Hi everyone!

I'm trying to write the briefing that will be sent out at work regarding my transition. I wanted to write it myself so at least I can make sure I'm happy with everything written in there and the wording of it all.

I've tried to write it to sound as if it's written by management and not by myself.

Please could you tell me what you think and give me any suggestions you have to improve it

Hugs,
Sarah
xx

QuoteImportant Information Regarding a Colleague

As of 25th July 2011, one of our colleagues, ***** ********, will begin his transition from male to female as part of his Real Life Experience (RLE) for Gender Reassignment.

As part of this, ***** will be expected to adopt a new name and live and present as female at all times. ***** will be legally changing his name to Sarah, and would appreciate it if everyone would use this name and also ensure to use female pronouns (e.g. Her, She, etc) at all times.

Sarah would also like us to note that she understands that it will take time for people who have known her as ***** to adjust to the new name and pronouns and wont be offended by any genuine mistakes during the adjustment period.

From this date, Sarah will also begin using the female toilet facilities. Please remember that Sarah will only be in there for personal reasons just as everyone else.

For those of you who may disagree with what Sarah will be doing, I expect that you will have the ability to remain professional and to keep your opinions private. It should also be noted that any forms of harassment or bullying will be dealt with by the disciplinary procedures.

If you have any questions regarding this and don't feel comfortable speaking to Sarah personally, James Apps (Sarah's Team Manager) has agreed that he will anonymously ask any questions you have and respond to you with the answers.

James Apps can be contacted by email at <insert email address>

Sara:

This looks like a good start.  It is professional and to the point.  I assume you have been in contact with HR and they are aware of your transition.  When I went through the same process, it was HR that asked people to come to them directly with any issues or questions.  They have a policy of anonymity that ensures that even their managers are not informed if it is not germane.  In this case, your manager would know who asked the questions and in that case would violate the confidence of the person asking.

Some might feel hesitant to ask your manager, because the might feel that you have a special arrangement with him.  People can be funny that way.

This paragraph:

QuoteFor those of you who may disagree with what Sarah will be doing, I expect that you will have the ability to remain professional and to keep your opinions private. It should also be noted that any forms of harassment or bullying will be dealt with by the disciplinary procedures.

I would rephrase to take the assumption of disapproval out of it.  Something like:
"Everyone is expected to remain professional and business-like.  Everyone should be aware that there is a company policy against harassment and bullying that includes disciplinary procedures."

Included with the presentation, there was also a re-iteration of the formal company policy regarding harassment, which in our company is zero-tolerance.

Also when I came out, I had prepared an overview and glossary of the issues facing transsexuals so that everyone had a basis of understanding to work from.  I also included some new stories of others that had come out in the workplace so that they could see that this wasn't an isolated incident.

As it turned out most people that came to HR only wanted more information.  No one ever complained.  It was wonderful.  I hope yours is just as good!

Sara, I wish you the best of luck and joy in your transition!  Please keep us posted how this goes. 

-Sandy

I also like it. Since you asked, may I suggest some changes?

QuoteImportant Information Regarding a Colleague

As of 25th July 2011, one of our colleagues, ***** ********, will begin his transition from male to female as part of his Real Life Experience (RLE) for Gender Reassignment. Be presenting as female and should be regarded as such.

As part of this, ***** will be expected to adopt a new name and live and present as female at all times. ***** will be legally changing his name (s) to Sarah, and would appreciate it if everyone would Please use this name and also ensure to use female pronouns (e.g. Her, She, etc) at all times.

Sarah would also like us to note that she understands that it will take time for people who have known her as ***** to adjust to the new name and pronouns and wont be offended by any genuine mistakes during the adjustment period.

From this date, Sarah will also begin using the female toilet facilities. Please remember that Sarah will only be in there for personal reasons just as everyone else.

For those of you who may disagree with what Sarah will be doing, I expect that you will have the ability to remain professional and to keep your opinions private. It should also be noted that any forms of harassment or bullying will be dealt with by the disciplinary procedures.

This is a personal matter for Sarah. She has the support of medical workers and the managers. You will appreciate the support she will need.

If you have any questions regarding this and don't feel comfortable speaking to Sarah personally, James Apps (Sarah's Team Manager) has agreed that he will anonymously ask confidentially deal withany questions you have and respond to you with the answers.

James Apps can be contacted by email at <insert email address>

Firstl line, I would definately delete the word his but also alter the rest to make it mor definate.

I would also delete references to diciplinary action and harrissament. These should be a forgine conclusion but mentioning them may appear to be threatening.

Nothing much to add except that I totally agree with the previous suggestions about removing (or positively reframing) the content that assumes negative reactions.  As soon as someone receives a missive that presumes negativity, they either put up defenses or start to view the situation in a negative light from the get-go.  This is a wonderful and positive development in your life and this letter should, while remaining professional, really highlight the positivity of transition, the empowerment you feel, and the sheer joy of finally being your true self.

If your colleagues' first exposure to your new and better life is positive and non-threatening, they'll be more likely to view your transition as such.

I like the way Spacial wrote it.  I think somewhere it should be mention that everyone will remain totally professional during this time.

Thanks for the feedback everyone. I've made some changes to it. The bit at the beginning I think is ok how it is... I can't think of a way to rephrase it without using some sort of pronoun, and I think it'd be strange to use female pronouns when referring to my male name.

Here is what I've currently changed it to:

QuoteImportant Information Regarding a Colleague

As of 25th July 2011, one of our colleagues, ***** ********, will begin his transition from male to female as part of his Real Life Experience (RLE) for Gender Reassignment.

As part of this, ***** will adopt a new name and live and present as female at all times. ***** will be legally changing names to Sarah, and would appreciate it if everyone would use this name and also ensure to use female pronouns (e.g. Her, She, etc) at all times.

Sarah would also like us to note that she understands that it will take time for people who have known her as ***** to adjust to the new name and pronouns and wont be offended by any genuine mistakes during the adjustment period.

From this date, Sarah will also begin using the female toilet facilities. Please remember that Sarah will only be in there for personal reasons just as everyone else.

This is a personal matter for Sarah, for which she has the support of medical workers and management. It is expected that all colleagues will act in a professional and respectful manner. Everyone should also be aware that there is a company policy against harassment and bullying that includes disciplinary procedures.

If you have any questions regarding this and don't feel comfortable speaking to Sarah personally, James Apps (Sarah's Team Manager) has agreed that he will confidentially deal with any questions you may have.

James Apps can be contacted by email at **********************

Nice Sarah

The first bit? I'd rephrase using third person. Go from

Quote from: SarahD on April 22, 2011, 10:10:48 AM
As of 25th July 2011, one of our colleagues, ***** ********, will begin his transition from male to female as part of his Real Life Experience (RLE) for Gender Reassignment.

to
As of 25th July 2011, one of our colleagues, ***** ********, will begin their transition from male to female as part of their Real Life Experience (RLE) for Gender Reassignment.

Seems better with the neutral pronoun.