Picked the day...

[Faith_G]

The first day of my new life will be July 12, 2010. I'll be meeting with the company owner next week to tell him my plans and find out if I will still have a job.

If I get fired, I will go home and burn the man clothes the same day. :D

[pamela_a]

Congratulations Faith. I hope it goes well for you.

Burn your old clothes anyway. The only thing I would change is where you burn them if things go badly. :hugs:

[Frances]

I have been living full-time for year, and I still had my boy clothes until last weekend. It takes me a long time to get to things. (I started my transition at 40!) I gave them to three trans guys who shared an apartment. They did not have a lot of clothes, and seemed very appreciative. Not as symbolic as burning, but it made me feel good.

[Katesback]

Its a long road ahead. Also the most important thing to know is sitting down with the boss and getting his approval is not the same as when you actually start working as a girl. Thats when the real test begins.

But hey getting fired is often a good thing since it forces us to ADvance real quick.

[Kaitlyn Michele]

Hi Faith

hugs:

go get em!!!

[Jorja]

Go get em Faith!!!!
First, know there are thousands of us behind you all the way. Second, Nobody said this journey would be smooth and easy and without incident. And finally, I am sure you will succeed with the best of results. You are not the first and surely not the last. Go, be happy with your decision.

[PretzelGirl]

Wow! It has been quite a last year for you Faith. Best of luck. Your path is already set, it is just finding the way to walk it now. Congrats! :hugs:

[Stephenie]

Maybe the meeting will go well enough to burn them anyway. Hope all goes as you wish.

[katieblush]

Faith good luck to you from across the pond,i have a interview in two weeks time and i have to inform them of my intentions to transition at work almost straight away give or take a few weeks,so i really feel for you.

I know a girl who has just come out at work and the build up to the said date for her made me feel nervous lol,but all is well with her,shes even on public transport to work now,cool.

Best wishes :hugs:

[Victoria Anne]

you go Faith , all my best wishes for you. I am slowly coming out more and more , on hrt now and each time I see a post like this it gives me a little more courage.

[SamanthaStMichaels]

Don't burn all the male cloths! You want to keep some of the comfy baggy stuff for lounging around. Many of my GG friends have male cloths just for lounging. I find it funny they can wear male cloths like baggy sweatpants, T-shirts, and even boxers. It's not immoral for them. But we can't wear women cloths. UGH

[CharleneT]

I hope that meeting goes well. Kate's right though, support from HR is good, support from those around you is necessary. There are stories galore both ways, I hope yours is positive ;)

Do you have a way to celebrate on the 12th ? Do if you can! Also, take a picture of yourself that day (or have someone else do so). May seem silly, but I'll bet later you'll be happy to have a snap shot of the day.

:love:


p.s. now that I think about it, I still have most of the men's clothes in the basement and attic. Time to donate to GW it seems !

[Traci Elizabeth]

Yes, take pictures for sure to remember that day.

I am sure you will be very beautiful that day and your co-workers will be envious.

[~Emma D~]

Hi Faith
I hope the day goes well for you
Just be positive and be yourself

Best Wishes
:hugs:

[Empress Lainie]

Congratulations dear. Believe me, I think this will always be a day to remember. Hopefully in the best sense.

Living as the person you really are is indescribably happy.


Guy clothes? I really want to give mine to my son but don't see him that often since he lives in San Diego. And I do need the closet space. You can always give them to good will too.

[luvSophia]

Congrats to you Faith on setting a date! And good luck to you in your meeting with the boss. Just go in there with the same poise and self-confidence I saw during our short time together and I am sure you'll do fine. And while getting fired was the best thing that could have happened to me personally I don't highly recommend it as a plan of action so don't go that route!:hugs:

[Tomara]

Hi Faith
Congratulations !
I hope your meeting with your employer is a positive one.
All the best to you my friend.
Tomara

[Veronica_Jean]

Faith,

I hope your day goes well. I know the nervousness since I did that slightly over a year ago myself.

