Update Time...

[Melissa A.]

As many of you know, I struggled with coming out at work for quite a while, partially due to where I work. In my last thread I mentioned that eventually I just decided to start showing up more and more female. Since then, I've told 6-7 of the guys what's going on, and the overwhelming response was...."Good for you"..."glad you told me"...."You have to be who you are"...."life's too short"...And the very best one-"No sh*t!"(it was kinda obvious, hee hee)several said the same thing-that they all think I have alot of courage to be doing this in the railroad business, and also that they're pretty frickin' impressed that I get on the subway to go home in the middle of the night in the South Bronx, looking like I do. (I hadn't thought about that impressing anyone, I'm just trying to get home). I still have some work to do-My boss is the only woman there, and basically, she's rather crazy, and, I am now being told, very posessive about the women's room upstairs-she considers it her own "executive washroom" (it's a frickin' Railyard, fer chrissake) So I need to hash that out with her. I did mention facility use when I talked to her about my being trans, but another boss was there, and she really didnt respond to that. It is getting to the point where I have to stop using the men's room downstairs, out of respect to everyone else. There is also a men's room upstairs near the office, and it is a single-use restroom, but ya know what? NO. I dont want to use a room that says "men" on it, and NYC gender identity protection laws say I don't have to. Am I being a bit of a bitch on that one? That one may get interesting. Believe me, the woman is a bit nuts.

But this has gone wonderfully, so far. I genuinely like the guys I work with, and their responses make me wanna cry every time I think about it. I am very lucky. And the best thing is, I can now say I am 100%, completely, totally, withoutadoubt, full time. yay.

Hugs,

Melissa:)

[RockerTerri]

Awesome!

Pretty cool experience, to have those around you just be ok with it, and especially to compliment you on your courage.

You made it over the hardest step right there. Congrats again!

As far as the woman co worker is concerned, what does the road you work for have as policy? I am pretty sure all the class Is now have gender protection rules in their employee policy.

[Kaitlyn Michele]

Melissa

Just wonderful...i am so glad you are getting those responses...as you take the plunge hopefully you will get a virtuous circle of good feedback...

you should be very proud to have the guts and determination to be who you are with all those guys! :hugs:

[pamela_a]

Melissa, I'm so very happy for you and the responses from the guys you work with are fantastic. :hugs::hugs:

Continue to stand tall and be proud of who you are. I do hope you don't end up in a cat fight over the ladies room though.

I'm proud of you and I know that finally being who you are full time is a wonderful feeling.

Congratulations :hugs::love:

[christina marie]

Congratulations Melissa!!! it takes a lot to be ourselves in a "male" trade. i have worked in commercial construction all my life,so i have a pretty good idea what your up against. you must work with some really decent people!

[Teri Jean]

Melissa that is such good news. Head up girl and keep stepping out.

Hugs Teri

[Kayla Shadows]

Yay!! :hugs: Congrats on full time.Hope things continue to be well at work and the bathroom situation works out.I was very happy to read this :)

[Faith_G]

That's great! :hugs:

[GypsyKaren]

That's good to hear, Melissa, you're good people and deserve good things.

GK

[Melissa A.]

Thank you for the kind words and comments, everyone. In my heart, I kind of knew this wouldn't be so bad. But work, for all of us, is a little different than other aspects of our lives. My co-workers have to deal with me in order to make a living, and sometimes, I'm a little too sensitive to that. I stopped worrying about me, and what others think, quite a while ago. Except for the fact that I'm a friendly and sociable being who likes getting along well with others. If being myself results in some being uncomfortable, so be it, but it's never something I want to do. I hope my experience and the positive things others share here help those who are struggling with this issue.

Hugs,

Melissa:)

[Veronica_Jean]

Melissa,

I am so happy this is working out for you!!! I know it means a lot to be yourself and to get that kind of feedback from those you work with.

I will find out myself soon since I am moving very quickly towards full time.

Nonetheless, congratulations and enjoy simply being yourself!!!
:yrtw:

Veronica

[Melissa A.]

Thank you so much, Veronica! and best of luck and strength to you, as well. Terri, I have attempted to look it up on the employee website several times, and as far as I can tell, my company has very extensive policies and even help available for gay employees, but there is nothing on trans people, as of yet. When I spoke to the H.R. dept.(by phone, as they are based way down in Jacksonville, Fla.) they were supportive, but seemed a bit bewildered by it all. I think this is all quite new to them!

Hugs,

Melissa:)

[Karen564]

That was great news Melissa, so Yay for you!!!

It doesn't surprise me that they don't include any trans policies in their handbook, because most other companies do the same & only get into the Gay & Lesbian issues...I guess thats because were a more rare bunch...
So maybe your company can get you involved to help modify a new policy including on the job transitioning in a new handbook....
Best of luck..
:hugs: