So, here is a little update. I finally got a job. I have been looking since last year around July. It's a great job as a customer service rep for a medical insurance company.
Anyway, I actually got the job as my old male self since I have never worked as Hannah. I started training this past Monday. Well, part of the training is learning about the transgender parts of the medical insurance. I noticed that a couple of people had some negative comments that they thought they were just talking to their friends but I could overhear. This of course happened on Wednesday. So before I went home that day I talked to the instructor and let him know that I was uncomfortable with people voicing their opinions about transgender issues. He said that he would make sure that it stays completely professional and he was sorry that if I was offended by anything.
Fast forward to Friday, we get a visit from our HR. She decides to go over the anti-harassment policies and said that she'd already heard about some stuff that was going on in our class. I immediately think this class is my fault for coming forward about the transgender issues. So after the class I decided to go to HR and talk to them about myself. I had to let them know that I was transgender and that I had been transitioning for over 2 years. I got a very warm response and assurances that they had had other transgender employees before and that it would never be a problem.
I decided then to come out to my lunch table as we were having lunch that day. All the people at the table were very receptive and asked me a bunch of questions and wondered why I was appearing male at work. They encouraged me to go ahead and come as I truly was. So this coming up Monday for the first time, I will start going to work as my true self. Wish me luck!
That's a lovely wee story. :3 gives me hope!
Hi Hannah
I don't think we've met. I'm Jeanette I'm a hiding in the closet, too scared to tell anyone yet MtF.
Your story is heartening for two reasons.
1) For your sticking up for yourself in the work place and winning.
and
2) For coming out to your coworkers resulting in you getting to be who you are.
Kudos on both achievements! You go girl.
Hugs,
Jeanette
Hannah that is brilliant...it is great to see you have such a supportive work environment. Your colleagues sound amazingly accepting and hopefully those with an attitude will keep it to themselves.
Liz
Thank you all so much. I am just too excited about this!
Hannah, I feel so happy for you. Reading your story brought a tear to my eye. It's so great you have such a welcoming employer and coworkers. ;D
That's great! And good for you for standing up for yourself and others. I think most people don't want to be cruel, but often the loudest voices prevail. Maybe your act of courage will help shield the next person from ridicule and criticism.
Erin
Hi Hannah, Nice to meet you. Thats a great story and we need more like those.
I wish you all the best in coming out at work and all the success in the future.
Huggs Niki
That is a great story and almost a forced coming out but in a good way. I hope it continues to go well from here for you!