I've posted before that, even tho' I'm full time, my job with the Catholic School Board requires me to present male a couple times a year (when I might be seen). The next two days are those. This is getting harder, and harder. Both the fact I don't look as male as I once did (platinum shoulder length hair, nails, the beginnings of boobies, plus I've forgotten how to 'act male'.) Last time I had to do this, I went in really androgynous, leaning toward femme, mode, expecting to be fired on the spot. I didn't happen.
I'm really thinking about quitting. It's very part time, and I could live without the money. They will NEVER accept Paula, and I'm getting sick of bowing to their demands. The double standard is that they know about Paula, but just don't want (they say students, but it's really the parents) to see me. I should quit just on moral grounds.
This is a bit of a rant/vent, but please feel free to comment, and give your opinion from options A)quit  B) push the envelope till I get fired (no big loss) or C) Talk to them, and give the ultimatum, Paula, or nobody. 
P.S. They desperately NEED my technical expertise, and I don't need their paycheck.

Hi Paulagirl,

I'd definitely go for option C.

You need to be on the front foot at all times with an organisation like this. Never give them the upper hand to act.

They are copping a lot of flack here in Oz with the Royal Commission into Child Sex Abuse. I hope they get the book thrown at them for the abject carnage they have caused to thousands. 

Huggs
Catherine

If you can't accept their demands ,I'd try talking, then do what you have to do . I don't Know what kind of situation your in as far as options to talk to some one , but if there is a priest around that can help I'd talk to him.

If I needed the money, I would suck it up. If I didn't, I would quit. I remember you talking about this and no offense but platinum blonde hair is anything but andro unless your hair is short which if I remember correctly it is not. Just sayin'. I have to dress andro cuz I'm looking for work and now people on my street ask my BF if I'm a FTM. I'm not kidding. I would say if it is only for a day or two a year and they pay good, keep it. Ya never know when you're going to need it. But if it bothers ya that much maybe not.

I'd go for C also.  Even if you do an incredible job at work, they may not care.  So be prepared.

When it comes to very conservative religious beliefs I've found that pastors and other leaders would happily work for me, or have me work for them.  But that's as far as it goes.  As soon as there was any personal interaction with other members of the church they immediately closed ranks and made demands, or excluded me.  A lot of the people I've dealt with are close relatives, and I played with them as a child, worked their farms as a young adult, and hired them as contractors.  This was all for kinship and love for my extended family.  But when I came out it all changed.  Needless to say I rarely see any of them anymore, and when I do it's only becasuse they're skilled at their trades and I've hired them to work for me.

Hypocracy is everywhere.  Even in me. 

You're ultimately the one who knows what's best. Take care.

i was raised catholic, and i'm very happy to see pope francisco. he is what the church needed. the old ways of demonizing glbt people was... wrong and i think francisco understands this. the new way will be to accept all people. i heard on the radio today that francisco was named time magazine's (most influential) person of the year of 2013.

i believe that if you speak to "them," you could mention that now is the time for the church to follow the pope's sentiment, and that if they say no, they will feel pretty silly when in a few years a formal ruling is made that says for churches to be inclusive of glbt/all people. they can either get with the times and follow the pope, or they can stay stuck in a 1950's mindset and lose you. i'm younger but from what i gather, i'm sure a few people were upset about vatican 2 when it happened. 

i wish you the best! thanks for helping your church, i used to work for my diocese and well, it was never for the paycheck-thanks for your charity and sharing your gifts.

If you're considering leaving because of it, there's not a hell of a lot to lose by telling them and seeing how it goes. I can completely understand the stigma which leads one to believe the worst will happen though, and I really hope everything works out for you!

Hm. I think your local laws may protect you from being fired based upon being transgendered, but I don't know where you live. Granted, I could see a reason being made up, that wouldn't get challenged unless you went to court, but lawyers are expensive and publicity can suck...

Tough one. You should've seen me showing up to work in full uniform, including duty belt, weapon and oh yeah Hot Pink fingernails! What a hoot.
You would not believe the look on their faces. Ha I still laugh about it.

   Dina

I would talk to them, but it is a Catholic School Board and if they want to they can let you go because it is ( in their opinion ) against God.

Paula,
     Giving in is what they want. I'm a bit of a tyrant, I would stand my ground and cause a fuss. However each of us has to do things according to our needs and desires. Perhaps you could present the issue as Hey! Don't you think this could be good for P.R. if you showed how accepting you're School System is? Just a thought.

            Dina

I'd vote for C also.

It sounds like you are not an instructor, so no constant direct contact w/students. So no "Guess what mom? Mr. So & So is getting a sex change!"

Talk to them. My guess is they will be OK with it

I'd go quite female and ignore what the adults say and let the students know you are superprofessional and then wait and see if the school board get sdictatorial and if so take them to court over your human rights.