I've been pretty out for a long time at work about my gender expression. Most people know that I dress fully female outside of work frequently and often socially at nightclubs. They've also noticed my gradual change in appearance at work with my hair getting longer and more feminine, painted nails, feminine shoes, and mannerisms. For the most part nobody cares. Some of the girls I regularly talk to about my issues have been extremely helpful just by helping me with small things (putting my hair properly in a ponytail, makeup advice, etc.). Since they learned these things growing up and I didn't then obviously a little tip here and there can go along way.
On to the point since I'm now seeing a therapist about these issues and my female wardrobe has now surpassed my male one by far along with my appearance to continue to get more feminine, I felt it was time to bring the issue to management's attention. I talked to my direct supervisor privately and he was quite supportive. He was already aware that something was going on because he has noticed the change in appearance over the years as well as overhears some of the discussions I and others have.
I read the "Coming Out at Work" here on Susan's but perhaps I took a different approach. I did not want to put anything in writing yet because I'm not making any official decisions. By talking in person privately there is nothing recorded meaning essentially that the conversation never existed. I basically just explained that I'm considering a transition but working with a professional and do not want to make any hasty decisions. I told them I'm letting them know in advance so as to minimize any disruptions of work. He seemed to be somewhat aware of trans issues as someone had worked there years ago with similar issues. So my main point of the meeting was to inquire about what the company can do to accomodate a transition, how I should go about it in the best way possible, etc. I emphasized that I want to do things properly and plan on it having little effect on my abilities to do my job with the main thing being occasional time off of work due to medications and/or surgeries. So he said he will pass it along to HR so that they can figure out the best way to approach it and draw up a plan of action. I was also advised on finding out from my insurance company what they cover and what they don't. They said they will look into what the company itself covers for time off due to these issues.
The meeting went well so I'm pretty confident. I felt like I put my best foot forward and worded things properly so they don't think I'm a problem in the company. The supervisor already seemed worried about some people not accepting me and wants to protect my rights as an employee. This is good but I don't exactly want the company to go the other extreme and get so over-accepting of trans issues that everyone is terrified to hurt my feelings. I explained that I'm not that easily offended and can accept that I won't get 100% acceptance but that my main priority is showing up to work and doing my assigned tasks properly and professionally as expected of any employee.
So we'll see how it goes.
