An Update: Things are looking up

[Guest JayGray]

I'm having a delightfully positive transition process. I'm both taking things slow and taking them quickly. I'm not yet presenting, but I just came out at work. HR had a meeting with the managers last month, and then last week they had a meeting with the other supervisors (of which I am one). I had come out to a few select people personally, but now the cat's out of the bag. The only words I have received from them have been positive, so things are going better than I ever expected on the work front.

Months ago, my therapist said I was ready to start on hormones; she said the only time I needed was the time it took to find a doctor. I had a bit of trouble there; the first doctor I found had an insurance kerfuffle and could now only manage hormones for transgendered persons after they had their sex changed on their IDs. I sat on it for a while, but finally motivated myself to call doctors last week. I found an endocrinologist on my insurance who could/was willing to provide HRT, but I had to change my primary care physician (silly HMOs). I now have an appointment (May 7th) with the new PCP, and hopefully I'll get a referral to the endo shortly after.

Seeing the ball rolling again has reduced my anxiety. The positivity at work is making me feel great. Still presenting male at work and at home, I really don't want to start presenting female until the hormones have had a chance to have their effect. I have been shaving, plucking, and swaying a bit more, but all that seems to be doing is pinging people's gaydar more and more. My better mood has gotten me back on my exercise and diet plans.

Next on my short term goals is finding a feminine hairstyle I can do with my masculine cut; I have to keep my hair off my ears and my collar, as well as maintain a tapered length, for work. I also have been having my eyebrows shaped, and I need to muster up the courage to finally say that I want them done femininely.

[Charlize]

It sounds like you are moving ahead with a plan and the action to carry it out. I was in a bit of a rush so i went full time well before starting HRT but we all take different paths and yours sounds like a good one. It does sound that you have the support of your company so the ball is in your park and if you want to get your brows shaped and start to grow out your hair it is up to you.

Enjoy each day as you can. Keep us posted. We've got your back.

Hugs,

Charlize

[gennee]

Great to hear that things are gong well for you, Jay.

[Guest NatashaJade]

Sounds like things are going well for you. Your doctor should not require you to have changed your ID. That is putting the cart somewhat before the horse for many of us.

The main thing you want to do is make yourself a plan and set your dates as reasonably as possible so when things go more quickly or slowly than you estimated, you'll still have that plan (I loved my plan and it was so wrong, but it made for good focus).

Oh, and as far as what people at work may or may not notice, trust me when I tell you that most, if not all, are mostly wrapped up in their own lives worrying about what others may or may not notice about them and don't have the energy to notice what you are doing unless it is far outside of the norm. I went from an 8am shadow to no facial hair to be found and no one noticed, even when I thought everyone did. I was all the girl dressed as a guy and no one noticed even when I thought they all knew.

When I came out, I was more shocked at what people didn't suspect than that they were so accepting.

Tasha

[Carolyn Marie]

It sounds like you've handled this about as well as anyone could, hon. Talking to your HR first was a good move, and I'm glad everything is going well at work, with lots of support.

I wish you continued good fortune and success, and do please keep us informed of your progress. Good news is always welcome, but we won't shy away from bad news either. They both come with the territory at some point or another.

HUGS

Carolyn Marie

[Guest G_Unit]

That is good to hear things are looking up for you.