Hey guys.

The last year or so I've spent trying to get my life in order, and done pretty well at it. I landed an excellent job making tires and am lucky to be a member of the united Steelworkers. I was trying wondering if anyone here has any experienced transitioning at this sort of job. Its a completely different atmosphere from most office jobs etc. I'm worried mostly for my bathroom/lockerroom situation as everyone knows me as female.  I also wonder if the union would be able to help me. I think ill contact them before I talk to my supervisor.

Any insight or experiences that anyone can share would be real helpful, thanks guys.

I want to know too. I am gonna be a metal worker 

Find out the union policy first, they should be on your side and help you.

That was gonna be my first step. I'm hoping they'll be of help.

I did a similar thing only transitioned male to female. I was so relieved to be able to use the ladies room finally. Nobody has said a thing, except "poor girl, to think you had to go in that nasty men's room all those years!"

Sara: did you work in a union shop?

I am a technical sales rep in the state of Missouri for a manufacturer that is not Union. However, I work directly with union (and non union) commercial printing companies (about 400 clients). I also do technical support and trouble shooting production issues on the floor - directly working with the Pressmen on a daily basis. I did this formerly in male presentation and "legal identity" and now in my true and corrected (Female) legal identity and presentation. I also do sales presentations and building friendships/relationships with all employees including the decision makers (CEO's, operation managers, presidents, lead pressmen, foremen, procurement, etc.) to eventually get them to buy all their manufacturing supplies from our company. About 100 are union that I know of. I am not protected by the union however.

Hey all,

Just a quick update the national union just finally answered the email I had sent inquiring about transition and how it's been done before. I was pleasantly surprised that I received a call from a very helpful gentleman rather than an email. Here's hoping for some good news when he calls back!