A couple of unexpected concerns was time off for surgery (I had not even started hormones), which bathroom I would use, and what they needed to do. My supervisors had no idea how to deal with this, but were willing and happy to go ask HR and find out what made sense.

We sometimes forget that we have been living with this for years (or decades) and this is the first time these people have had to deal with it themselves. Make sure you let him/her know your quality of work will not be affected in any way by this change. In fact it is likely to improve from taking away this huge load of stress from your life.

Good luck,

Veronica

[Freddy12]

Congratulations!

You have the support of a bunch of people here!

I certainly hope that the meeting goes well with your boss. You are a courageous woman for having taken this step without knowing that you would still have a job.

Burn those guy things no matter. It no longer represents who you are!

[alexmarie]

Congratulation I hope everythings goes the way you want it to. Good luck Alexmarie

[Faith_G]

Thanks everybody! :happy: I will be talking to him Monday to find out when he has time for a meeting. I'll let everyone know how it goes.

[PortiaHoney]

As with everything else in this world - anything worth anything is worth waiting for. Give your employer time to adjust and help with arrangements for you to transition in the workplace.

I told my employer last October. Firstly, they asked me when and I let them know about my plans which were a bit vague at the time. It was all dependant on so many factors, doctors, psychiatrists, my own learning, personal arrangements. I told them it would be sometime soon, but I would let them know with plenty of warning. After meeting with everyone, I had a date of May 2nd, when I was due to return from holidays. My plan was to do as much as I could before taking the last step of working as a woman, laser, medications, clothing, deportment, voice work, getting my staff used to the idea of the changes. There is plenty to do. It's not just a matter of throwing on a dress.

So many times I wanted to pull that date forward. I found it hard to wait. And I kept getting delays from all concerned - don't pick the holiday season to decide to transition! My employer kept telling me to be patient and leave the goal as it was. As it is, I still haven't had the opportunity for the medications to do their full job, the laser on the beard has still to finish off that darn mo and I still find myself on a bit of a rollercoaster emotional wise. BUT, I have been FT at work since 10th May - 4 weeks. It has been interesting. Absolutely no bad experiences, quite a few laughs and some really heartwarming conversations with co-workers. Have I made the wrong decision - absolutely not. Was the timing right - maybe even transitioning when I did was rushing it a little but definately not overly too soon. Be realistic in your expectations - both from your employer and yourself.

I can only hope that your (and anyone else in this boats) experience is as good as mine has been. A smooth transition is all in the preparatiion. Like a good marriage - it's all about being open and truthful. Don't be afraid to educate others about our condition - most people are afraid of gender diverse people. Through education they learn we are not to be feared. Thanks to the efforts of many pioneers, there is a lot more acceptance in the community than there used to be, but it's still no picnic. A lot of the time, we tend to shy away from attention (not all of us seek the attention that drag queens seem to crave which just gives off another sterotype for us to overcome) and some people see this as we have something to hide. Unless we let people know we are human and still have feelings (maybe even more-so), how are they to know that we really are good people?

Most of all, be proud of who you are.

[morgan51]

Good luck to you my prayers are with you, enjoy your new endever. Be happy!

[Melissa A.]

All the best to you, Faith. You deserve it.

Don't burn them. Give them to a deserving charitable group. Somebody can use them.

Hugs,

Melissa:)

[Mariah]

YAY!!! FAITH!!! :) you need to party that day I'll come up and party with you if you want ^.^

Mariah

[Faith_G]

Update:

I had a short informal meeting with the company owner this morning. He was not negative, but asked for time to process the news and discuss it wth the general manager. He called me this afternoon, I am to meet with him and the GM tomorrow at the main office.

Send prayers and happy thoughts my way.

[Mariah]

I hope it all goes well *hugs*.

Mariah

[EnglishRose]

Good luck for tomorrow! :)

[~Emma D~]

good luck, I hope it goes well

[CharleneT]

I hope that your meeting goes very well !!

