My Speech I Wrote For Coming Out To My Coworkers

[Guest NatalieRene]

I had hoped to have had the meeting with everyone by now, but I guess it was wishful thinking to be able to get 70 busy people rounded up into one place. But it's going to be going through on this Friday.

I went ahead and prepared a short speech for it so I wouldn't get nervous and botch coming out with a bushism or something like it.

This is it below:

I want to share something very personal with all of you.

It is a decision that will impact the rest of my life and I would like you to understand how important it is to me.

I have decided to initiate a gender transition. This is a lengthy process where I will be assisted by professionals and will require that I make changes to my lifestyle in and outside work.

Part of the process I need to go through requires that I begin to live my daily life as a woman which is the ultimate goal of my transition.

I know that most of you may have never experienced this process and I understand that you may have questions about it. I have access to information that may help you better understand the process I am going through and I or Human Resources can make it available to you.

Some of the changes will take time, some changes I need to begin relatively soon. As part of my transition I have begun the process of changing my name. I need to be called by that name that will be a part of my new identity as a woman. I know it will take a little time to get used to it but it is very important that I be called Natalie and the proper pronouns be used when addressing me as that is an integral part of my transition.

I hope you realize that this change in my life does not have any impact on my professional commitments, the quality of my work or the skills I bring to the university every day. I look forward to your continued friendship and support.

Thank you

Is it ok? What do you all think?

[JJ]

Natalie,

That is a prefect letter as far as I can see. You explain what is happening, what to expect, your needs and leave the door open for people to approach you.

Congratulations on this new milestone. I wish you all the best on Friday.

JJ

[Guest Donna Jean]

.

Excellent!

Careful of others feelings and clinical enough to get the point across...

Nicely handled, Natalie...

Now all you have to do is read it to them!

Good luck, Honey...

HUGGS!

Donna Jean

[Guest NatalieRene]

I think I can handle reading this. As long as I don't adlib I can get through it even if I'm nervous, I hope.

The meeting is at 1:30PM so it's near the end of the day. I'll bug out from work around 4:00 and head over to my therapist for my next appointment. No matter how it goes I'll have a lot to talk about.

[Guest Redbeard]

Lovely speech! Good luck. :-)

[Paula ult]

Natalie,

I like it, it is just the right length to hold their attention, however i would have worded the following a bit different:

"I have decided to initiate a gender transition."

I would have written:

I am in the process of changing my gender from male to female.

or

I am starting the process of changing my gender from male to female.

Or something along those lines, i think either of these leaves no doubt as to what you are doing.

You have to put yourself in their shoes, they probably know little to nothing about what you are saying so it has to be crystal clear.

Be upbeat and confident in your presentation, make eye contact and have fun with it.

I was all of the above when i came out to my bowling leagues and work last year even though underneith i was scared to death.

Good luck on Friday and knock em dead

Paula

[Guest Honstu]

Natalie, I wish you the best! I think this letter is clear and concise and tactful. You're open for them to ask questions, but very firm on how they should treat and respect you. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that everything goes well. Can't wait to hear about it!

[Guest NatalieRene]

Well tomorrow's the big day. I'm a little nervous right now. I've been practicing the speech in front of the mirror for a couple days now. I hope it goes well.

[Guest Donna Jean]

.

It's gonna be just fine, Natalie.....

You'll be a big hit! Prepare to spend your afternoon answering questions and getting Huggs!

And, here...take 4 of these right before you start your talk....NO...NO, Hon, Don't read the bottle!

HUGGGGGGGS!

Donna Jean

[Guest NatalieRene]

.

It's gonna be just fine, Natalie.....

You'll be a big hit! Prepare to spend your afternoon answering questions and getting Huggs!

And, here...take 4 of these right before you start your talk....NO...NO, Hon, Don't read the bottle!

HUGGGGGGGS!

Donna Jean

Thanks Donna

I don't usually just take pills without knowing what they are, but what the heck just this once. I better not end up addicted to anything.

I guess I'm not going to get anything done after the meeting at 1:30PM.

The vice president of our department is a woman by the name of PB. I really should ask her what her initials stand for. She is a very kind and smart woman. I had a talk with her shortly after I talked with my boss and the director of my group. When the meeting was over she put her arm on my shoulder and said if I need anything she'll be there for me.

[Guest NatalieRene]

*deep breath*

The announcement is in ten minutes. My heart is beating a mile a minute.

[Guest Redbeard]

How did it go?

[Guest NatalieRene]

How did it go?

It went really well. http://www.lauras-playground.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=23022&st=0&p=225126entry225126

I even got one email from a coworker that I'm close with where she was giving me support.