I'm sure some of you might have known me at some point as Ariel-Michelle, but I'm officially Keaira. I'm 32 yrs old and I've been sober for 10 years. Just kidding! I've only gotten drunk twice in my life and I didn't get a hangover. Anyway, I began HRT on February 22 this year. Amazingly, I went full time at work just 2 weeks ago. In a way I might be jumping the gun a little. But, everyone in the factory knows I'm transgender, had even suspected I was 3 years ago, so I really dont see any point in hiding it. So I'm getting used to using the women's restrooms, hearing my name being spoken by everyone and being called over the factories paging system when it was used by just a few people. But it's just as difficult for my coworkers who slip up and call me by my old male name, call me "he", etc.
I have 2, teenage stepdaughters and a nine yr old Son. My wife seems to be trying to get used to me becoming female and the girls understand. My son I think needs some alone time with me so I can explain things to him properly. But they are my universe.
My hobbies mainly include sleeping, breathing, (helps me keep fit and healthy), 3D rendering and work. (like this:)
So, that's all from me I suppose. I welcome questions, emails, etc. I dont bite.
Unless you're a watermelon. In which case, you best watch out.
Oh, and I live in Seymour, Indiana
Best Wishes,
Keaira (^_^)
[edited by Padma - sorry, no links/photos until you have 15 posts is the rule here]
Welcome, Keaira! Sorry, no links or photos until you have 15 posts is the rule here, nothing personal :) - but: welcome!
Hi Keaira, :icon_wave:
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Hugs and Love,
Janet
Hi Keaira,
Nice to meet you. That is awesome that you are out at work! I hope to be out full time within the next two years. I am interested in hearing your complete story so I can perhaps learn from you. We have the same hobbies except for the 3D stuff and I am also a Midwest girl like you.
Good luck with your transition and keep in touch. :)
Jennifer
Thanks for the welcome ^_^
Jennifer, my story is a tale of intrigue, mystery and Magic. Well, not really. But it isnt your average "I knew I was a girl by the time I was.."
It spans 3 continents. But I'm happy to share all. Just let me know what you would like to know. I've kind of become the TG rep. at my workplace. And so far things have worked out fine for me. But I'm guessing that it helps to be liked by lots of people. I can only imagine what kind of trouble would have been stirred up if I was a real Butthead to my co-workers. Hmm.. I guess I can impart some tips that have helped me.
1. Before transition: Dont be a Butthead to your co-workers. A bit of bonding, politeness and courtesy can and does go a long way. If you can win over hearts then your transition will be about half as tough.
2. Hopefully your HR will be as open-minded as mine is. When it comes to complaints about 'some guy in the ladies restroom', They are the ones that you want protecting you. If they dont have a clue about transsexuality beyond Jerry Springer, Help them learn the truth about it. You might get some really 'silly' questions, but they might honestly not know the answer. Give them information about transitioning in the workplace, what to expect, maybe a timeline or a plan for when you will begin presenting as your real gender.
3. When I told my co-workers I was going to transition I gauged their reactions, especially the women. I even asked about the restrooms and if they would have any issue with me using them and, surprisingly, it was "not really" all across the board. Everyone poops right?
4. So your full time and need to use the rest room for the first time. There is the door to the ladies restroom. Dont stand out there waiting for a golden invite. It's not the Emerald City. It's just a room with sinks, stalls and mirrors. The first time can be really daunting. 'What if I get caught? People will think I'm a creepy pervert.'
If your that self conscious and nervous, learn when the least busy time is that a restroom is used and go then. But act like you belong there.
5. Be willing to answer questions. Rumors can and will fly at work and you will inevitably hear about them and someone will ask you if they are true. One of the best ones I have heard is that my wife came out as a Lesbian and that I love her so much I am becoming a woman for her. The truth is, she is trying to cope with the situation. She is very much straight and is very much against my transition. We've argued about it many times. She see's me as the woman that is killing her husband slowly. I'm the 'Other Woman'. But for some reason, She wont leave me. And I'm actually very thankful for that.
6. Be patient with names, pronouns, etc. You might have been 'Jim' for 20 years at Factory-Co. People will keep calling you Jim, simply out of habit. Some people have a hard time remembering my name. Luckily my shirts say 'Keaira' on them. But they still slip up. They are getting better though. Also too, it might feel weird at first when other people start calling you by your new nam. you may have been used to a tiny group of people calling you by that name. It's scary, then exciting, then its normal. But it feels right!!
I think thats about all I can offer right now. But as new things come up I will add them to this I guess.
Your personal experience may vary, fuel mileage is estimated, subject to terms and conditions. In other words, what worked or works for me may not work for you. But its a starting point for your path.
Best Wishes,
Keaira (^_^)
Welcome Kearia :)
Thank you Tyler ^_^
Thanks Keaira, very informative.
Jennifer
I hope my experiences so far help.
I've never been stopped and asked why I am in the ladies restroom. I did get an odd look from one of the cleaning ladies when I went in once. But she has never asked why I was in there and I have never felt an explanation is needed. I'm a girl and I need to do my business, same as you would if you had to go.
If you have any questions, feel free to send me a message and I will try to answer them asap.