:hugs:

[GypsyKaren]

Faith, you've always commanded my respect for the way you handle things, this is no different and I'll be wishing good things for you. :hugs:

Karen

[pamela_a]

All my best to you Faith. Expect great things to happen to you. :hugs:

[Veronica_Jean]

Faith,

I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Maybe some of my good karma will be sent your way too.

:hugs:

Veronica

[morgan51]

Sending good vibes to you best of luck! Will keep you in my prayers.

[Sharon]

Send prayers and happy thoughts my way.

I don't pray (for rather obvious reasons) but I wish you all the good karma I can, Faith. :hugs:

[Faith_G]

Thanks everyone! :hugs:

The meeting went great! They had a few questions which I guess I answered to their satisfaction because the meeting turned into a planning session. :) We worked out the details on how and when to tell co-workers and customers. My first day of work as a woman will be July 12. :jumping:

They told me several times how impressed they were by my courage and professionalism in handling the whole situation. I am just happy I work at a place where 11 years of good work means something. Good employees have been kicked to the curb over this stuff at other companies and I am grateful to be treated well.

I'll be making a drop-off at the Goodwill July 10. ;)

[CharleneT]

Absolutely FABULOUS !

I'm relived to hear it went well. Also it seems more and more HR folks are getting the right idea that this can be worked out without trouble. Of course, you're very right, that it is heart warming to find a business where they respect the years of work you have given them.

Congrats to YEW !!!

. . . now the hard part, waiting till July 12 :daydreaming:

[pamela_a]

:Party2::Party2::Party2:

YEA!!!!! I'm so happy for you Faith.

As Charlene said now is the hard part...waiting for that day to come.

:hugs:

[Rianna Humble]

Well done you! Only 33 more days to go! Still, who's counting? :heehee:

[Michelle I]

Congratulations, glad the company cares about you.

[Mariah]

YAY FAITH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! *DANCES*

Mariah

[Jorja]

I am glad to hear your meeting went well. :thumbup:

Now comes the fun part. WAITING for the date. :wn:

[tess graham]

Faith, I wish you luck and will keep you in my prayers. Sounds like you are moving on irregardless of the outcome of your meeting. Good for you!!!!! Stay strong girl!

[Elsa Larson]

Wonderful news !

Thanks for sharing the continuing story of your gender journey !

[Monica93304]

Hi Faith. I also want to congratulate you. You're and inspiration like the other girls that are transitioning and that share their stories on this forum.

Hugs,

Monica.

[~Emma D~]

Hi Faith
So pleased for you that it went well:)
now for the countdown

[Veronica_Jean]

Faith,

I am so thrilled to hear the wonderful news!! I know how frightening it is to do this and how exhilarating it is when they are supportive and understanding.

You have put a smile on my face that will last the entire day!!
:drink:

:hugs:

Veronica

[Melissa A.]

Yay! I'm so glad for you, Faith. Been there recently, and finally being able to ready your day, make that commute, and spend what is a huge amount of most of our lives as who you honestly are always, is, well, quite wonderful.

Congratulations on your strength and determination.

Hugs,

Melissa:)

[Tomara]

Hi Faith
I'm really happy for you and happy that you had such a positive meeting with your employer.
I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers and hope that telling your coworkers and customers will be just as positive and seamless.
Congratulations my friend !
:hugs:Tomara

[TerryTerri]

I am just happy I work at a place where 11 years of good work means something. Good employees have been kicked to the curb over this stuff at other companies and I am grateful to be treated well.

I'll be making a drop-off at the Goodwill July 10. ;)

Faith, I am hoping the same for myself. I have been at my job for 13 years. Things are in flux at work toward getting a promotion. So, I believe they are happy with me. But, due to ex-wife and family matters I really really really need to keep this job. Moving elsewhere would be very difficult for mw and my kids and, in my heart, Yuma is my home. Additionally, I would have adifficult, if not impossible time finding other employment here with anything close to the same pay as I am making now.
So, in coming out, it is very important that I am able to remain employed at my job. Since I am a federal employee (your tax-payer dollars at work. & thank you tax payers) there are policies and laws to support me. But, we all know the informal power management can exert.

