I was at work and had two comments from customers addressing me as a female.

    The first one  I had unloaded a couple TVs from his vehicle.   I have my hair in a ponytail and wear a T shirt with a flouresscent striped vest.  Very androgenous.   Anyway, after I had removed his TVs he said "you are a very strong.....(hesitation) ... lady. "   I replied that it comes from working here.   It had me smiling the rest of the day.

    Later, while unloading another car  with a female co worker a customer said "Thank you ladies".  My co worker just laughs at me being called "ma'am and lady.  I just say it doesn't bother me.    I was tickled pink with hearing that both times.  I want to correct people when they call me "sir" so bad.  But, since I am not out to my work place yet I have to keep my mouth shut for now. 

That's great.

Before I was out, I remember having a patient at the hospital who kept referring to me with female pronouns, and I simply had long hair and androgynous scrubs (no hormones even). He even saw my name-tag which had a distinctly male name to which he asked, "Is that pronounced-" and then tried to politely force it into a somewhat ridiculous feminine sounding version. My instructor at the time tried to correct him but he kept on with it. I sure as hell wasn't going to 'correct' him.

I had similar experiences at work before going full-time. It always made my day... The first time it happened, it made my entire week. I'm glad that you could experience that. It's pretty amazing 

If you're passing while being androgynous, though, why not be ... less androgynous? If phased in properly, people aren't likely to notice. If they do, the worst they can do is tease a little. And in either case, these comments will happen more often, which makes for a much happier work experience.


... Best wishes. 

You could always tell them it's the Bulgarian or whatever, spelling of you preferred name!

       Thanks for your comments.  I was not wearing a shirt with my name on it as it has been very hot.  Just a T shirt and a sasfety vest.  I have been hesitant to come out at work because my co workers would not let up with the teasing.   Three years ago when I started letting my hair grow I was "teased" everyday at work for several months.  I finally got tired of it and talked to my boss.  I told him it is well beyond teasing.  I called it harassment.  He didn't think there was anything wrong.  In fact he also participated in some of the teasing.  He did tell them to stop the teasing.  I am inquiring to the HR people about coming out though.  Its wait and see at the moment.  I have  to call the HR back on Monday. 

So cool I'm glad you had that great experience!