Back in Black

[Guest Kayla Grace]

Hi all,

I'm pleased to post good news about myself for a change. I've finally managed to find work. Granted, it's from a temp agency, but it's ongoing with a potential for full time employment after a 3 month probationary period, with a wage raise, and benefits. Score! Thankfully, I was able to pick up the things I was trained on quite quickly. It's an assembly line work, which seems to be in my alley. I'm able to do repetitive tasks without dropping dead with boredom.

ANYWAYS, I was placed with two other women who were a pleasure to work with. I also learned that there's a TON of things different with working with women as opposed to men.

1) There is MUCH more talk, and the questions are much more deeper then males would ever ask.

Coreena asked me flat out if I was shy.

2) They seem to be much softer on mistakes. I messed up multiple times and not once did they comment on it.

3) So much smiling! I was smiling at other girls the whole day. And nobody looked at me weird, or said anything malicious! They just smiled back!

And not one person outside of my supervisor mentioned anything about my being trans. He didn't even say the word trans. He pulled me aside and suggested that because it would likely cause a huge stir, complaints, and too much unwanted attention to me, that it would be safer if I used a single washroom for now. I should have asked him how well I was passing. Just for a non biased person's opinion.

One question that they asked me was particularly invigorating. They asked if I had kids. I smiled and said "no kids." It really made me smile, because I know that a mother has a special bond with her kids. A MOTHER. They sure made me feel like a girl today. I'm definitely looking forward to going back tomorrow

God Bless

Kayla <3

[tracy_j]

Congratulations Kayla

Good friends at work can make all the difference in a job and I know occasionally groups of women can get pretty catty and make life unbearable. It's good you have made such a start.

Good luck for future progress

Tracy x

[Carolyn Marie]

Congjrats, Kayla! Yes, working with and around women is definitely a different experience than dealing with men. I had good conversations with men, when I appeared to be one, so I have no complaints in that regard. But most conversations seemed to revolve around politics and sports. Women's talk is so far ranging and more intimate, and just so much more fun ((IMO).

I'm glad you're enjoying yourself, and finding acceptance and camaraderie, too.

HUGS

Carolyn Marie

[Guest Carla_Davis]

Hi Kayla,

Congratulations on you new job

It is always helpful to be validated as our "True-Selves", both in public and at work.

I wish you good luck that it leads to permanent employment.

You will also be more productive at work if you are happy.

I wish you Continued Success and Happiness in your Journey

Hugs,

Carla

[Guest Lizzie McTrucker]

1) There is MUCH more talk, and the questions are much more deeper then males would ever ask.

2) They seem to be much softer on mistakes. I messed up multiple times and not once did they comment on it.

3) So much smiling! I was smiling at other girls the whole day. And nobody looked at me weird, or said anything malicious! They just smiled back!

And not one person outside of my supervisor mentioned anything about my being trans. He didn't even say the word trans. He pulled me aside and suggested that because it would likely cause a huge stir, complaints, and too much unwanted attention to me, that it would be safer if I used a single washroom for now. I should have asked him how well I was passing. Just for a non biased person's opinion.

One question that they asked me was particularly invigorating. They asked if I had kids. I smiled and said "no kids." It really made me smile, because I know that a mother has a special bond with her kids. A MOTHER. They sure made me feel like a girl today. I'm definitely looking forward to going back tomorrow

1) Yup! We ladies talk....a lot! lol

2) Usually. We're the nicer team.

3) Lol yup, we do that a lot, too. Gives your cheek muscles a work out.

Sounds like your supervisor was anticipating some possible backlash and was maybe trying to come up with a suitable compromise for everyone. Those ladies you work with might be a great resource to ask how well you're doing. It could be the elephant in the room where they might know but don't want to bring it up first, so you could, if you want, it's totally up to you, come out to them and then ask them for their opinion on how you're doing or what maybe you could improve on. Just an idea.

Lol about kids. Back in my male days if anyone asked if I had children, my default response was, "none that I'm aware of!" which would always get a laugh. I realized about 2 years ago that I couldn't say that as a woman because, well, if I had kids....I'd know it! lol. So yeah. Some times former male responses to certain questions don't necessarily work when you're on the other team. Usually one doesn't realize this until asked the question and you almost accidentally say your male answer.

