So I went to the gym today like any other day. I decided on pink. I have gone pink before but not all that often. I have a bright pink top that is form fitting. I wore a sports bra with a cup underneath to give my small breasts a little help. I had on my black shorts with a pink stripe, white New Balance sneakers with pink trim and white crew cut socks with pink trim. I don't worry about what people think about my fashion sense, after all I am transgender, and trans people define fashion.
I always go to the gym dressed and have been for almost a year now. It doesn't bother me that when I scan my card my male name and picture come up. Everyone is so nice there and they always greet me (and everyone) with a smile and a good morning when I arrive.
They never once asked about my picture in the system being different from my feminine appearance. I figured they knew I am trans and they probably discuss it when they have their weekly planning meetings.
Anyway, there was a slight change in the pattern this morning. After clocking in and saying hi I proceeded down the hall to the weight and cardio machine. As I turned down the stairs the girl from behind the desk was right on my tail and caught my attention. She asked if she could talk to me for a minute.
I knew she wanted to ask me something about my being trans. I thought they were going to tell me to not use the locker rooms and perhaps maybe that was her goal. She was very polite "I just wanted you to know that we want to support you in your change. Would you want to change your name and picture in the system? What would you like us to call you?"
I smiled and relied (not so smoothly at the time) "I am petitioning for a name change this summer and I was going to wait until then to talk to you about changing it here."
She said "..and what about the locker rooms?"
Ah there it is I thought. "I don't use either one right now. I am just not comfortable with it. I currently just change in the family locker rooms."
"Well, when you are ready to make that change in the system just let us know."
"Okay, I will and thank you so much for asking."
I had known they knew I was trans. After all I didn't try to hide the fact. But I thought it was nice to approach me like that. I suspected that she wanted to for some time because of her body language every time I walked in. It seemed as if she needed to say something but but not sure what.
She probably didn't want to hurt my feelings and wasn't sure how to say it. It got me thinking. Are we as transpeople all really that sensitive. I mean, I am an approachable person or so I thought I always was. I would imagine that most transpeople are, but maybe I am off on this.
How would you feel if someone approached you like that?
Originally Posted by CharleneT
