I went to a meet and greet for a someone I know running for a seat on the State Senate this past Sunday. The person at the door introduced himself and asked my name. Now, to be fair I was in work clothes which are sort of unisex, but I did have makeup and women's glasses. When I answered "Virginia" he said "sorry, Jim?" Yeah, come on bud. One sylable vs three here. Not even close... Anyway, on the third or fourth try I was pretty frustrated and I raised my voice ever so slightly and said "Vir. Gin. Ya!" He seems to be a combination of confused, amused, and shocked." I think that is the first time I have introduced myself as me to a cis male. Awkward. I think I am asking too much of a clueless cis person but seriously, I'm wearing make up and women's glasses here!
So that sucked. Then Yesterday a recruiter contacted me for a job that would have been a dream job for me at one point. It is in the automotive industry, sort of...and I recently left that world because I was not willing to be out in an environment that is so hyper-masculine. Anyway, this job is a little different. The company is a bit conservative though. All the same I applied but as my name change is in progress I had to do it under my old nmae. I could have gone with Virginia and explained but felt Inat least wanted to make sure I got as far as the interview. Then, after nearly three months of waiting I got my new Social Security card in the mail last night. Yay! But now what for this application? Wait until I speak with HR there? How do I deal? My driver's license is the next step and it is still under my old name. So, half my documents they will need to see are in my new name and half in my old. If it we're not for the thing on Sunday I would feel a little better about it but that sort of hit my self confidence.
My sister says a wig would help. (I was wearing a cap on Sunday) I can't really wear one at the job I am applying for. It's just not practical. After years in the Army wearing either a hat or helmet all the time I have no desire to HAVE to wear something on my head. Itchy, hot, annoying. What if I want to swim? How does one wear a wig under a motorcycle helmet? Aside from.which, I had laser treatment on what was left of my hair and I don't care about being bald. I have seen a number of bald women and hair is no requirement for beauty. Not that I am beautiful but I'm not terrible looking I don't think.
I kind of feel like I am always going to look like some sort of odd duck to people and the logistics of the name thing are becoming a pain in the butt.
Sorry, just had to rant to someone who gets it!
