I've worked at my current place of employment for almost 15 years. We are small non-government, non-profit advocacy organisation and as such, over that 15 years I've worked with a lot of people, either directly or indirectly. Based on my previous attempt at transition - where I discovered news about being trans* goes through multiple grapevines with astounding speed - I figured there was no hiding from it if I was going to transition at work, which I have done.
I decided I wanted to be able to say that I was trans* on my own terms and to that end I have included a small snippet in our membership newsletter - distribution 1,200 or so. Next to a pic of me (my current forum avatar, in fact) I wrote:
QuoteNew Comms Officer? Not exactly!
by Grace C#
For transgender people, transition from their assigned birth gender to self-identified gender is generally a very seismic life experience - for them as well as those around them. As a transgender person in transition, I am extremely fortunate to be working at N#; I couldn't have asked for a more supportive and accepting workplace.
I've been the N# Communications Officer (now Co-ordinator) for almost 15 years. During that time, in my former gender, I've worked with many people as a part of my role here. Some may remember me, others not, but I'd like to reintroduce myself to all as Grace.
My deepest gratitude goes to my colleagues at N# - especially A#, W# and J# - for their wonderful support. Also to The Gender Center for their help and assistance, not just for myself personally but also provided to N#.
I kind of wonder if I'm not a bit nuts for doing this. But I showed my counsellor at The Gender Center and he was incredibly proud of me. The newsletter doesn't go out until next week but has already been seen by some and I've received only positive comments so far...
It's gonna be a couple of interesting weeks I think!
We are all certain degrees of nuts Grace. I'm rather potty myself.
Definitively no going stealth now
From what it sounds like your work is supportive and that's the most important thing.
Better to be fully out than have whispers and rumours running amuck.
All the best with it and hope you can sleep.
J
Wow, that's beautiful Grace! Very well written :) All the best with the feedback, which I hope will be nothing but acceptance ^^ I can't think of anyway you could take something negative out of it at all.
So proud of you Grace! I've been wondering if something like that is in my future, but I work with the mentally ill and have to take them into consideration.
Dee
Wow you have come a long way in a short while Ms. Grace :)
I hope that you continue to experience nothing but acceptance by all that read your news item.
That's fantastic! I hope you continue to receive nothing but positive comments :)
What can I say? Your note is so good it is just normal!
BUT my lord, you are setting the bar high!! Just kidding >:-). What you are doing for me is lighting a clear path to follow. Lots of good ideas and strategies while so very grounded at the same time.
Thank you so much.
I really like your letter. I might want to steal some of it!
I hope you get good reactions.
Thank you everyone! :)
During my first attempt at transition I was so utterly ashamed that anyone might know I was trans* when I did come to transitioning (never happened mind you) that I was prepared to dump a perfectly good public service job that was legislatively bound to ensure I was protected, and that was in 1990! But the thought of people other than close friends knowing was so mortifying I wanted a fresh start, a clean break. No wonder that transition went pear shaped.
This time I'm staying in my job, but I still have a fresh start. As Grace. My boss jokes that I am one of the organisation's longest serving staff members, and also its newest. I work with decent people, for a decent organisation that deals with other decent organisations. I don't expect it'll always be smooth sailing but I've decided I'm not going to pretend nothing has happened because it's undeniable...besides I'm so happy about my transition I want people to know. It's amazing how much respect that earns you from decent people.
I don't in anyway wish to sideline your thread, but may I add. Last week I gave a seminar as Prof Cindy to a room full of people who had known me before my change and some who had never met me. At the end as we were packing up two people came up to me, one I employed many years ago and I hadn't seen since.
One said congratulations on your new life, you are so happy and confident.
The other who I use to employ, a young woman, said. I'm so pleased to see you fully feminised, I always thought you had a secret behind your sad eyes. You no longer have sad eyes.
Love to you Grace.
Grace. I think that is a very smart move. It's better to get everything behind you so you are closer to a normal life. Go for it!