Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Community Conversation => Transitioning => Topic started by: Constance on October 26, 2012, 10:44:51 PM

Title: Misgendering as an Opportunity
Post by: Constance on October 26, 2012, 10:44:51 PM
At work, I was in a small meeting discussing upcoming changes and how they'll affect us in customer support. It was three people: me, Coworker A and Coworker B.

Coworker A was one of the first people to really reach out to me at a company dinner last fall, right after I went full time, really making me feel welcome as one of the girls in the office. At this meeting, she inadvertently used a male pronoun for me and then corrected herself, apologizing right away.

I really hadn't interacted with Coworker B all that much over the last few years. Still, I think she knows my history, too. But it was the first time I was misgendered and I wasn't embarrassed or upset by it. Instead, I thought of it as an opportunity to share my story in case Coworker B asked about it.
Title: Re: Misgendering as an Opportunity
Post by: Ms. OBrien CVT on October 26, 2012, 11:27:48 PM
It would be a good educational opportunity, but I honestly think is was just a slip of the tongue.
Title: Re: Misgendering as an Opportunity
Post by: Constance on October 26, 2012, 11:28:39 PM
Oh, yeah, total slip of the tongue. But this was the first time that an innocent slip up didn't bother me.
Title: Re: Misgendering as an Opportunity
Post by: justmeinoz on October 27, 2012, 04:14:53 AM
Nice result by the sound of it. Glad things seem to be going well, workwise.
Title: Re: Misgendering as an Opportunity
Post by: suzifrommd on October 27, 2012, 06:25:20 AM
Quote from: Constance on October 26, 2012, 11:28:39 PM
But this was the first time that an innocent slip up didn't bother me.

This is good. Means you're becoming more comfortable with your place in the world.
Title: Re: Misgendering as an Opportunity
Post by: Constance on October 27, 2012, 11:12:25 AM
Things are indeed very well at work. And, yes, I am feeling more comfortable with what and who I am.
Title: Re: Misgendering as an Opportunity
Post by: peky on October 27, 2012, 11:16:57 AM
You just reacted like the lady you are. Bravo!
Title: Re: Misgendering as an Opportunity
Post by: Constance on October 27, 2012, 06:38:28 PM
Peky, I think you and my and my daughter define "lady" in 2 very different ways!  :D

The way I reacted caught me by pleasant surprise.