Sometimes work experience for some trans individuals is positive

[Linus Bourque]

I wanted to post about the fact my company is pretty awesome and the people who I work with are just downright awesome!

I just officially came out today to my company although I've been transitioning over the last year. I was nearly in tears at the overwhelming support that I got from colleagues and friends I work with. Granted I'm lucky in that I don't see these people regularly (maybe 2-3 times a year in a giant massive company meeting) it was still humbling. I face customers on a near daily basis and certain more conservative companies would be probably aghast at having a trans person in the front lines but even some customers have managed to find my twitter and personal blog, and commented how my company would be nuts to get rid of me since I'm good at what I do.

This doesn't mean that I won't face challenges as time continue, I also wanted to point out that some companies are actually supportive of who we are. I know that I'm not the first at my company to transition and likely won't be the last. I'm also well aware that trans women face far more discrimination than trans men and certain areas/industries are more likely to have discrimination entrenched in it.

Anyways, if anyone wants to see the sample letter I used just ping me.

[Melanie Davis]

I'll second that. I transitioned on the job at Borders, and they were very supportive. I worked intensively with customers, and even in Indianapolis, everything went really smoothly for the most part with co-workers and the public. I was pleasantly surprised after having been fired for being trans from the job before that. I've since moved on to a better situation, but success can be found even in retail.

[Hayley Rivka H.]

I would love to see the letter you spoke of. I'm actually pretty nervous as i'm being forced to come out a little earlier than I had hoped, as i'm not ready to transition in the workplace yet. Rumors are forcing my hand and in order to supress misinformation and stereotypes, we're letting my department know. I'm just worried that theres such a long period between when everyone finds out and when I actually transition at work that it may cause problems. Any thoughts? I dont work at borders Melanie, but I have one next door to my office! Literally! =)

[Linus Bourque]

Private message me with your email and I'll pop it over to you.

One thing to remember and to remind your employers of is that everyone transitions in some form or another. Ours just tends to cost more and often comes with a whole new wardrobe. It's not like a light switch where *poof* there we are. Transitioning on the job means that people will see you before, during and after the process and so you'll have no choice but to have at least one part public (the visible and audible parts). I'm just now starting my name change but everyone's been supportive. My own transition started last summer and still is on going (I have no idea when surgery will be a viable option).

[Hayley Rivka H.]

See my changes have been pretty obvious fairly quickly and we had hoped to hide it a bit a longer or at the least, hold off for several more months. But the biggest issue for me will simply be the gap of everyone finding out and when I actually start coming to work as Hayley.

[Angela Radka]

I transitioned on my job 10 months ago and I'm still there. I work for a small car dealership in Watkins Glen, NY and I am surprised at the support that I received in such a small town. My employer was concerned about his business, but at the same time, he valued my work performance and wanted me to stay. It has all worked out just fine in the end.