Hello everyone. Recently I posted that I MIGHT be changing jobs to a more accepting workplace. Well, I landed that job today. I expressed to HR that I'm interested in creating a workshop for employees who might have questions about transgender co-workers and there may be people working there who are currently working in fear of termination or ridicule. I decided to pioneer an initiative to educate and inform my fellow colleagues about what being transgender means and what is NOT. I'm a firm believer that even if one person is allowed to live free, just as my new workplace has, I've done my part to make my working environment a better place. I also think by showcasing my talents to think like a leader without being asked I may be looked at favorably in the future for advancement.
Has anyone else done a similar thing? What topics should I include? Do you think showing a short powerful video during the presentation would help positively impact the audience? If anyone would be so kind to share anything I might use to guide me I'd be forever grateful.
As always....THANK YOU!
Sophia
Yes, I've done this across my multinational employer from colleagues to the board.
Shared my own journey, run ally training sessions and educated leaders on specifics.
PM me if you want and I'll see what I can share and how I can help. X
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Last year, I was doing some contract work in a large company. One thing I saw there was a notice on the bulletin board about a trans group, so you might not be alone in this sort of thing. I also just started with a large company (they have done work around the world, including Antarctica). While I haven't seen anything yet about LGBQT, etc., they do promote diversity.
Thanks Anne, Megan was also kind to share a couple ideas I'll incorporate. I suppose I should think about the presentation from an information/support point of view. The last thing I want to do is get up there and be one-sided or male-bash because I don't know if there might be trans men who need support.
Yesterday during my new-hire physical agility evaluation one lady mentioned "There may be more ->-bleeped-<-s working here other than you" I politely brought awareness that I'm a transgender woman and a ->-bleeped-<- is a man who likes to dress in women's clothing for pleasure or fun but not interested in changing their birth gender and the term ->-bleeped-<- was outdated, primarily invoking apprehension in a persons mind. She simply didn't know any better and certainly didn't want to offend me, she was trying to show her support and inclusion but didn't have the tools to do so. This is exactly the sort of thing I can give my colleagues. I'm confident my workshops would be an uplifting experience.
All my new co-workers have been great. The ladies in HR are ecstatic I'm coming on board as are the women in my office, a couple of them have become quite protective of me, claiming "she's ours" I couldn't be more happy I found a great place to work where I'm supported and liked/encouraged and fit in. Keep in mind I live in a small town in Wyoming, I initially had apprehension I'd never find a trans-friendly job much less a place that stands behind me.
Quote from: AnneK on March 29, 2019, 06:00:36 AM
I also just started with a large company (they have done work around the world, including Antarctica). While I haven't seen anything yet about LGBQT, etc., they do promote diversity.
I was poking around the company web site today and found there is a LGBT group there.
Hello ladies. Thought I'd share exciting news.
Went to HR today to get my badge printed. My supervisor previously said "I think they have to print what's on your drivers license, so whatever your state issued ID says is what your badge will read" So when HR, the ones who actually print the badges, asked me if I'd like Sophia printed on the front I promptly said YES, PLEASE! I was glowing ear to ear when she took the picture. HR rationale was "well, don't they know you as Sophia in your office?"....."Then that's how we will print your name as if that's okay with you"
I'm still grinning ear to ear.
Sophia
Sophia,
Congrats on the new job. Sounds great. Yes, some women do take you under their wing and are very protective. I came out to about 90 coworkers personally. That was a scary meeting, but it went way beyond my expectations in a wonderful way. My meeting was very personal. I described my mental journey in detail. I would think that what you are doing is very different from that. You would have to be very fact based, almost clinical to do this professionally for a general audience. I could imagine a power point rather than a video.
Moni
Moni, you read my mind. I was thinking about a P.P presentation much easier to assemble and I could fit more facts in.
I start the new job Monday. I'm nervous and excited at the same time.
Sophia
PP decks are great, just be ready and happy field questions. I always give 'Ask me anything' permission to attendees at the start (as I'm personally fine with that), but I always make it clear that should not be expected from any other trans* person.
I've also previously done a couple of info graphics, to help people understand some of the process of transition, and statistics relating to the community.
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Hello Sophia
I wish you every happiness and success in all three - the new job starting Monday April 1st, your Awareness Presentation and your transition as a whole.
Hugs
Pamela
Thanks Pamela. One of my new work girlfriends texted me this afternoon asking if I had my first day outfit picked out. Went to Maurice's two days ago and got dress slacks to go with a top I already had. I'm nervous but it's excited/nervous anticipation feeling and it feels great. Tonight I'm going to bed early hoping to sleep at least a couple hours if my mind will calm down.
As always stay beautiful....
Sophia