[Guest Kayla Grace]

Women's talk is so far ranging and more intimate, and just so much more fun ((IMO).

I was hesitant to call it intimate at first, but that's really what it was. It REALLY passed the time today as well.

I'm glad Coreena (the younger one) finally said "Kayla, you need to talk. you're killing me here. Please talk." I've been playing the shy girl at work (as I usually do), and they wanted me to come out of my shell. I'm glad she broke it open, and is nurturing the chick (haha, double pun) inside it

1) There is MUCH more talk, and the questions are much more deeper then males would ever ask.

2) They seem to be much softer on mistakes. I messed up multiple times and not once did they comment on it.

3) So much smiling! I was smiling at other girls the whole day. And nobody looked at me weird, or said anything malicious! They just smiled back!

And not one person outside of my supervisor mentioned anything about my being trans. He didn't even say the word trans. He pulled me aside and suggested that because it would likely cause a huge stir, complaints, and too much unwanted attention to me, that it would be safer if I used a single washroom for now. I should have asked him how well I was passing. Just for a non biased person's opinion.

One question that they asked me was particularly invigorating. They asked if I had kids. I smiled and said "no kids." It really made me smile, because I know that a mother has a special bond with her kids. A MOTHER. They sure made me feel like a girl today. I'm definitely looking forward to going back tomorrow

1) Yup! We ladies talk....a lot! lol

2) Usually. We're the nicer team.

3) Lol yup, we do that a lot, too. Gives your cheek muscles a work out.

Sounds like your supervisor was anticipating some possible backlash and was maybe trying to come up with a suitable compromise for everyone. Those ladies you work with might be a great resource to ask how well you're doing. It could be the elephant in the room where they might know but don't want to bring it up first, so you could, if you want, it's totally up to you, come out to them and then ask them for their opinion on how you're doing or what maybe you could improve on. Just an idea.

Lol about kids. Back in my male days if anyone asked if I had children, my default response was, "none that I'm aware of!" which would always get a laugh. I realized about 2 years ago that I couldn't say that as a woman because, well, if I had kids....I'd know it! lol. So yeah. Some times former male responses to certain questions don't necessarily work when you're on the other team. Usually one doesn't realize this until asked the question and you almost accidentally say your male answer.

I think he was too, Lizzie. SOMEONE is going to complain eventually. He commented on how it wasn't me, but other people that were his concern. He also said "if you feel uncomfortable let me know". I don't mind using a private single bathroom - except that it's literally on the other side of the plant; but I don't mind that.

I actually came out Coreena and Andrea (the former is 30, the latter is nearly 45) today even though I swore I'd work this job in stealth. It really made them see why I was shy. And I think they caught on that my wig was fake; this dang thing doesn't stay tied up if its life depended on it -.-

I was likely the mannerisms that clocked me. I'll ask tomorrow for a confirmation, but I had a gentleman (I'm not sure what background he was from) say "That is a beautiful hair colour, is it your natural?". He completely caught me off guard, and I said yes just to keep myself cloaked. lol. Nobody needs to know I'm trans, right?

That's a bonus as well. Coreena is closer to my age, so maybe she could help in some way with passing. They're both very amazing with accepting me. I'm more amazed at Andrea, seeing as she's only a few years younger then my mother; and we all know her opinion on my Trans status.

Lol Lizzie. When she asked me about kids, I instantly thought of when I first seen your post where you said "none that I know of".

Nobody has ever asked me if I had kids and I've never answered it with "none that I know of", so I'll be ok in that department.

God Bless

Kayla <3

[StephanieVikingGirl]

Hi Kayla,

Congrats on your new job, and on the opportunity to socialize with other women. I frequently have gotten the "have you had any kids?" question from female tour guests, and yeah I am always reminded of the Lizzie posts before answering "nope, no kids". Yep we talk a lot, and more intimately. Lots of hand gesturing, and smiling as well. Always fun!

hugs,

Stephanie

[Guest Kayla Grace]

So apparently I've been given a mission.

I'm to practice ... eye shadow? I'm not sure what it's called. it's the part that goes on your eye lid and slightly above. I'm to practice mascara as well, but I'll need to buy some of that since Tess didn't give me any, and I haven't gotten paid yet.

The girls think it will help in passing. Still can't believe they know now. I'm glad they do though, it opened the door for so much conversation.

God Bless

Kayla <3