A Few Steps Closer At Work

[Carolyn Marie]

My HR associate Nancy and I went to visit a local MtF Workplace transition specialist today. Our goals were to discuss the plans Nancy

and I had made so far, see if we were on the right track, and find out if the Expert could help us with staff training.

The answer to the last question was a resounding YES. She was very knowledgable, experienced, and personable, and

we made an immediate connection. So that part is in the bag.

She had excellent suggestions on how to proceed, beginning with establishing a committee of 4-5 key management people

to help plan the training, explore all the issues, and discuss timelines and process. Our Expert even had advice on how to

approach individual colleagues if I wanted to handle part of this on a more personal level. Since I am close to several

people whom I've worked with for years, I think that will work best with them.

She recommended that when she comes to do training for the management team and larger staff, she bring an FtM colleague

to show both sides of the TS coin, especially since many peeps aren't even aware that there are many FtM's out there. Cool!

I suggested, jokingly, that she bring Chaz Bono. She actually knows him, but I don't think that's really in the cards. Dang!

The Expert agreed with me that its important to get across the point that we aren't trying to change the way people

feel about me or anyone else being TS, since attitudes and beliefs are hard to change. The point is to ensure that

their workplace behavior demonstrates respect, consideration for feelings, and adheres to laws and regulations.

So we have our roadmap. Next step is to form the planning committee, probably in July. I'll keep you all posted.

Wish me luck!

Carolyn Marie

[Guest Donna Jean]

*tap...tap*

uh, Carolyn......Uh...ya got any job openings wher you work?

I can do lots of stuff.....

Heck, I'm a "Minute Particle Rearrangement Specialist".....(I can sweep up)

Dang, GF...you've got that work thing going on....

That is seriously wnderful...You'll have protections and respect (at least to your face) and lots of cool stuff...

Well, heck, I couldn't wish this on a more deserving person...you've got your team and you're ready to roll...

Good on you, Sweetheart....really, good on you!

LOVE

Donna Jean

[Guest Cris]

Way to go Carolyn,

Thats the way all employers should respond. It is so much cheaper for them to keep a happy employee instead of going through the firing and hiring hassle.

Keep us posted on your progress.

Cris

[Guest Janis]

That is truly great! Your plan sound identical to the plan HR and I came up with and my transition went better than I could have imagined.

Carolyn, I wish you all the best in the world! I am sure this will be a smooth transition for you.

Janis

[Guest Elizabeth K]

Carolyn! WOW - you ARE a dynamo!

Such a great thing you are working on!

Please keep us updated!

Love you

LizzyAnne

[Paula ult]

Carolyn,

Sounds like you have a good plan that has all the bases covered, having HR and management involved hopefully will make transitioning at work much easier since the other employees know they are behind you.

My work situation was a bit different from yours since i telecommute to work from home, there were no bathroom issues to discuss and i rarely go to customer sites, i mainly talk to our field engineers on the phone, when it was time for me to go full time it also included work, my manager had a conference call with everyone in my work group, one person i had worked with 30 years i told over the phone before the conference call, i thought it was better doing it that way, for the last 6 months everyone has used the correct pronouns and if they make a mistake they correct themselves, you can expect that to happen too.

You are doing great Carolyn.

HUGS!!!!

Paula

[Guest NatashaJade]

I'm really happy for you, Carolyn. Having tat kind of positive experience in a stressful situation is a real blessing. I hope everything moves as smoothly going forward.

luv

Gin

[Guest Kayliegh]

Congrats, Carolyn!