Community Conversation => Transitioning => Coming out of the closet => Topic started by: alexkidd on May 07, 2009, 12:15:07 AM Return to Full Version

Title: Going back to work as MALE
Post by: alexkidd on May 07, 2009, 12:15:07 AM
Hey Guys,
To cut a long story short I started taking T last Oct, I left my job in Novemeber to go backpacking around Asia - its been five/six months now and I am returning to work. Tomorrow. I've oraganised with HR to have everything changed over to male and I'll be changing in the Male Locker rooms. I'm quite comvertable with who I am,I've always looked like a boy just more so now, so I dont think too many ppl will be shocked. But I work in a large team (500+ team members) - what is the proper response when someone ask why I am in the Male locker rooms? or why my voice sounds funny? I mean I know after the first day everyone will know (Gossip is huge in workplace) but the inital "outing" is going to be awkward - any suggestions.
Wish me luck!
Title: Re: Going back to work as MALE
Post by: Ellieka on May 07, 2009, 07:04:41 AM
Just say what any other guy would say:

WTF  dude? It's cause I'm a guy and if you got a problem with my voice lets take it outside!

Kidding of course... sort of  >:-)
Title: Re: Going back to work as MALE
Post by: Jamie-o on May 07, 2009, 07:12:51 AM
Congrats, Alex!  So, are they making any kind of announcement to the staff about what's going on and what that means for everyone (and, hopefully that management has your back)?  Or are they just leaving it to you to explain things 500 times?  I suppose you could always pretend to be your own twin brother.  ;)

I'll probably be coming out at work in a month or two, so I'm curious to hear how you're handling it.
Title: Re: Going back to work as MALE
Post by: Miniar on May 07, 2009, 07:37:56 AM
Woot! Gratz!
Title: Re: Going back to work as MALE
Post by: alexkidd on May 07, 2009, 11:35:12 PM
QuoteSo, are they making any kind of announcement to the staff about what's going on and what that means for everyone (and, hopefully that management has your back)?  Or are they just leaving it to you to explain things 500 times?
HR told the Shift Managers but are leaving it up to me to tell everyone else. So no big annoucement - they are very supportive though and said if I have any troubles to talk to them. Its kind of awkard though - I'ld rather everyone knew at once! Im pretty nervous but well see how it goes :)
Title: Re: Going back to work as MALE
Post by: Cindy on May 08, 2009, 04:31:26 AM
I hope it all goes well. In a team of 500 there will be Gay, lesbian and TG people who haven't come out, and maybe some who have.

The people to look out for are the jerks who have no self image and who may try to molest you. They will try verbally I expect. In my opinion, out them straight away to HR. And do be aware that some of these jerks will try and grab you by the balls.

I'm sounding negative and I apologize.

I hope it goes great and let one of your sisters know how it goes, because I worry about my brothers, and I love to gossip.

Love; and I'm sure it will go well. You look totally dude. :-*

Cindy James
Title: Re: Going back to work as MALE
Post by: K8 on May 10, 2009, 07:48:27 AM
If it was me, when someone asked why I was in the men's locker room I'd reply: "Because I'm a guy now" and leave it at that (with an unspoken: You want to make something of it?).

Good luck!

- Kate
Title: Re: Going back to work as MALE
Post by: Kayden on May 13, 2009, 01:43:24 AM
To me it would really depend on how people asked the questions?  Are they just being stupid and nosy?  Or do they really want to be educated and are they concerned about you (and you're willing to educate)?

Case 1: You're a guy and you don't need to reason with them.  Say so.
Case 2: Calmly say something similar to case 1 but that if they want to ask you a few questions later, you'll be able to talk to them about it.. whenever/where ever.  I would stay away from this if you didn't have some kind of rapport with them before you left, though.  Plus, I dunno.  I could be more trouble than it's worth in a huge work place.  But I don't know these people, so it's up to you.
Title: Re: Going back to work as MALE
Post by: JonasCarminis on May 13, 2009, 03:12:18 AM
after 6 months on T, youve got to look and sound pretty dang male... if anyone questions why youre in the male locker room, give them a weird look and ask why they arent in the womens!  haha
Title: Re: Going back to work as MALE
Post by: Ellieka on May 13, 2009, 11:00:04 AM
Quote from: Josh on May 13, 2009, 03:12:18 AM
after 6 months on T, youve got to look and sound pretty dang male... if anyone questions why youre in the male locker room, give them a weird look and ask why they arent in the womens!  haha

ROFL! classic!
Title: Re: Going back to work as MALE
Post by: Feever on May 14, 2009, 07:23:54 PM
I agree.  Too funny!
Title: Re: Going back to work as MALE
Post by: kody2011 on May 17, 2009, 02:20:32 PM
totally agree with Josh...too halirious!!! :D