New workplace

[FionaG]

So I've recently come out in almost all of my social environments except for work and school, both of which I am on a temporary leave from. My first day at my new job (should they hire me) will begin the first week of February and I asked in the interview how they felt about me transitioning. They were rather accommodating, saying I could work under whichever name I preferred but that they had to match the legal documents to my legal name until it is changed (of course).

The one problem being: I'm not sure how to go about doing this. So far everyone I've come out to knew me before I was ever Fiona. I really have not ever had to enter a new social environment in my new identity yet. I am not sure if I should show up dolled up on my first day or show up as a boy (which I haven't spent even three hours as in weeks).

I will eventually be working there as Fiona, just not sure whether to show up as a boy and put it on the backburner or show up as a girl and be outed on day one.


Anybody else been through a similar situation? How was your first day presenting as your "new" gender in the workplace? How did it work out for you?

[Cindy]

Well I was in the same job but I went from him to her from a Friday to Monday. I used the female toilets etc straight away, I was treated as me straight away. To be honest no one gave a flick, yes I got questions and people stumbled over pronouns and names. Women were very accepting immediately, most guys stumbled a bit more in not quite knowing how to treat me. They got over it.

Do present as a normal woman of your age, I'm a professional woman and I present as other women of my status. We don't get 'dolled up' that is for when I go out.

Now a caveat, I'm Australian and Australians are very accepting, I'm not sure how it is where you are, but to be honest if you get the chance at the job, go as you.  JMO

[katiej]

I'm with Cindy on this one.  If your new employer is fine with you transitioning on the job, take advantage of it.  Your HR paperwork may have your old name, but I would think that it will help your co-workers to never have to make the switch.  And if you pass well, they'll only know you as you...not who you used to be.

Good luck!