As many of you know I transitioned on the job and stealth doesn't exist for me as any option.

I had what was going to be a heavy meeting with eight men who all knew me before. The door was held open for me and they waited while I went into the lift (elevator?) first.

I sat at the table and one of the guys asked if I wanted a coffee, I said yes, thank you. He went to make it and was asked by some of the guys to make them one, he said no way ladies only! And a bit of funny sexist talk ensued, all nice and light hearted BTW.

I felt good.

I got back to my office eventually and was talking to my deputy, a woman I have known for years, and I was telling her about a presentation I have to make. It will be in front of people who knew 'him' and have never met me. I told her I was nervous and wondered what the reaction may be.

She told me that she had seen some photos from a few years back and that she realised that she had never known 'him' and didn't recognize 'him' as me.

She then said that she never really knew 'him' but that I was a very close friend and then gave me a kiss on the cheek.

Ten minutes later I got a phone call from an ex-student, who told me that she was 10 weeks pregnant but not to tell anyone as she was only telling her close female friends as the genetic tests hadn't come back as yet, but that she was so excited she had to tell a few friends.

She hadn't told 'him' of her previous pregnancy until she was the size of a blimp!

I feel so good and happy that I just wanted to share. This is, and can be a very tough path. But there is hope, there is love and there is acceptance.

So when the day is dark remember that there are very nice normal loving people in this world who will love and accept you as the person you are.

But do remember not to get your heel caught in the elevator shaft door well, otherwise eight guys will have a laugh as one hands you your shoe !!

Cindy, I wanted to laugh, but I had to cry a bit.  We are so proud of you.

You can't see it, but reading that put a smile on my face.

Glad  you had a good day.

Great story Sis    Glad the day went well

Hugs

Had to laugh when you mentioned getting your heel caught... classic! 

Thanks for the share Cindy, it seems pretty clear to me that you engender as much respect in your off line life as you do here at Susan's. And I'm not in the slightest bit surprised. You're an open, caring and sharing gal and I'm happy that after your bumpy weekend things have brightened up.

When I transition at work stealth isn't going to be an option for me either. In many ways I already feel like one of the girls in the office but transition will put that to the test I imagine. Plus there will be plenty of people outside my immediate office who I will be coming into contact with who will only have known my male persona - it will be unnerving at first I'm sure... I'll just make sure I watch my heels! 

WOW!!! Sounds like you had a very inspirational day Cindy. Very proud of you. 

Well done Cindy!  If you are as good to your colleagues as you are to friends here I can well understand them treating you with respect.

Light hearted sexist banter may not be politically correct but it suggests they are comfortable with you.  That's a very good sign.