go to work as me tomorrow!"
"Then it's settled." she replied.
All of the sudden I realized that this was for real. There was no bathroom issue, no concerns about losing my job, no worries about all the silly things that kept me afraid. Friday everyone learned about transgender people and that I was one of them. One woman complained about me using the women's bathroom and the lawyer shot her down cold. Zero tolerance!
Tomorrow I will walk into work as all me for the first time. What a great feeling!
As a present to myself I got my nails done. No more hiding. I'm home.
Julie
Title: Re: Full Time Until The Day I Die!
Post by: Pica Pica on April 21, 2008, 07:35:13 PM
Post by: Pica Pica on April 21, 2008, 07:35:13 PM
blimey, sounds quick
Title: Re: Full Time Until The Day I Die!
Post by: Laura91 on April 21, 2008, 07:46:26 PM
Post by: Laura91 on April 21, 2008, 07:46:26 PM
That is so awesome, Julie!! Congratulations!!!
Title: Re: Full Time Until The Day I Die!
Post by: LynnER on April 21, 2008, 07:55:55 PM
Post by: LynnER on April 21, 2008, 07:55:55 PM
:D Congrats Julie
Didnt we tell you you were worrying toomuch :P
Im glad your corporate office had such a good outlook on things... Keep us informed and keep in touch.
/me huggles Julie
Didnt we tell you you were worrying toomuch :P
Im glad your corporate office had such a good outlook on things... Keep us informed and keep in touch.
/me huggles Julie
Title: Re: Full Time Until The Day I Die!
Post by: Terra on April 21, 2008, 09:21:53 PM
Post by: Terra on April 21, 2008, 09:21:53 PM
Whoooho, good for you Julie! ;D
Here is to a bright tomorrow! ;)
Here is to a bright tomorrow! ;)
Title: Re: Full Time Until The Day I Die!
Post by: Lori on April 21, 2008, 09:53:50 PM
Post by: Lori on April 21, 2008, 09:53:50 PM
Wow Julie...tomorrow should be exciting.
Can't wait to hear about your day.
Can't wait to hear about your day.
Title: Re: Full Time Until The Day I Die!
Post by: kirakero on April 21, 2008, 10:02:58 PM
Post by: kirakero on April 21, 2008, 10:02:58 PM
Quite wonderful Julie~! It sounds better then my coming out at work... and I was the owner!
Title: Re: Full Time Until The Day I Die!
Post by: Suzy on April 21, 2008, 11:02:19 PM
Post by: Suzy on April 21, 2008, 11:02:19 PM
Yay, Julie!!!!!
We are all rooting for you!
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi301.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fnn46%2FPhigment_the_Fallen%2FPeople%2Fanilady.gif&hash=10323d11538584cd2fc403a2f6848242be5df50c)
Kristi
We are all rooting for you!
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi301.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fnn46%2FPhigment_the_Fallen%2FPeople%2Fanilady.gif&hash=10323d11538584cd2fc403a2f6848242be5df50c)
Kristi
Title: Re: Full Time Until The Day I Die!
Post by: HelenW on April 21, 2008, 11:06:37 PM
Post by: HelenW on April 21, 2008, 11:06:37 PM
This is wonderful news, Julie! Welcome to the club!! :D
hugs & smiles
Emelye
hugs & smiles
Emelye
Title: Re: Full Time Until The Day I Die!
Post by: Just Mandy on April 21, 2008, 11:26:24 PM
Post by: Just Mandy on April 21, 2008, 11:26:24 PM
That is really really cool Julie... tomorrow is the first day of the rest of your female life :)
I love that attorney!
Have a great day :)
Amanda
I love that attorney!
Have a great day :)
Amanda
Title: Re: Full Time Until The Day I Die!
Post by: NicholeW. on April 21, 2008, 11:30:12 PM
Post by: NicholeW. on April 21, 2008, 11:30:12 PM
Quote from: Julie Marie on April 21, 2008, 07:26:03 PM
No more hiding. I'm home.
Julie
Welcome home, Julie.
N~
Title: Re: Full Time Until The Day I Die!
Post by: RebeccaFog on April 21, 2008, 11:32:28 PM
Post by: RebeccaFog on April 21, 2008, 11:32:28 PM
That's great and happy news, Julie.
I remember early on when you didn't know if this day would ever arrive.
Good for you.
Rebis
Title: Re: Full Time Until The Day I Die!
Post by: sd on April 21, 2008, 11:38:04 PM
Post by: sd on April 21, 2008, 11:38:04 PM
Wow congrats!
What a great company.
I can't wait to hear how your day goes.
What a great company.
I can't wait to hear how your day goes.
Title: Re: Full Time Until The Day I Die!
Post by: Ms.Behavin on April 21, 2008, 11:38:11 PM
Post by: Ms.Behavin on April 21, 2008, 11:38:11 PM
BIG congradulations Hon. Welcome to the rest of your life. Feels great doen't it.
Beni
Beni
Title: Re: Full Time Until The Day I Die!
Post by: Sandy on April 22, 2008, 12:13:42 AM
Post by: Sandy on April 22, 2008, 12:13:42 AM
Congratulations!
