Hi all,
Well it appears that the workplace accommodation will be granted (still a few admin hoops to jump). As such I have started the "education" piece beginning with my new staff. I discussed this with my new supervisor and we agreed that "informing" was a good option so last week, I gathered with all (some already knew) and let them know. We had an honest answer and question period and I educated them on what being TG means to me . . . before anyone asks/comments or hijacks . . . what it means to me to be TG not what TG means. The most interesting question that came up is "How do we refer to you at work when you are dressed like a woman?". My knee jerk reaction in open conversation with others and since I out rank most . . . Ma'am. If it is casual or we are of the same rank . . . to be honest I never thought of it as I have always gone by Isha . . . which surprisingly is not my real name . I am cognizant this could be awkward as most know me by my male name and will be referring to me as a guy four days out the week. Luckily my name works in both genders with a slight variation of spelling Marcelle vice Marcel . . . so problem solved.
As a follow-up to the education pieced, we agreed to go to lunch with me as Marcelle so the "shock and awe" factor would not just be dropped at work one day. We had lunch yesterday and it went quite well. There were a few awkward "Sir/Ma'am" moments so as this was a social setting I just had everyone go with Marcelle (never been a big rank conscious person as I came from the ranks). Some more questions, but it all settled into just polite lunch conversation and naturally . . . work conversation.
All in all a good first step. Just thought I would share.
Hugs
Isha