And so it begins.
Almost a year since I discovered Kacey, and yet in the end the causes had affected and directed my life for decades and with hints all my life. I kind of realized somewhat early on once I started dressing how important and how it "wasn't just about the clothes" it was for me. But never realized how much of my issues thru my 49 years was a direct impact of my GD.
The first day I stepped out of my apartment as Kacey on Jan 15 was wonderful. Liberating.
And Right. That 8 hours out in the world showed to me I was beyond a casual dresser..
It felt too good. But I held off figuring the official reasons for awhile. Dressed regularly.. By..I dunno. April I spent pretty much all time outside as Kacey.
Going full time as Kacey around the house, and out (with only the workplace as the last bastion for the male me) proved a lot. 1: it still was right to live as Kacey and 2: due to speed of all this... My makeup skills still needed a lot of practice
So, For a few months now, I've been going weekly to a therapist. To validate suspicions about Kacey and work thru other issues I've had in my life. Turned out a lot of those "other issues" we're still linked back to the same cause.
Meanwhile... Thanks to the therapist I got my letter for HRT a bit ago and it took a it of time to start with the Doc. Doc's appointment was today. From that, I now have my Estriadol in hand with a follow up in 6 weeks for Spiro add-on after further blood analysis.
And so it began.
The next step is figuring out a timeline for advancing.
Well.. In my case, as friends and family know...it's only work (except for one coworker that knows already) that I need to figure out about when to shift. Then there's legal name changes and such to think about. So any suggestions on timing for shifting work-side?
I'm a bit lucky (in a lot of ways). Single, no relationship, Accepting friends, parent, made a lot of this easy up to now.
My work actually has a moderately good plan for helping trans folk. They have a good central rep I can talk to involving this, and they'll help with manager coordination.
Insurance... Am unsure. They're helping my docs and estriadol.. Dunno how "helpful" they'll be down the line. We'll see.
The second aspect is how much "real" I have to be.
I don't mean having full surgeries, but having something growing to feel more real.
I guess that comes down to the thought. That I _am_ Kacey even though I have to rely on paddings, forms and wigs. I accept myself this way (for now..c'mon meds) so is that enough for workplace changes? My other part thinks of the logistical side...while in IT, it still is a retailer with crazy stuff happening thru Nov to Jan. So there's a lot to consider for finishing the 'outing' process.
So any suggestions on timing for work?
Will still talk it over with that rep to discuss it all I think.
Footnote: my company (Sears) had a conference about transgendered (in main office meeting place and over phone). According to his rep (prev mentioned) she's had so far 33 employees (as of Aug) go thru her and come out. I forget how many thousands work for Sears..but an interesting stat to know. Others may not be going thru it and just already transitioned so may or not care about her help.. But an interesting number.
-Kacey