Tomorrow will be such a joy! And every day after that will be a treasure.
Just remember not to lock your purse in your desk...
-Sandy
Tomorrow will be such a joy! And every day after that will be a treasure.
Just remember not to lock your purse in your desk...
-Sandy
Title: Re: Full Time Until The Day I Die!
Post by: cindybc on April 22, 2008, 04:44:44 AM
Post by: cindybc on April 22, 2008, 04:44:44 AM
Hi Julie Marie
Mmmmm. How nice to hear such good news for a change. I do pray that all will continue to go well for you. I came out at work 8 years ago and retired two years ago. This left Wing Walker and I the freedom to move where ever we desired to go. We now have moved to a new location where no one knows who I am and I am quite happy with that. To be free to do what ever one wants to do, and have the liberty to move about where ever we wanted and do what ever I want to, without fear of repercussion.
Yes that was quite liberating, the most wonderful part of this is I have the rest of my life to truly live as the real me. The me I have known was inside since I was old enough to know there was an inner self that wanted to be freed. I have my loving partner, Wing Walker, I live in the pretty city of Vancouver. Wing Walker would cut off her right arm for me. I have never experienced such devotion and love before in my entire life, she respects me and treats me as a woman, and it is certainly profoundly appreciated.
Cindy
Mmmmm. How nice to hear such good news for a change. I do pray that all will continue to go well for you. I came out at work 8 years ago and retired two years ago. This left Wing Walker and I the freedom to move where ever we desired to go. We now have moved to a new location where no one knows who I am and I am quite happy with that. To be free to do what ever one wants to do, and have the liberty to move about where ever we wanted and do what ever I want to, without fear of repercussion.
Yes that was quite liberating, the most wonderful part of this is I have the rest of my life to truly live as the real me. The me I have known was inside since I was old enough to know there was an inner self that wanted to be freed. I have my loving partner, Wing Walker, I live in the pretty city of Vancouver. Wing Walker would cut off her right arm for me. I have never experienced such devotion and love before in my entire life, she respects me and treats me as a woman, and it is certainly profoundly appreciated.
Cindy
Title: Re: Full Time Until The Day I Die!
Post by: Bethany on April 22, 2008, 04:50:10 AM
Post by: Bethany on April 22, 2008, 04:50:10 AM
that is great. enjoy
Bethany
Bethany
Title: Re: Full Time Until The Day I Die!
Post by: lady amarant on April 22, 2008, 08:52:06 AM
Post by: lady amarant on April 22, 2008, 08:52:06 AM
Congrats Julie! That is awesome news. Sounds like you work for a very good company!
~Simone.
~Simone.
Title: Re: Full Time Until The Day I Die!
Post by: Robin_p on April 22, 2008, 10:08:09 PM
Post by: Robin_p on April 22, 2008, 10:08:09 PM
I'm happy for you, Julie!!!!
Just think, A couple more things here and there..... You Got It!!!!!!!!!!
Just think, A couple more things here and there..... You Got It!!!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: Full Time Until The Day I Die!
Post by: Joyce on April 22, 2008, 11:51:34 PM
Post by: Joyce on April 22, 2008, 11:51:34 PM
So ? ? ? ? ?
I'm dying to hear a report.
I'm dying to hear a report.
Title: Re: Full Time Until The Day I Die!
Post by: Jay on April 23, 2008, 05:42:01 AM
Post by: Jay on April 23, 2008, 05:42:01 AM
Thats brilliant Julie that truely is! ;D I hope your day goes brilliant I honestly do!
Title: Re: Full Time Until The Day I Die!
Post by: Summer on April 23, 2008, 09:39:11 AM
Post by: Summer on April 23, 2008, 09:39:11 AM
That's great Julie,enjoy :)
Your coming out work was better than mine a year ago :(.You work for good people.
Your coming out work was better than mine a year ago :(.You work for good people.
Title: Re: Full Time Until The Day I Die!
Post by: juliekins on April 23, 2008, 12:28:00 PM
Post by: juliekins on April 23, 2008, 12:28:00 PM
Jules,
I am so proud of you for your courage to be yourself in the face of adversity.
This has been one, crazy ride-hasn't it, girlfriend.
I'm proud to be there, alongside of you through thick and thin. Only now can
your co-workers see the wonderful, smart and loving person that I have come
to know and call my GF. They will love you!
All the best sweetie,
Julie
Title: Re: Full Time Until The Day I Die!
Post by: gothique11 on April 23, 2008, 06:06:51 PM
Post by: gothique11 on April 23, 2008, 06:06:51 PM
awesomeness and congrats. I'm glad to hear that. :)
Title: Re: Full Time Until The Day I Die!
Post by: Ms Bev on April 23, 2008, 07:36:21 PM
Post by: Ms Bev on April 23, 2008, 07:36:21 PM
YEA JULIE!!! :eusa_dance:
Good for you, girl! I am soooo happy for you! And I know what it's like going from 'Mike' to Bev, literally overnight. I built my parachute on the way down. Some people take the bull by the horns, others take the easier road. I've always been fond of Robert Frost, and I....I also took the road less travelled, and never regretted it ;).
