hi,
I start back to work next week, after a brief absence while having FFS. I came out before I left and am now living full time. I have only a few boys that work for me that are struggling to accept me, was just wondering if anyone has any ideas/experiences that I can expect that they would share. I am trying to prepare myself for that first day back.
thanks Jerri
It might depend on what your relationship with them before coming out was like. If they saw you as "one of the guys" they might be struggling to know how to treat you, especially if they tend to treat women differently from men (as many men do). Irregardless it will just take them some time to adjust, if everybody else is cool with you then they will hopefully catch up pretty quickly. :)
How's your face feeling?
It tends to be the guys that have the most trouble. I also had to deal with some harassment issues at work when I transitioned as people continued to feel like they can speak / touch me like before, but what's a joke between men creates a hostile work environment when it's a woman, and touching a man's shoulder pre-transition is different than touching her waist or the small of her back post.
Also I had to deal with the usual patriarchal stuff like bosses questioning my opinions a lot more and being less happy when I was assertive. If there's any question that women are treated differently and worse in work environments, one only has to live as both genders to figure out that this is absolutely true.
yes for the most part was one of the guys, then took a salaried position about 5 years ago. out of 600 only a few that are mentally challenged to accept change of any kind so not expecting their grief to have much impact, but still a bit nervous not knowing what to expect.
my face is still a bit numb around my mouth and scalp. it is still hard to eat and chew but it gets better every day, still have some swelling in cheeks and lips, however I am so pleased to be able to pass without question
I do not have much to offer on the question; however, I wanted to say you are very strong and I am happy for you.
I hope when I come out fully at work people will see me for me treat me with the respect I have earned and treat them. Also, I want them to know they can ask appropriate questions so they can have first hand knowledge and not television or movie misinformation.
I can offer that HR and benefits are very supportive and the three I have shared with shared they have gay relatives, are gay, have gay friends or live in the Gayborhood and have contact with trans*. My boss played college football and is a misogamist, although he tries, he treats me different now. Sometimes he asks personal questions and I answer them but he looks at his shoes the whole time. My operations Manger is accepting. I told one colleague and she is tolerating but dismissive.