Anyway, congradulations that so far coming out at work for you is going well. I hope that continues!!

[luvSophia]

Faith - I am so happy for you that your first conversation went so well. Hopefully all will continue along just as well.

[Lesley-Ann]

Congratulations Faith, its great that the company has accepted you

[Kimberly Marie Kelly]

I know you will be succcesful in your life Faith. Remember if you need friendly support when you go for the court hearing, call me. I will be so happy to accompany you to court when your name becomes official. Kimmie :battingeyelashes:

[Faith_G]

Yes, and got fingerprinted too. Just waiting for a court date...:waiting:

[Teri Jean]

Congrats Faith, I wish you the best and even if you don't get fired burn them anyway. Just kidding. If you clean the cosets and dressers consider the SA or thrift stores.

Teri

[Faith_G]

Well, it's not happening July 12th. :straightface:

Management got a case of cold feet (I can't really blame them) and was indecisive for a while.

Thank God the company owner decided to completely disregard the advice of his legal counsel, which was to fire me.

My first day of work (for sure this time) will be July 19. :happy:

[PretzelGirl]

Wow Faith. Are you doing okay? Are you feeling comfortable with the owner? You didn't say a lot, so I don't know if it is "one more week" or if there are things unsaid making you uncomfortable. :hugs:

So, a tag is placed ion July 19th!

[Veronica_Jean]

Faith,

I am not advocating that you use this as a threat, but it may comfort the owner to be aware:


ATLANTA – A federal court has ruled in favor of a transgender woman who was fired by Georgia’s General Assembly.

Late Friday, the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia ruled that the Georgia General Assembly discriminated against Lambda Legal client Vandy Beth Glenn, a transgender woman who was fired from her job as Legislative Editor after she told her supervisor that she planned to transition from male to female.

Lambda Legal's lawsuit, filed in July 2008, claimed that Glenn's termination violated the Constitution's Equal Protection guarantee because it treated her differently due to her nonconformity with sex stereotypes and her medical condition.

After the state's motion to dismiss failed, the two sides filed motions for summary judgment in September 2009.

Using the high standard of scrutiny required for sex discrimination claims, the court ruled that Georgia General Assembly officials violated the Constitution and discriminated against Glenn by terminating her for failing to conform to gender stereotypes. Using a lower standard of review, the court rejected the second Equal Protection claim that Glenn was discriminated against on the basis of her medical condition.

http://sdgln.com/causes/2010/07/06/transgender-woman-wins-discrimination-case-against-georgia-general-assembly

There are more and more cases at the Federal level deciding that it is sex discrimination to fire a transsexual just because of transition.

I seems that is not happening to you at this point. The reason I bring this up is because of the legal advice provided. Seems the lawyer may not be in the know.

Veronica

[Midnight Skye]

Great to here things didn't bounce off the road Faith! I'm really hope things go well and your life moves forward with plenty of smiles and fun ;) That green stuff which keeps the lights on would be good too!

[Faith_G]

Wow Faith. Are you doing okay? Are you feeling comfortable with the owner? You didn't say a lot, so I don't know if it is "one more week" or if there are things unsaid making you uncomfortable. :hugs:

So, a tag is placed ion July 19th!I am doing way better now that I know what's going on!

I am absolutely amazed at how the owner is handling the situation. He is going against the advice of all three lawyers he talked to because of his loyalty to me. He said it just didn't seem right to let me go after 12 years without even trying. I would walk through a wall of fire for the guy right now, the extra week means nothing.

I love his attitude about the timing: the managers were hemming and hawing about when they would be ready. The owner said "I'm tired of thinking about this. Let's get it over with!" Couldn't have said it better myself. :D

I go into this knowing that if my transition becomes a big problem for whatever reason - customer reaction, co-worker troubles, etc. I am going to be fired. And I'm OK with that. If it turns into a bad situation I don't want to be involved.


