I was at work and had two comments from customers addressing me as a female.
The first one I had unloaded a couple TVs from his vehicle. I have my hair in a ponytail and wear a T shirt with a flouresscent striped vest. Very androgenous. Anyway, after I had removed his TVs he said "you are a very strong.....(hesitation) ... lady. " I replied that it comes from working here. It had me smiling the rest of the day.
Later, while unloading another car with a female co worker a customer said "Thank you ladies". My co worker just laughs at me being called "ma'am and lady. I just say it doesn't bother me. I was tickled pink with hearing that both times. I want to correct people when they call me "sir" so bad. But, since I am not out to my work place yet I have to keep my mouth shut for now.
That's great.
Before I was out, I remember having a patient at the hospital who kept referring to me with female pronouns, and I simply had long hair and androgynous scrubs (no hormones even). He even saw my name-tag which had a distinctly male name to which he asked, "Is that pronounced-" and then tried to politely force it into a somewhat ridiculous feminine sounding version. My instructor at the time tried to correct him but he kept on with it. I sure as hell wasn't going to 'correct' him.
I had similar experiences at work before going full-time. It always made my day... The first time it happened, it made my entire week. I'm glad that you could experience that. It's pretty amazing ;D
If you're passing while being androgynous, though, why not be ... less androgynous? If phased in properly, people aren't likely to notice. If they do, the worst they can do is tease a little. And in either case, these comments will happen more often, which makes for a much happier work experience.
... Best wishes. :)
You could always tell them it's the Bulgarian or whatever, spelling of you preferred name! ;)
Thanks for your comments. I was not wearing a shirt with my name on it as it has been very hot. Just a T shirt and a sasfety vest. I have been hesitant to come out at work because my co workers would not let up with the teasing. Three years ago when I started letting my hair grow I was "teased" everyday at work for several months. I finally got tired of it and talked to my boss. I told him it is well beyond teasing. I called it harassment. He didn't think there was anything wrong. In fact he also participated in some of the teasing. He did tell them to stop the teasing. I am inquiring to the HR people about coming out though. Its wait and see at the moment. I have to call the HR back on Monday.
So cool :) I'm glad you had that great experience!