Transition at work...Sept 9th

[steph1964]

I met with the chief, and one of the assistant chiefs, again today to discuss the logistics of me presenting as a female at work. I had previously requested to leave patrol so I was offered an admin position. I need to meet with HR and have my name changed on my email, ID badges, business cards, etc. They have spent the time since our last meeting preparing for this and told me that they are ready whenever I am. The transition date is Monday, September 9th.

I have had a lot of support from my department and they said that they want to continue to support me once I retire in May. The chief told me that they would be happy to find a civilian position for me once I retire if I chose so that I wont have to switch careers mid transition.

I am very excited but also know that I will be scared sh**less when the day comes. But I have a lot of very supportive friends to help me get through this.

[AllieSF]

That is wonderful news. It is great to see everything falling into place in your favor. I wish you the best and keep us informed. I love success stories.

[Barbara Ella]

Steph, this is such good news. Always happy to read about positive support. Really sounds like the force is behind you,and I hope all the others will prove to be just as accepting. And don't you worry girl, you will do just great.

Barbara

[chelyann]

good luck hope all goes great

[Ann Louise]

That's so great Steph! I'm just out full-time at work, too! You can do it. If I can help by sharing my experiences (I'm a public employee, also) please don't hesitate to let me know. P/m me for my emails and phone. So happy and proud for you, Ann

[Angela Campbell]

Good things seem to always scare us ...until they are behind us. Then looking back they are not so scary. You will be fine!

[Sandra]

You will be fine, just take each day as it comes and hold your head high.

[Rianna Humble]

I can see the chuff chart from here (well in my mind's eye anyway). Less than 4 weeks to go and you will be a sensation.

I think it's wonderful that they even want to try to bring you back once you retire - shows how well regarded you are!

[Nicole Erin]

At first it will be awkward but soon there will come a day you won't even think about it.

I will say this though - presenting well as a woman is more daily mantenance than presenting as a guy. I mean we actually have to take showers and do our hair, makeup, decide what to wear etc... Sometimes when I get ready for work, running late but TRYING to look good I think, "why do I torture myself like this?"

[stefan37]

That is great news. Good luck on your first day of work.

[Rogina B]

presenting well as a woman is more daily mantenance than presenting as a guy. I mean we actually have to take showers and do our hair, makeup, decide what to wear etc...
The shower ,hair,and makeup for sure,but she gets to wear a uniform so that is a lot less deciding...lol

I think it is fantastic that she is so highly regarded that they want her to stick around!

[steftoday]

That's so awesome for you. Best of luck going forward!

[DeidraDee63]

Congratulations!!!that is great news; you will do well, just relax.
Good Luck,
Hugs, Deidra

[Jorja]

Wonderful news, Steph. The first few days will be a little strange to say the least. There will be those that won't really care for what you are doing but you will have that in any crowd of more than one. Just go about your business like it is any other day. They will get over it. You will be fine.

[Nigella]

Congratulations and seriously consider civilian employment with them :)

[kimdl93]

It keeps getting better. Congratulations one good luck as you move ahead.

[emma5410]

That is great news. I was very scared when I walked into work the first day as Emma. I made sure to get there as early as possible so I did not have to walk into a crowded room. It went very well. No one really reacted. As least not to my face. It did take me a long time to get up from my desk and walk across the office but I did it eventually.

[Krististeph]

Good for you Steph-
You are really an ambassador for everyone else who wants to do or is doing similar. I can imagine the nervousness, but not as deeply as you probably can... You'll be fine.

I don't dress publicly much- so my advice is not worth all that much- but when nervous, I find it's always safe to fall back on social politeness- that way even if you are rattled or something bad happens, your reaction will be pre-ordained by the rules of etiquette, and you'll never look as bad as the person harassing. And if things go well, then you give the impression of good manners, almost always a plus.

[Gerrijerry]

great news and I am sure it will all go much smoother then you think.
So it went like this for me.
Arrived at work. dressed in a nice matching skirt and blouse. Low heels makeup hair done. Sat down at my desk and looked around. Many took a second look at me. My mind just thought the worst. About 30 minutes later no one even looked all were working. I did the same until I needed to use the room. You know what room. I was shaking as I walked to the ladies room. I entered went to a stall, did what I came in for. Then as I was washing my hands one of the woman came in. She looked at me and smiled. Hi she said, heard you are starting your transition hope it all goes well. Then she went into a stall and I left. Back at my desk my phone rang. A group of people that I had gone to lunch with for years invites me to lunch. I figured I might as well get it over with. Well guess what. Went to lunch and the only comment to me about being dresses as a woman was. Nice out fit looks good on you. The talk was as it always had been about the world and how it should be fixed. Later back in the office I did my work. The day then went much faster. The next day there was no interest at all in what I was wearing. a week later I was invited for lunch with several women. I received several questions one about what it was like to transition. Mostly I said it was very scary at first and then I said do men always look at your breasts before they look at your face. Every woman laughed yes I was told. You learn to ignore it.

[steph1964]

Thank you everyone for all the positive comments and thanks Gerri for sharing your first day!


I can see the chuff chart from here (well in my mind's eye anyway).

Rianna, you just expanded my vocabulary...I had to look up to see what a chuff chart was. :)


The shower ,hair,and makeup for sure,but she gets to wear a uniform so that is a lot less deciding...

I won't be wearing a uniform. One of the reasons I transferred is to get into a non-uniform position. Now I will have to go clothes shopping...Darn :D

[DonnaA]

Good luck steph.

[Angela Campbell]

Now I will have to go clothes shopping...Darn :D

Oh yeah, darn........It will be such a chore I am sure.

[nicolecdgal]

Good luck Steph! Very proud of you and the way you have "come out" at work. I suppose you are going to be on dayshift now that I'm going to swings!

[Barbra P]

Wow! That’s great Steph, but a little hard to believe. I can remember the PM I received from you a little over two years ago, you weren’t wearing makeup, didn’t have a wig, didn’t have breast forms, and you were definitely in the closet. You had no plans to ever go out because someone might see you enfemme and it would get back to the department ruining your LEO career and now in just a few short weeks you’ll be reporting to work as a woman.

BTW: You super cute in your Avatar.

[LoriFlores]

Wonderful that your department administration is so supportive. I'll be interested in hearing how interactions with the rank & file go.

[donnalee]

Wow! Many, many brownie points for PPD and for you! I hope things continue to go as well as they have been and congratulations!
Donna