Faith,

I am not advocating that you use this as a threat, but it may comfort the owner to be aware:



There are more and more cases at the Federal level deciding that it is sex discrimination to fire a transsexual just because of transition.

I seems that is not happening to you at this point. The reason I bring this up is because of the legal advice provided. Seems the lawyer may not be in the know.

VeronicaThanks, I wasn't aware anybody had been successful in Federal court.

I would never sue to try to keep this job, and it doesn't really pay enough to be worth filing a suit for lost earnings. If it goes bad I will walk away and find something else to do. :happy:

[Ze]

Keep going, Faith! :cheer: You're almost there! You're a sweet lady; I'm rooting for you!

[Veronica_Jean]

Faith,
I understand your situation and I was not suggesting you should sue over it.

I just wanted to let you know that things are finally changing. The case brought by Diane Shrorer(sp) also was a federal case and it also stated that acting this way against a transsexual is sex discrimination under Title IV (I think).
So there is beginning to be a series of cases that add up to case law, which is how future judges and lawyers will go about dealing with this in the future.

I know sometimes lawyers don't watch for things like this and when they are pointed to it, they change their opinion about what to do.

I both admire you and the owner. He sounds like he is a good person.

Veronica

[luvSophia]

Best wishes Faith. I'll be thinking of you :hugs:

[~Emma D~]

Hi Faith
Hope you are ok, and that it goes well next week.
the owner seems to be a good person, hopefully he will keep his nerve.
:hugs:

[CharleneT]

Management got a case of cold feet (I can't really blame them) and was indecisive for a while.

Thank God the company owner decided to completely disregard the advice of his legal counsel, which was to fire me.

My first day of work (for sure this time) will be July 19. :happy:

WOW ! I cannot believe the lawyers attitude(s) ??? Schmucks at best :( At least the owner is a reasonable person !!

I hope your first day is a great one and the folks around you accept you without issues ;)

Charlene

[PretzelGirl]

I would walk through a wall of fire for the guy right now, the extra week means nothing.


It's great you have someone like that to work for. Has to give you some level of peace of mind. One more week!

[Kimberly Marie Kelly]

It's a great altitude to have, if they fire you you will go elsewhere. Life would go on and you would survive. Don't sweat it sweetheart. By the way your new pictures are nice. Kimberly Marie Kelly :battingeyelashes:

[Faith_G]

Well, the meeting was supposed to be tomorrow, but one of the guys I work closely with is taking that day off. So management told everyone today. The guys I work with directly have been fine so far, I will see how the people at the main branch are taking the news on my next visit there on Tuesday. :happy:

Still gotta "man up" tomorrow but that will be the last day.

[Ze]

That's great to hear, Faith. :) Good luck with Tuesday; I hope it goes as well as today.

[Veronica_Jean]

Faith,

I think I am going to walk around all day tomorrow with a smile on my face from your wonderful news!!

I have to tell you that week 3 for me is nearly over and everyone has just gone back to work. Aside from the time to time "he" or "Ron" it has been nearly flawless.

It is the strangest yet wonderful feeling to go to work wearing nail polish, and no one seems to notice. Although, it is a bit annoying that no one said anything!! It is a pretty color.

Then again, the other day one woman told me she liked by blouse and another she liked my earrings. I guess working around a bunch of guys has its downside. They are all young, married and have children too so not even someone to have admire me!!

I sincerely hope your turns out to quickly become "work as usual" for you too!

:love::hugs:

Veronica

[Rianna Humble]

Faith, that is wonderful news! Thank you for the update. I know that the last day in drab can seem a bit of a downer, but then it'll be all over and you can be yourself at work at last. :hugs:

I'm glad to see that the guys are taking it well and I'm sure you'll be fine on Tuesday too - I'll be thinking of you.

The only thing I've found is the daily problem of deciding what to wear. When I was pretending to be a man, I just grabbed a clean shirt, put on a pair of trousers and was off.

