Ok the way my transition at work went was how it should go so shouldn't really be giving any stars to them. But in reality i have spoke to a few trans women who have had very different experiences to me. Some have even been sacked on the spot for just telling there employers that they where trans (i know thats completely illegal but it still happens).
Anyway my work i have to say was absolutely excellent. When i initially came out to them it wasn't at a time i really wanted to do it, but circumstances dictated that i did. Basically i needed an evening off to attend a group specifically for helping trans people with there transitions. The manager had initially said i couldn't have the evening off because it was very busy and i was needed there. So i decided that i would have to explain why i needed the night off. I could have lied and said it was something else but didn't see the point in doing that, as i would have to come out at some point anyway. His reaction was great. he said that he would give me the night off and any other night i needed within reason. also saying that whatever decision i made about transitioning in the end (I hadn't completely decided by this point) it didn't matter what name i went by or what gender i dressed, as long as i could do my job. He did say that he didn't understand it himself but hadn't got an issue with it.
When about six weeks later i had made a decision i went to him again and explained that at some point in the near future i would be changing my name and living as female from that point on. Again he had no issue with it just saying that if i could wait for a week or so just so that he could contact HR to find out what policies where in place for this. I did say i doubted that they would have one, Technically they are supposed to have but still.
A couple of weeks later i spoke to him once again along with the main store manager who was also very easy going about it. we covered any issues that might arise. Yes the bathroom issue did come up. But they said that it was up to me they wouldnt try to make me use the male (there was no disabled toilet there anyway). I said that i would wait and see what reactions where from other members of staff before bridging that subject. The toilets at my place of work are out of the way, and basically two cubicals anyway one male one female.
Two weeks later we called a meeting for the evening staff and i explained to them what was happening. It went very well no problems a few nervous giggles but that was what i expected anyway. And the obligatory questioning session went on for the whole shift. there where a couple of people who where uncomfortable with the toilet thing. but i simply said that fro thew next two weeks i would use the male toilet so that people would have the chance to get used to the idea (as i said two cubicles out of the way so not really a biggie, if they had been in the shop in front of customers then i wouldn't have done that. however no point causing an issue where there neednt be one). People where happy with this compromise.
I then went away for a week's holiday, returning to work today as Shannon full time. No problems mostly got compliments about how good i looked. I think i might have gone a little red.
Anyway i just thought i would share a good transition at work story for those worried about doing it themselves. It doesn't need to be a big fuss if its handled right. Obviously you need a boss who doesn't have an issue with this, but you might be surprised that most don't.
