Angel.Marie76
01-03-2011, 01:03 PM
Hiya!
I realize I had a separate thread open for my legal name change stuffs, however this I felt deserved it's own thought process. Today, January 3rd, 2011, I started my life over in the same career / same organization (same .bat time, same .bat channel) as Angel Marie, with relatively little immediate negative ripples in the water! This event was over a year in planning and awareness to both myself and my employer, and they were well prepared to face the changes head-on. This message, while being a synopsis of the schedule of events, will include a electronic copy of the letter that was sent to all employees on my behalf by email while I was on my transitionary vacation for XMAss / New Years. New Years 2011 also begins my general R.L.E. as I have mentioned elsewhere, as with all the name changes and informational outlays to everyone, 'he' generally has no other reason to exist anymore in the public eye.
I wanted to write this as both a point of reference, and a chance to say that, for those who feel they want to 'come out' and live in the public eye, that (so far), this is yet another proof positive fact that companies ARE becoming more accepting every day. My office executed an executive order requiring that all employees complete a mandatory 1-hour training on diversity before the end of the 2010 calendar year (collectively scheduled during the month of December on purpose). This diversity training (self-labeled Transgender 101) was taught by the director of the State's Transgender Political Coalition. For reference, the director himself is a Transman. Managers and VPs were treated to an extended training w/ question and answer session that, I was told, was very well done, and lots of good questions came across the floor from all sides. As I was still a general secret at the time, I too went through the training myself, and was treated to a barrage of positivity from the dozen or so people in my session along side me. As I left that training, I pulled one woman aside and flat out TOLD her everything! She gave me a hug, we chatted, and on went the day.
Anyway, I realize that, when determining reasons to publicly transition or stay in the closet, it's a lot about FEELING out the environment and GUESSING as to whether they may or may not be an accepting organization. I've been blessed with being able to work for a company that not only accepts GLBT, but has declared that it is changing the company policy as quickly as possible to include 'gender identity' provisions. I will admit that, had I not felt so obviously comfortable to begin with, I would have probably just lived out my career here as an effeminate male who wears light makeup... and blocky heels... and.. kilts? Course, I would have just began developing breasts at some point too. ;)
Regardless, I have been receiving many positive words from coworkers now, and I can only hope that it will continue. Aside from that, the vendors I associate with will now be alerted to my changes one at a time, so as to facilitate a complete transformation. (Trans-formers.. Angels in disguise.. ;p )
I just want to end with one word: COURAGE! It needs to be followed up with STRENGTH, FAITH, BELIEVE, and, of course, BREATHE!! That first day may be a doosey, but if you're happy, then it was worth all the effort.
Attached below is a copy of the letter that was printed, signed by the president, and then scanned and emailed to everyone in the company. I was given the opportunity to edit it before it was sent, which I did.
Best of luck to you all, regardless if or when you choose to walk in the public eye or not. :D
------------
Dear Team,
Thank you for taking the time to attend the training “Transgender 101” this past week set up by Human Resources Dept. As you know [company name] is committed to diversity in our workforce. We believe a diverse workforce reflects our company philosophy and the customers that we serve.
This training was also timely in that we have a current employee that is transitioning their gender. Our friend and colleague, [me], [position] in [department], will be returning to work on January 3, 2011 with a new name, gender presentation, and pronoun. As part of the gender transition process, this (our?) employee's new name going forward has been officially changed to Angel [last name], and she will be dressing, altering her voice, and otherwise presenting and legally identifying as a female. Angel would appreciate everyone's efforts in ensuring that we refer to her as female. We understand this will be a process, but we appreciate your efforts to this end. Angel is prepared to answer questions about this matter openly, but we request that employees not let this matter become the subject of casual discussion, gossip, or humor in the office.
[company] is deeply committed to supporting Angel at this important time of change, and we trust that all company employees will treat her with sensitivity and respect. [Company] will not tolerate discrimination or mistreatment of any sort, and as a reminder our policies regarding employee behavior and or harassment are clearly stated in our Personnel Policy.
If you have further questions please contact your supervisor or Human Resources. If you are interested in further information regarding transgender employees, see the attached documents, which provide some helpful context. We would be happy to direct you to additional resources as well.
Best Regards,
-----------------------------------------
I realize I had a separate thread open for my legal name change stuffs, however this I felt deserved it's own thought process. Today, January 3rd, 2011, I started my life over in the same career / same organization (same .bat time, same .bat channel) as Angel Marie, with relatively little immediate negative ripples in the water! This event was over a year in planning and awareness to both myself and my employer, and they were well prepared to face the changes head-on. This message, while being a synopsis of the schedule of events, will include a electronic copy of the letter that was sent to all employees on my behalf by email while I was on my transitionary vacation for XMAss / New Years. New Years 2011 also begins my general R.L.E. as I have mentioned elsewhere, as with all the name changes and informational outlays to everyone, 'he' generally has no other reason to exist anymore in the public eye.
I wanted to write this as both a point of reference, and a chance to say that, for those who feel they want to 'come out' and live in the public eye, that (so far), this is yet another proof positive fact that companies ARE becoming more accepting every day. My office executed an executive order requiring that all employees complete a mandatory 1-hour training on diversity before the end of the 2010 calendar year (collectively scheduled during the month of December on purpose). This diversity training (self-labeled Transgender 101) was taught by the director of the State's Transgender Political Coalition. For reference, the director himself is a Transman. Managers and VPs were treated to an extended training w/ question and answer session that, I was told, was very well done, and lots of good questions came across the floor from all sides. As I was still a general secret at the time, I too went through the training myself, and was treated to a barrage of positivity from the dozen or so people in my session along side me. As I left that training, I pulled one woman aside and flat out TOLD her everything! She gave me a hug, we chatted, and on went the day.
Anyway, I realize that, when determining reasons to publicly transition or stay in the closet, it's a lot about FEELING out the environment and GUESSING as to whether they may or may not be an accepting organization. I've been blessed with being able to work for a company that not only accepts GLBT, but has declared that it is changing the company policy as quickly as possible to include 'gender identity' provisions. I will admit that, had I not felt so obviously comfortable to begin with, I would have probably just lived out my career here as an effeminate male who wears light makeup... and blocky heels... and.. kilts? Course, I would have just began developing breasts at some point too. ;)
Regardless, I have been receiving many positive words from coworkers now, and I can only hope that it will continue. Aside from that, the vendors I associate with will now be alerted to my changes one at a time, so as to facilitate a complete transformation. (Trans-formers.. Angels in disguise.. ;p )
I just want to end with one word: COURAGE! It needs to be followed up with STRENGTH, FAITH, BELIEVE, and, of course, BREATHE!! That first day may be a doosey, but if you're happy, then it was worth all the effort.
Attached below is a copy of the letter that was printed, signed by the president, and then scanned and emailed to everyone in the company. I was given the opportunity to edit it before it was sent, which I did.
Best of luck to you all, regardless if or when you choose to walk in the public eye or not. :D
------------
Dear Team,
Thank you for taking the time to attend the training “Transgender 101” this past week set up by Human Resources Dept. As you know [company name] is committed to diversity in our workforce. We believe a diverse workforce reflects our company philosophy and the customers that we serve.
This training was also timely in that we have a current employee that is transitioning their gender. Our friend and colleague, [me], [position] in [department], will be returning to work on January 3, 2011 with a new name, gender presentation, and pronoun. As part of the gender transition process, this (our?) employee's new name going forward has been officially changed to Angel [last name], and she will be dressing, altering her voice, and otherwise presenting and legally identifying as a female. Angel would appreciate everyone's efforts in ensuring that we refer to her as female. We understand this will be a process, but we appreciate your efforts to this end. Angel is prepared to answer questions about this matter openly, but we request that employees not let this matter become the subject of casual discussion, gossip, or humor in the office.
[company] is deeply committed to supporting Angel at this important time of change, and we trust that all company employees will treat her with sensitivity and respect. [Company] will not tolerate discrimination or mistreatment of any sort, and as a reminder our policies regarding employee behavior and or harassment are clearly stated in our Personnel Policy.
If you have further questions please contact your supervisor or Human Resources. If you are interested in further information regarding transgender employees, see the attached documents, which provide some helpful context. We would be happy to direct you to additional resources as well.
Best Regards,
-----------------------------------------