Still presenting as male

[kristyk]

Hi all, let me say first I'm not a regular here, but I learn a lot from reading posts from other TS girls. I've been on HRT for a while, breast growth has become very noticeable. I'm glad to have my breast, and all the great things that have come with HRT, I still present as male... a feminine male but a male. I've started wearing my bras under my shirt to work, and I've not come out to work. I wear my bra for many reasons, but one main reason that I feel forced me to wear it to work and everywhere else is my nipples get rubbed raw and it hurts. I also like that it makes me feel and look pretty. The company I work for is a high testosterone male dominated company in a almost 100% male dominated business. The perks of this job in the way of bonuses, pay, etc, leave me not wanting to leave. I'm paid very well for my position I wear my bra for many reasons, but one main reason is my nipples get rubbed to the point the shirt hurts me if I don't wear a bra. My question is, If I don't come out at work and I'm found to be wearing a bra to work do you think that's grounds to be fired?


Kristy

[AllieSF]

In the USA, I don't believe there is legal ground to fire a male for wearing a bra at work. Some older men wear a bra, as recommended b=y their doctors to support their man boobs, because they have or had gynomastia [sp?]. Now, can the powers that be discover that you are wearing a bra, dislike it, and decide to find a way to let you go? Yes, that can happen any place with little or no recourse from the fired employee, the they set it up correctly over time. So, if you are worried about that, maybe you need to find another way to protect your nipples from rubbing, maybe a tight compression tee shirt, like the weight lifting enthusiasts sometimes wear. Are you looking into what your employment rights are in Ohio, and also considering when you will have to come out when your breasts get too big to hide? Your path and time table are yours, but some physical changes may accelerate your own schedule. Good luck.

[Melissa Rose]

Generally speaking, you cannot be fired just for wearing a bra. If you live in an at-will employment state then you can be let go without cause or reason as long as there is no violation of civil rights laws and rules, thus you can still be vulnerable. If there is an underlying (no pun intended) reason for wearing a bra such as a health or medical reason then you are usually protected under variations of the ADA, however, it does not save you from an at-will dismissal if the employer carefully handles it. Most employers will stay away from dismissing an employee if there is any chance of it being linked or related, real or perceived, to a medical or disability situation.

While you may not lose your job over wearing a bra, it could affect how you are viewed and influence your career at the company whether the information is limited to a few or known by many. IMHO, this is the biggest risk. I wore sports bras and loose shirts to hide my breasts in situations where I was still presenting as male. I found sports bras that appeared to be more like an under-shirt if one of the straps showed. As far as I know, it worked.

[kristyk]

Thanks for the employer dismissal information and how it can be done in any situation. I'm aware the company I work for has weeded out employees in the past. I'm definitely not a trouble maker I do good work for them as well. However a sports bra or a compressed tee shirt sounds like the way for me to go. Appreciate the information from both of you have a great weekend.

Kristy

[natasha]

I wear a sports bra to work almost daily, for the very same reasons you sighted.

[immindy]

Yep, Similar situation here. I essentially live as a woman but prefer to present as a male to some family members and some work relations. I wear a sports bras in male mode and they to a nice job of "hiding" my B cups

[Krisi]

In some states, you can be let go from a job with no reason given. In other states, there has to be a good reason and the fact that you wear a bra would not be one of them. Without knowing the laws in your state, nobody can answer your question. There's probably some sort of civil rights organization in your state that can answer your question or you could consult a lawyer.

Bras usually accent the breasts so a bra is probably not the best choice to hide breast growth. Compression undershirts are sold for this purpose. If you really want to wear a bra, a plain stretch bra (like a Genie Bra) would be the best choice. No hooks or adjusters to be seen. And you can get them in "nude" so they don't stand out under clothing.

If your nipples are bothering you, there are stick on products available to cover and protect the nipples. Even normal adhesive bandages should work.

[kristyk]

Ok some great replies, I now my bra size 42B any idea what size sports bra or sports compression shirt I'd look for. 5' 10 230 lbs. Does anyone know of a size chart That would point me in the right size direction. I'm sure it's suppose to be snug but not painfull correct?

[Krisi]

Most of the sports bras have sizing information on the package. I suggest buying one at a local store like Walmart. Try it on at home and if it doesn't fit, return it and buy a larger or smaller size.

Compression shirts will probably have to be purchased on the Internet but again, the vendor or manufacturer will provide sizing information.

If anyone at work gives you a hard time about your breasts, don't tell them you are taking female hormones, tell them you have gynecomastia. It's a medical condition (look it up) where males grow female breasts and it's nothing to make fun over or be terminated for.

[kristyk]

I was allowed to increase my meds a few months ago. Spir. is the pill that for me created my breat growth. I had been taking spiro. But until they upped my doses this time did I see the real effect of it. Love what I'm seeing sdont see it stopping so your medical condition will help. I'll get out this weekend and buy me a couple of sports bras.

Really appreciate all the support.
Kristy

[immindy]

Yes , when you get your sports bra you will get the "support" you need indeed :) Sorry could not help it .

[karla2016]

Glamorise Women's Plus-Size High Impact Magiclift Zippered Sports Bra 46B

I am using this bra to go the Gym and it really do the job, both concealing them (that's what I think) and to support them when I am running real fast.

Karla

[kristyk]

Karla purfect I'll get on line tonight and get me a couple. I'm a 42b you said you take a Impact Magiclift Zippered Sports Bra 46B. In a normal bra do you take a 46b or what size are you. I'm trying to understand my size sports bra based on our different sizes. I'm thinking sports bra 42b for me but I'm a newborn at this sports bra buying