Simple question. I've started along this path and the online GP has asked me to contact them to see me up with a path which I imagine will lead to HRT.
Now with my employment I work away and stay in shared accommodation with another male worker.
This doesn't cause me any discomfort or issues however when the signs start to show on my body I imagine it'd be a tricky legal situation.
So I'd rather not tell them. I already wear mascara to work anyway and have long hair and the uniform is dull and bland trousers...
I'd rather not have to leave this job as I do like it.
What are your views?
Oh, just a quickie, there is no way my company would pay extra for me to have my own room. Just fyi :)
What would your company do if a male and female worker had to make the road trip together? They certainly wouldn't put them up in the same hotel room.
When the physical changes start to happen on your body, you may be okay with sharing a room, but it is going to put your co-worker in a very uncomfortable position. That's not fair to him.
I think you should investigate what your company's policies are with respect to transgenger discrimination. If there is no policy in place, then your job could be at risk. But more and more companies have explicit policies in place to protect trans employees. In that case, contact HR soon.
Normally, your HRT status would be none of their business. But, given the shared accommodation situation, it is their business, in order to protect both you and your co-worker.
I'm guessing you are planning on transitioning socially as well. If it's only medically I don't see any reason to tell them, but if you intend to start living as a woman full time anytime soon then they should definitely know ahead. Start by talking to HR.
As Kathy said, the changes will eventually be visible and fortunately that will take some time so at the very least you can be well informed of their policies. Certainly some employers will punish you for costing them more money in accommodation.
However the details of your transition are nobody's business. As you're already transgressing gender norms I imagine it could stay quite simple up to the time that you either show unmistakable changes or choose to come out.
I made what turned out to be a mistake in telling a guy I have to work with some details about HRT and came to regret that, I'd considered him a friend and the knowledge allowed him to let that bleed into our work relationship in a harmful way, basically he acted very stupidly.
If you have any questions about how much you trust the management or your coworkers and probably even if you think you can trust them well, I'd say be careful.
One thing about transition, it can cause some people to show their true colors.
I did. There is nothing worse than having to hide. I'd rather tell them early, then they can process it before people notice.
Hun I would find out your company policy's and start dressing female why hide it that is who you are be proud of yourself good luck Alison.
Hi Alison,
As stated earlier, find out your company's policies. If you come out to your company then make sure to contact a senior HR person first. If you tell someone at work consider the information public.
I was on HRT for 2 years before going public at work.
I know this does not apply to your case but if I decide to remain closeted (as male) and plan to leave before coming out, I would rather not tell, for self-protective purposes. I know there's nothing wrong but sometimes I admit it's wise to compromise for my own well-being.