And.... I'm really not that fussed about it

I was expecting the same anxiety when telling friends and family, it's really not there. I'm not complaining it's just a bit weird.
So I'm not coming out at work just starting the conversation with HR, with my "ideal" date set for early September, so that is AGES away but just telling my Manager and HR is a big step (until now I'm pretty certain no one has a clue).
The proper going FT at work will be an interesting time, I really don't know how everyone will be with me. Were a pretty multicultural workplace, some people less accepting than others, some quite religious which I'm hoping won't effect their opinion of me, you know, all the usual anxieties but for now I'm really calm and looking forward to it!
Plus I'm giving work and management PLENTY of time to sort things out as they see fit so they can't hold that against me, I'm trying to do the right thing by them as much as me

Maybe talk to me in a few days and I might have changed my tune, but for now really happy and positive! Woo!

Congrats Rachel! I know what you mean about one part in particular. Before I went full time I practiced come backs to perceived comments and never got to use them. I felt soooo cheated! You go girl!

That's awesome, sweetie - really happy for you!

You might like to contact the Gender Centre in Petersham and ask to speak with Liz Ceissman, she specialises in talking to staff and HR at organisations who have someone transitioning, help to give them an idea of what being trans actually means, protocols around pronouns, what your rights are, and answer any questions or misconceptions. She came to my workplace the week before last and, even though I'd already been full time two weeks, my colleagues found it very useful. She's pretty booked up which is why getting in now would be a good idea  if you thought it might be helpful for you at work. The good thing is, you don't have to be at the session. She can also use the session as a way of introducing the "new you" if you want (I chose to tell them myself a few weeks earlier).

Anyway, great news! Hope to see you again soon! Hugs.

Haven't we come a long way from a coffee in Glenelg!!!

Hugs darling.

Thanks everyone!

I had the same thing Jessica, when I first started going out omg, I would have comebacks ready to fire, but nope, I've been really lucky so far (finger crossed!) and haven't had any grief from anyone (I didn't already know).

Thanks Grace, I spoke with Liz a while ago and wow, she is knows her stuff back to front doesn't she? Lovely lady too! I'm not sure how any sessions at my work would go though because there are about 40 of us and we all work irregular shifts but I'm really happy to have someone like her on my side I'll definitely try make the next dinner at Parra btw!

Cindy, you said it sis!   I don't think I would have let me be me without that coffee. Thank you again.

The shift work does make it difficult for training/info sessions but she's done huge sessions with over 200 staff so I guess she'll manage somehow. Even at my small workplace it's almost impossible to get everyone together at the same time and there were a few people who couldn't make it.

You needn't worried about getting fired for being trans*, the anti-discrimination laws in our state are strong enough to make sure you have plenty of protection.

Not sure when the next dinner is, soon I hope - and I figure Catherine will be back any day now.

Why does that not surprise me about Liz

I don't think I've congratulated you yet with you and your work! Congrats Grace!!!
Sooo awesome. So happy for you

I'm not really worried from a job security POV, I have faith (hopefully not unfounded faith!) in our legal system and protections which when I look at some members in the states am very thankful for and most likely take for granted.

People potentially making the workplace less pleasant is more realistic. Again, I have hope and faith. And fingers crossed. +/- toes crossed too

Quote from: Rachel85 on April 26, 2014, 10:36:29 PM
I don't think I've congratulated you yet with you and your work! Congrats Grace!!!
Sooo awesome. So happy for you

Thanks! Going well so far.

People aren't allowed to discriminate against you or treat you poorly because of your status, but you're right, there's nothing to stop them from behaving generally like jackasses.

Thought I'd post an update!

So I spoke with my immediate manager a couple of days before speaking with HR and he took it quite well, in fact both did. Very professional. No "silly" questions, very respectful, honest (ie. "I don't know much about transgender people", which is fine) and looks like things will be fairly "by the book", which suits me. At least that way as long as I know the rules were all on an even playing ground. They also will have to do a little bit of homework methinks which is kinda nice to be the catalyst for community education

The funny thing is that my managers' wife is also a Rachel So yea, slightly awkward when he asked me what name I will be changing to. He then at a later date (confidentially) asked me how I thought my colleagues would react to my "new name". I stopped, thought for a moment and replied, "Well, I've been Rachel since before I started here or met anyone at work, and no, I won't be changing my name." I think that kinda put him back a little.

I also gave a little spiel about how I think vast majority of people will be respectful and that I am choosing to transition here because I believe they will all take it well. The first part I mostly believe, the second...  maybe a little bit of poetic license. I'd transition there even if I knew it would cause waves.

So it's all good! For now. I'll try keep you posted for updates as they go!