A few days ago,I had almost decided on an outfit and texted my manager to check that it would fit in the company's dress code. Five changes of mind later, I turned up in something completely different. :eek:

[Tomara]

Hi Faith
I am happy to hear that everything is going well for you and I would expect with your positive attitude everything will continue to go well.
Best of luck to you on Monday and I hope you have a great weekend.
Tomara

[Billijo49504]

Glad everything seems to be going well. Remember even the President hired a trans woman. That might be a little bit of knowledge to pass around. It would get people thinking...BJ

[carolinoakland]

You have to be you! Never give up! Carol

[Faith_G]

God is good!

It went great! I don't know what my boss said to the customers but he did very well. Every delivery was pretty much a non-event. Nobody said anything stupid or ignorant - most said nothing, avoiding the elephant in the room. One customer who I have a close relationship with had some questions, but otherwise it was a normal day at work - except I actually felt normal. :happy:

Tomorrow I'll be visiting our main office and I'll see the people I worked with for 10 years. I'll let everybody know how that goes.

[Ze]

:huggles That's awesome to hear, Faith.

[Rianna Humble]

I'm really pleased for you that it went so smoothly :bighug: and isn't it wonderful that you can at last be your true self!

[Teri Jean]

Faith I am glad you event became a non-event. Congrats

[Ms Jennifer]

How did it go. You are so brave.A lot of us are just trying to get the courage just to go out.I hope it turned out good for you.

[Inna]

Wow, I just read the post now and went through all emotions associated with the reveal. I must say your choice of your name couldn't fit you better. Courage, strength and your belief that everything is going to be OK which ever way it actually turns out gives me strength to believe the same. Such is the wisdom of life and you definitely posses it. Now there is just you, real you, the most wonderful gift we can cherish. Love you babe, Alexia.

[Veronica_Jean]

Faith,

I am thrilled at the non-event!! I know how wonderful it is to go to work and be able to "just do your job" as yourself!!

Soon, I suspect it will be a ong forgotten memory by everyone except you.

:rave:

Veronica

[PretzelGirl]

Faith, I am so glad you are had a wonderful first day!

Oh, and can I offer you a match for the bonfire? :heehee:

Congratulations :bh:

[Faith_G]

Thanks everyone! :happy: And I get to do it again tomorrow - that is the best part. I never have to "man up" again. :happy:



Oh, and can I offer you a match for the bonfire?I think the East Earl Goodwill would be upset if I burned them now, and anyway I'd have to find them first. :heehee:

[Mariah]

YAY FAITH! ^.^


Mariah

[pamela_a]

You are so right Faith. God is good, just have faith. :heehee:

I'm so happy to hear it was a non-event. Welcome to the first day your new life. :hugs:

I'm willing to bet if you look back at everything that's happened in your life for no discernible reason, you'll see how His hand was guiding you to get you to where you are today, and it's better to know He'll continue to be with you and guide you tomorrow.

[luvSophia]

:D Yippee!!! Congrats Faith

[Sharon]

:hugs: The day finally arrived and the Earth still spins! I'm happy beyond happy that you are on your way to finally being who you are, Faith, and that it is going well. :hugs:

[jenna_woods]

I think that's great good luck in your new life,I have been liveing full time as jenna for almost a year now, and got rid of my man things just a while ago, its a big stepe I think, good luck again, I hope you let us know how things go for you hun,

[Tomara]

Hi Faith
I am so glad that your fist day went so smoothly and seamless and so happy for you too , now you can enjoy being YOU ! and not that someone you want to be.
:hugs:Tomara

[JustWendy]

Hi, Faith. I've seen your signature on a number of other forum threads, which made me aware, over this past month, that you had a special day coming up. But this is the first time I'm reading through this thread. Like the others here, I just wanted to extend my feelings of happiness for you, and my wishes that you continue to be blessed with support from all who cross your path.
Wendy

[Faith_G]

Day two went about the same as day one. No bad stuff happened at customer sites, everyone was polite. They don't interact with me i the same as they used to, but I'd be a little disappointed if they did treat me the same as before. I don't want them to treat me as a man anymore.

