Switching from the Mens lockerroom

[Diane Elizabeth]

I've been wanting to post this question for a few weeks now. Not to be confused with the HS boys lockerroom. Does or has anyone had to transition on the job that involved changing in the lockerroom. I am working my way to the point that I can't (won't) use the Mens lockerroom at work. However, I don't think I am ready for the Womens lockerroom (or they aren't ready for me). There is one gal that seems to have issues with me at work that I have to deal with. I am not OUT at work yet. I am getting a bit ahead of myself right now but was curious to hear form others. I just started electrolysis and hoping to start hormones soon.

[Kimberly Marie Kelly]

When you plan on transitioning and are doing your RLE (Real Life Experience) you should make it clear to your HR dept that you are planning to transition and discuss the issues of which locker room/restroom you will be using. Most larger companies are including transgender inclusive wording in their companies diversity policies.

As an example I'm out at my place of work and also have changed my name legally. My company initially said I could use any womens room without locks, but some women had a issue with someone who is pre-op using the restroom with them, so a unisex restroom was setup till I'm post-op. That's okay with me for it's almost a private restroom for me, close to my office.

The point is if you have not made the intention of transitioning to your HR dept., your using the womens locker room or restroom is an issue and you could be fired. Doing it the wrong way will create strife for you, but do it the right way and things will go better.. Kimberly Marie Kelly :battingeyelashes:

[Diane Elizabeth]

I plan to tell the HR (wherever they are) beofre coming out. I was curious what others have encountered. We are a small group of nine at our facility. I have had issues with a few of them and the lack of maturity and professionalism, but it fell on deaf ears. As long as the public doesn't see what they do and how they act the management is indifferent. I am sure that I would be given a time that I can use the female lockerroom for changing when the gg's haven't come in yet.

[stacie]

If you have a few people who are already having a problem with your being transgender, then you will probably run into a lot of problems. It will really come down to HR, but they are going to try a work with everyone with with your situation. I would be surprised if your employer lets you use the womens locker room. They will probably try and work with you in some way, but if there are a few people who don't accept it and have let this be known then HR will take this into an account also. For myself when I transitioned my employer gave me my own restroom and the main restrooms was off bounds for me. I also had a few people who made it known that I was not going to use the womens restroom and even be able to use the mens restroom by a few of my male cowokers.
All of my friends who are also transgender ran into some sort of problems while they were transitioning on the job with some employees and untill they had their gender mark legally change they had to use an assigned restroom. I have since left the job that I had and moved on to another job with no problems at all. I hope you don't have a lot of problems with your employer and remember you want to also be flexable were you work also. This is just a part of being transgender and what you will have to go through being someone who is transgender. It is VERY HARD at times and is sad we have to go through problems like these. I left my old job because I didn't like doing it and I felt like the job was part of the old me. At my new job I am seen as a women and no one knows I am someone who is transgender. Ths is very nice at my new job but I do have some worries about one day someone finding out I am a transgender female. Good luck and remember not to let anyone get you down.

[CharleneT]

. . . I am not OUT at work yet. I am getting a bit ahead of myself right now but was curious to hear form others. I just started electrolysis and hoping to start hormones soon.

How do you present at work ? Until you are presenting as a woman, it would seem very unwise to try and use any of the women's facilities. As others have said, this sort of thing is best arranged with the HR dept. I've just gotten finished doing that here at the U of Iowa and they were quite helpful. But they don't see it as possible unless you are full time. It is good to start with Electro ( or laser and electro, depending on your hair color/skin type). Later you'll thank the heaven's you started early !

[Katesback]

Sis you are dreaming about step 10,000 and you are on step 4. Work on step 5 and forget about the stuff way down the line!!!

[Jennifer in CO]

my guess is with 9 employees, your 'HR' dept is your manager or owner unless you are a branch office of a large conglomerate. Only 9 people it will be difficult to "blend in" as you transition and when you do start everyone will know in about 5 minutes (or less) so which locker room to use will be the last of your worries. You say you wont use the mens. Is there a reason (under dressing, body changes, ??) for this.

Jenn

[Diane Elizabeth]

We are an offshoot of a larger company. The HR is located about 30 miles away. I wear panties and girls jeans and no one noticed so far. I am very careful that I don't wear the pink panties (nor the lacy ones). No physical changes - just mental ones so far.

[MJ]

i was told i could not use the womans lockerroom or there wash/rest room when i did my RLE. in fact the company did little to nothing to help me,
there was a notice in the lunch room that said i change my name but that was it. while on sick leave i was fired after 3 years service two as mj.
thats the thanks i get.
i hope you have better luck than i did.

[janelle]

Hi, Ihave been out at work for about 3 years & until I have surgery THEY will NOT let me use the ladies changing room. They gave me a locker in the single restroom up by the office. The 1 & only 1 I can use until surgery.

BITES



Hugs to all.....................Janelle

[sherri52]

Before using the womens ladies room you should be coming to work and working all day as a women. Talk to your HR or boss and let them know of your future transition. I'm sure they will make some sort of compromise as time gets close.

[Diane Elizabeth]

Sorry to hear that you were fired MJ. Hope you can find another job. If that happens to me I wouldn't be too upset (don't like the job much anyway). It would please some that I work with(difference of opinions). I would be more worried of the loss of income with the increase of payments and bankruptcy getting close to knocking on the door. There goes my electrolysis for another year. I will find a way somehow.

[Jennifer in CO]

During my transition we had one unisex restroom at work and I used it for about two months. Then one afternoon a 'girlfriend' wanted to 'talk' and she head towards the ladies. I shy-ed away but she took my arm and ushered me in there saying I had every right to be in there as anyone else. I never went back to the unisex restroom and never heard anything from anyone on using the ladies.

Jenn