So I came out at work, and I work in a large school system of about 5000 employees about half of which I have contact with at least in name, so understandably some I could tell in person before I came out. Initially I told the immediate leadership staff at my building and who are my peers. That went really well with a few questions, only issue seemed to be some women getting used to me using the women's bathroom - they said men are messier - I said that is good because I am a woman!! :)
:
But few days late a good friend in one other office sent me a message :)
Her - Are you retiring?
Me - No, where did you hear that?
Her I don't know
Me - what did you hear...?
Her - NO REPLY FOR A LONG TIME -
Me Can I call?
Her (Immediately) YES, PLEASE!
I call :
Me - Hey! How are you? So you heard I was retiring?
Her- not really?
ME - So what did you hear?
NO REPLY! sort of a sigh,
ME: ITS TRUE!!!
Her - REEEEEEEAAALLY? Wow
Me - yep, I ll send you some pictures, I am now Marcie!
Her - I am so [proud of you, are you changing your name officially?
Me - yes...
It was so enjoyable because she was so supportive, and as if nothing was different!
I think that is great, if people do not see me professionally or personally as the same person just a woman...I hope that for all of you!
POST SOME OF YOUR POSITIVE STORIES! Lets Make us all feel good!!
Love and Hugs, Marse
Hi Marcie, coming out at work is such a relief and it's scary too !! When I did this about 6 years ago, one thing that was really positive and good for my well being and sense of self at work, was how my working relationship changed (more so later) with females I work with. I have wonderful working relationships with other women at my job, it is not the same as it was before, they have opened up to me in ways that are vastly different today. I love seeing an email that starts out with "hello ladies" or similar. Just being included as another woman at our workplace is so very gratifying. I also get a special feeling helping some of the newer girls that have hired on since my transition. Those relationships are even more special, I love mentoring or sharing my experiences with them as we work in male dominated field (IT), it's a great feeling !
Hugs
Cynthia -
a 2nd thought after posting initially, was we do IT trade show conferences, and we are required to wear corporate polo shirts and look professional. I loved received my ladies company polo shirts for the trade shows, they fit so nice compared to the baggy male versions, pair them up with a pencil skirt and tights, so nice !!
Enjoy
C -