Transitioning in the work place - your chance to talk through me

[Cindy]

I've been aske to talk at the ANZSOM conference on this subject. This is the session:

Transitioning in the workplace – issues surrounding transgender
workers
Dr Robert Lyons, Psychiatrist,
Associate Professor Cindy Macardle, Head of Flow Cytology, SA Pathology,
Flinders Medical Centre
Dr John Wilson, Occupational physician
The session will conclude with a panel discussion of a hypothetical case for
which the above speakers will be joined by Mr Christopher Platt, Manager
Employee Relations, Human Resources, BHP Billiton Olympic Dam

This is your chance to talk about the issues you have had and want me to bring up.

So tell me!!!

Oh in case you haven't realise; I'm Cindy

[Ms Grace]

I've had a pretty good workplace transition. It helps when you work for a progressive community organisation with policies of acceptance and inclusion built into their staff agreement. My boss and colleagues were 100% accepting and accommodating. The biggest issue has been name slip ups and misgenderings - despite trying hard some of them, notably those that have worked with me for a number of years, were having a lot of trouble getting it straight at first. That's to be expected and they have been making an effort. Happens rarely now. I also lined up an info session from the local Gender Centre and they helped the staff to understand the issues behind being transgender a bit better than they might have otherwise. In some ways my transition is pretty much a non event, I became Grace and the world kept turning. I wasn't a drama queen about the misgenderings and have tried to approach my process openly and with good humour. I think I had a degree of respect amongst my colleagues to begin with and that helped - like, if I had been an unlikeable, whiney slacker then they probably would've cared less about being supportive of me.

[Monkeymel]

I would say personal attitude to tolerance is also important. I have been mis gendered only by senior dinosaurs and CEO who could be selective about use - normally when I knew he was looking to "score one" - calmly ignoring and discounting was much more powerful. I won't - and don't - allow it to bother me because I sense their hidden agenda.

A mild professional downgrading didn't really help. The things I'm good at being removed and given to "guys" who walk the talk and talk the walk. Ultimately im having the last laugh because of their lack of understanding - but it has taken 8 months to see.

Generally though the process was smooth and very accepting from everyone else. Sometimes the odd side glance from the young office interns when I'm in the bathroom. But that is their problem - not mine.

Which brings me full circle to your own attitude to work place transition. If you don't face much discrimination (thank you Switzerland) and are confident and happy then it can go very well. If you are somehow looking for a fight - or reasons to feel discriminated against - you will definitely find it.

Asside: I see many people who face real discrimination which is full on and harmful. I cannot speak for them and would not want to. My personal experience is lucky.

[luna nyan]

Cindy, you know my employers. 

I don't need to say more.

[Cindy]

Cindy, you know my employers. 

I don't need to say more.

But I want to know!!

[Ms Grace]

I know mine is a bit boring, but if you need an example of potentially "best practice" it's gotta be up there.

[Cindy]

I know mine is a bit boring, but if you need an example of potentially "best practice" it's gotta be up there.

I know, it is easy for me to say no problems, anyone gives me grief I'll fire them

But I'm not speaking for me.

I'm speaking for those who do not have a voice.

[luna nyan]

But I want to know!!

You can't handle the truth!

I'm wondering how many Aussie workplaces actually have a policy...

[LordKAT]

Now if only it affected American policies.....