Stepping outside comfort zone at work

[Jamie M]

Hi all,

So I'm massively nervous about tomorrow at work and just needed to let it all out for no other reason than so I don't stew over it and not get any sleep tonight. For those that don't know me, I work as a Train Driver and apart from the obvious male dominated culture , I can't think of a better profession to transition in. 90% of our work is very solitary , not much customer contact and lots of opportunity to keep yourself to yourself ( come to think of it , it's always been perfect for my personality too lol ) and the unions are getting very proactive in the whole LGBT thing so you're actually very well protected.

Well since transitioning at work 2 and half years ago, I've pretty much kept a low profile, just getting on with my job and keeping my nose clean, it's the way I like it. So why have I finally given in to pressure from above and signed myself for the Inclusivity and Diversity steering group ? arggggh , this is like my worst nightmare, I'm not a meeting kind of girl with agendas, minutes, chairs and so forth and I definitely don't feel qualified as an advisor or advocate for the Trans community . heck I barely know what I'm doing myself these days, now I'm going to be in a room full of suit types trying to explain it all ?! Yikes, what have I done ? I'm totally blue collar and feeling totally out of my depth.

Still onwards and upwards I guess, what's the worst that can happen ? As a bonus it means I get a lay in tomorrow instead of the 4am start I should have had, I can finally wear something nice to work instead of the horrid uniform they give us and there's a management style lunch thrown in, bang goes the diet then ;)

I think I'll survive ....... just

[AllieSF]

I understand where you are coming from. However, from the mouths of innocents and babes can come some very good, simple and straightforward words that actually can help others if they listen and understand those words. So, go in there with your head held high, your initial fear tucked away and see if you can be yourself and help those that do not know or understand, understand a little more about you, us and others out there. Your contribution can be very powerful and important if just given honestly and openly. You may be a reluctant volunteer, but please give it a try, it may turn into a very rewarding exercise for you and your organization. Good luck.

[becky77]

Can see why you would be nervous, best of luck for tomorrow, I'm sure you will be fine :)

[Jorja]

I agree, give it a try and give it a chance. If nothing else, just tell your story. Tell how you just want to be left alone to do your job without any fanfair. Explain that is all most of us want, allowed to be ourselves and allowed to do the job we were hired for while being treated fairly.

[Bria]

Jorja always seems to get said with a minimum of words! I don't think it can be said any better with more works. Employ the KISS principal (keep it simple st..id).

Hugs, Bria

[Jamie M]

I guess that this is actually a side effect of my journey at least. I would NEVER have had the courage or inclination to do something like this in the bad old days. Although I am absolutely petrified about the whole thing, it's something that I think will be beneficial for me at the very least, I just hope they will think it was beneficial for them too. You completely hit the nail on the head Jorja, I only ever wanted to get on and do my job and be left to it. There does seem to be a perception that we must all be activists , pushing forward the trans agenda ( if you believe there is one ). I'm terrible, I thank everyone who has gone before and made my journey so relatively easy so far but I don't feel in a place to champion anyone else rights at this point, maybe in the future, who knows maybe this is that first step to doing that. I always had a fear that with my company being so ready to show how diverse they were that they might try and make me some sort of poster child which thankfully hasn't happened so far. I'm definitely pushing myself in going along and joining in and it will be an experience to say the least but I still reckon I'm not going to get much sleep tonight lol

[Eringirl]

Hi Jamie. Good for you! Sometimes it is good to push yourself a bit and grow with new experiences. Remember, you know more about TG than they do. Stick to basics, keep it straight forward and simple. Gently correct misconceptions with accurate information. You may find that you will do more listening the first few meetings until you get a sense of what is going on, who has what agendas, and "who is who in the zoo". You will be fine. As others have said, just looking to be treated fairly, with dignity and respect and to contribute to the organization by being allowed to do your job to the best of your abilities and now, to provide some insight from your perspective on what you think inclusivity and diversity means to you.

Get some rest, you will be fine!!!

Erin

[Krisi]

You have been given an opportunity and some responsibility. You have a chance to influence policy and make things easier for yourself and current and future co-workers. I suggest taking this opportunity seriously and making the best of it.

I was once selected with one other person from a group of 350 employees for something similar (but not transgender related) and I thought of it as a privilege and took it seriously.