One of our clients has asked that the studio's concept artist be present in a meeting they are having next week. It will be the design agency, the end client and me. It'll be the first thing I've done like this since going full time in 2013. Given that I usually avoid any situation that involves strangers paying attention to me I'm fairly nervous to say the least. On top of that the meeting is in Ireland so I am flying there and back in a day, on my own.
I felt that for the sake of my career, this wasn't something I could say no to. I'm just worried that it could go either way; I'm not sure with my self esteem being so low that I could handle it if something bad happens. But then if it goes well this might do me a lot of good and open the way for me to start doing things like this more often, away from the safety of my desk.
I can't remember a time when i could just turn up to places and not worry about what people think about my gender.
Go in there and hold your head high. Be proud of who you are. People who transition are a tougher, wiser breed of person. We've endured things that cisgender people can't dream of, and seen the world from both sides of the gender divide. We are strong, intelligent, and competent.
You're as good a person as anyone in there. They should be concerned about what you think of them. Don't one of them look at you funny, or there will be no way for them to redeem themselves in your eyes. Go in there and be your fabulous self. Don't allow yourself to be judged..