It's been one hell of a ride, Julie, but now, 2 months short of a year, I have a tiny number of people who despise me, and always will, but a lot more who are just fine with me. Some are now close friends, and many others are friendly acquaintances. I usually have doors opened for me, and am treated as a woman.
I'm glad you had 'big dogs' come out to your workplace to champion for you. In my case, I had an HR manager who knew all the ins ad outs, and championed for me when necessary. Otherwise, I had to fight my own fights.
If it is similar for you, Julie, just remember that you are a tough cookie, and when the dust settles, you will still be Julie, and happier for it.
I had my friends sorted out for me almost overnight. It's to be expected, and comes with the territory. You are an awesome pioneer woman, Julie!
Welcome, welcome, welcome to the frontier!
At any time, if you need someone to talk to, or cry to, I'm here. Sometimes I'm absent for a few days or so at a time, as I need less and less support, but I do stop by.
Luv,
Bev
No turning back
Good for you, girl! I am soooo happy for you! And I know what it's like going from 'Mike' to Bev, literally overnight. I built my parachute on the way down. Some people take the bull by the horns, others take the easier road. I've always been fond of Robert Frost, and I....I also took the road less travelled, and never regretted it ;).
It's been one hell of a ride, Julie, but now, 2 months short of a year, I have a tiny number of people who despise me, and always will, but a lot more who are just fine with me. Some are now close friends, and many others are friendly acquaintances. I usually have doors opened for me, and am treated as a woman.
I'm glad you had 'big dogs' come out to your workplace to champion for you. In my case, I had an HR manager who knew all the ins ad outs, and championed for me when necessary. Otherwise, I had to fight my own fights.
If it is similar for you, Julie, just remember that you are a tough cookie, and when the dust settles, you will still be Julie, and happier for it.
I had my friends sorted out for me almost overnight. It's to be expected, and comes with the territory. You are an awesome pioneer woman, Julie!
Welcome, welcome, welcome to the frontier!
At any time, if you need someone to talk to, or cry to, I'm here. Sometimes I'm absent for a few days or so at a time, as I need less and less support, but I do stop by.
Luv,
Bev
No turning back
Title: Re: Full Time Until The Day I Die!
Post by: saraswatidevi on April 23, 2008, 09:13:20 PM
Post by: saraswatidevi on April 23, 2008, 09:13:20 PM
Congratulations, Julie Marie. I cannot even imagine what that must be like. I wish you all the best. In life in general and in your love life.
Saraswatidevi aka Thomasina
Saraswatidevi aka Thomasina
Title: Re: Full Time Until The Day I Die!
Post by: buttercup on April 23, 2008, 09:58:58 PM
Post by: buttercup on April 23, 2008, 09:58:58 PM
Fantastic Julie Marie, great to hear! :)
Title: Re: Full Time Until The Day I Die!
Post by: heatherrose on April 25, 2008, 01:21:53 AM
Post by: heatherrose on April 25, 2008, 01:21:53 AM
My Friend,
P.S. French manicure?
I am so proud of and glad for you.
As I write this I know your first day has come and gone.
The butterflies must have been working overtime.
Mine were for me, they could have been trying to claw their
way out, for all I cared, it wouldn't have changed my mind.
I was so friggin' scared but I soon realized that, except for
the occassional bonehead, it really doesn't matter to people.
I may have garnered a few quizzical or maybe disapproving looks but on
the whole as long as I did my job, I pretty much got the support I needed.
I pray that your first day went as well as you could have possibly dreamed but if you
found it a little more difficult than you imagined........stay the course, Beautiful Butterfly.
As I write this I know your first day has come and gone.
The butterflies must have been working overtime.
Mine were for me, they could have been trying to claw their
way out, for all I cared, it wouldn't have changed my mind.
I was so friggin' scared but I soon realized that, except for
the occassional bonehead, it really doesn't matter to people.
I may have garnered a few quizzical or maybe disapproving looks but on
the whole as long as I did my job, I pretty much got the support I needed.
I pray that your first day went as well as you could have possibly dreamed but if you
found it a little more difficult than you imagined........stay the course, Beautiful Butterfly.
P.S. French manicure?
Always Love,
Heather Rose.
Heather Rose.
Title: Re: Full Time Until The Day I Die!
Post by: gata123pr on June 04, 2008, 11:43:42 PM
Post by: gata123pr on June 04, 2008, 11:43:42 PM
congratulations i am so envi
Title: Re: Full Time Until The Day I Die!
Post by: Janet_Girl on June 05, 2008, 12:03:52 AM
Post by: Janet_Girl on June 05, 2008, 12:03:52 AM
TOTAL AWESOME, JULIE
:icon_hug: :icon_hug: :icon_hug: :icon_dance: :icon_dance: :icon_dance:
Enjoy the new nails. ;D ;D ;D
Best of Luck.
Love,
Janet
:icon_hug: :icon_hug: :icon_hug: :icon_dance: :icon_dance: :icon_dance:
Enjoy the new nails. ;D ;D ;D
Best of Luck.
Love,
Janet