My old co-workers were polarized - the women all hugged me and told me how happy they were for me. The guys were awkward and quiet with one exception. The exception was one I did not expect, but he was awesome. I was rolling out of the yard as he was coming in, and he jumped out of his truck and came running over to my window. He told me how great it was that I was doing this, and that he was glad I was doing what made me feel right. He said "Wow, you look totally different!" and that earned him a few points too...

I am humbled by the way God is blessing my transition. I know so many people whose lives have been completely torn apart by transition, and I am waltzing through almost completely untouched. God is so good!

Further daily updates will probably be more of the same and I'm afraid y'all will get bored. I'll check in about a month from now.

[StephanieC]

Great news Faith. I'm happy to hear your dreams are coming true.
-Stephani

[Veronica_Jean]

Faith,

It is amazing that we both had a similar experience. The guys were awkward and women all hugged me!! Even when the last meeting to tell everyone ended, the guys took off like bees, and all the women hung around to talk a bit before we slowly move out of the room!

I am so happy that things have gone so well Faith!

Veronica

[fireflyespiritus]

It sounds like your experience has been going extremely well, I wish you the best ^-^

[pamela_a]

That's great to hear Faith. I'm not surprised at the difference between the women's and men's responses, it was very similar for me too.

One word of warning. Now that this is behind you don't be surprised if you very quickly find yourself just living. In my opinion, that's a great place to be.

Congratulations again Faith. :hugs:

[Faith_G]

It is amazing that we both had a similar experience. The guys were awkward and women all hugged me!! I had an epiphany last week on why this is so. Good people try to empathize with us when they hear what we are going through. For women, this approach works very well. They imagine how they would feel if they woke up with a penis, no breasts, and covered in body hair. And they have pretty much the same reaction we do. Guys also try to put themselves in our shoes, but then everything goes wrong. They are comfortable in their bodies, and the thought of modifying the rod & tackle just makes them feel queasy. It's almost impossible for a cisguy to empathize with a trans woman. But if you explain to them that there is such a thing as an FtM TS, and then ask them to empathize with that situation, things work much better. They find the idea of waking up with no penis, weak muscles, and a high voice abhorrent and they catch on quickly.

[Elsa Larson]

I had no doubt that your transition at work would start smoothly.

It's great that the women are in your corner and that you've already got the support of the owner and one male peer. I bet the rest of the guys will soon realize this is a non-event as far as they are concerned.

[luvSophia]

My old co-workers were polarized - the women all hugged me and told me how happy they were for me. The guys were awkward and quiet with one exception.
For me that reaction was pretty much universal. I think it is because men and women look at opposite sides of the coin. The men listen and then just do not understand why anyone would want to leave the fraternity. To give up all the aspects of manliness is to become less of a person in their eyes. Women on the other hand are congratulatory in welcoming you to the sorority. I did not have a single guy tell me that he was happy for me in having a life changing event that was going to make me a complete person finally.

[Faith_G]

Today I finally got to visit a new customer. It was great! They were getting three forklift tanks that weigh 72 lbs each. I picked up two (one in each hand makes for a balanced load) and carried them the 10 feet to the storage area. While I was doing that, the customer grabbed the last one. I guess he wasn't ready for how heavy they are, I must have made it look too easy. He said "Wow, you are a strong woman!" :D I said "This job builds your muscles!" and made a muscle for him, he thought that was funny. :heehee:

So week two is off to a good start. It seems like everything is going to work out just fine. I guess transitioning on the job as a welding supply delivery driver was one of those crazy ideas that that was just crazy enough to work. :happy:

[pamela_a]

Let me get this straight.. a new customer called you a strong woman, and you say you didn't smile like the Cheshire cat the rest of the day? It sounds to me like you're off to more than a good start. Congratulations Miss Faith. :hugs: