Joy....

[arbon]

Joy = that moment when, after going to work for nearly two weeks with my new name Theresa, one my my co-workers finally breaks ranks and refers to me by my new name instead of my male name :) :) First he said "See you later (male name)" and walked away as he was leaving. But then he stopped, paused, turned around, walked back to me and said "Sorry, Theresa, I'll try."

I was so happy I had to go to the bathroom for a bit because I started crying. Just that it has been so frustrating at work trying to do this. Over the last two weeks there has been absolutely zero effort to try using my new name by my boss or any of my co-workers.

So yeah, a small bit of progress. :)

[Anna Lorree]

Sometimes, when I contemplate transitioning, I feel such fear for the situations like the weeks where people's attitude tells you they don't care. Congratulations to you on your small victory, and on your courage.

Anna

[Ms Deidre]

Sometimes it is the little things that make things worthwhile for us. I know this may not seem like a lot to some but I know that his simple act was a sign he is really trying to see you as you are. Congrats Theresa! :D

[LeaP]

As hard and miserable as it is, people ultimately respect those who fight for respect. Congratulations on making it through weeks of hell. Hopefully, this is the first of what will be a trend toward treating you as you deserve.

[Julia_in_Pa]

Yes Theresa, progress indeed.
You earned this.
I respect the hell out of you for walking this path and not retreating when faced with the garbage that you went through.
There will be tough times ahead but they will become less so over the course of time.
Be proud of you.


Julia

[Jorja]

It's tough, I know. With some time it will seem like everyone will only have known you as Theresa. Hang in there, things will get better. You have my utmost respect for what you are doing. Be proud of you!

[Thera Home]

Theresa

I respect you and your courage. This is a stepping stone to further joys and disappointments,but the disappointments will diminish and diminish. Hang in there kiddo.

Thera

[KellyJameson]

Nice when you meet someone who has the courage to apologize and say they will try. That is someone worth knowing !

Gentle loving persistence protects those who really do want to do the right thing.

We are all simulataneously teachers and students to and from someone.

It hurts when after a lifetime of not being validated, those who have known us refuse such a simple act as acknowledging our name and I hope others in your work gain insight into why this brings so much pain.

Habits of past behavior can only be forgiven for so long and than one wonders if it is an intentional act to cause harm.

Most people understand that words can hurt but they seem not to understand that a name is not only a word but one of the most important words we use daily.

I have in the past reversed the experience by calling people by the wrong name so they know what it feels like. ( Do not recommend this at work )

[STACY B]

Therersa your TUFF !! I just dont know if I could do it ? Maybe change then move ,,lol,, But someone that did what you have done ?? Thats TUFF ,, An if I were there I would surely give you the respect that you diserve . Hang in there you got em by the sack now ,,Its all down hill from here .

[Rianna Humble]

Hi Theresa, I'm sorry that you had to go through all that :bighug: but your joy was hard earned.

There's nothing wrong with crying. Perhaps now that one of your co-workers has had the courage to apologise others might begin to follow his lead and treat you as you deserve.

[Persephone]

:cheer::cheer::cheer:

Congratulations! One small step for woman ...!!! Hang in there, girl!

Hugs,
Persephone.

[Kristy_K]

Congrats Theresa.

It is hard for some people to accept change.

[Lisa Gerrie]

For what it's worth, one of my co-workers told everybody that he wanted to be called James instead of Jim, and it took months for everybody to use James regularly. One woman still gets it wrong virtually every day. Part of the problem might have nothing to do with acceptance, respect, etc.

[kimdl93]

That was a moment of growth for him, and a demonstration that he cares for you as a person.