Yep, I took the first step toward transitioning at work today. My original plan was a two-step process. I had planned to come out to HR and my direct managers first and do all the transitioning planning and whatnot with them and then at the point I switched to working as Alyssa I would notify the full company of 50 people.
Well I ended up modifying it a little bit. I sent my letter and an additional package of information just to the HR director today. My thought was she's probably never been down this road with an employee before and this way she can do some research and be prepared for questions from my management when I come out to them. So I sent the files over to just her and within 30 minutes got a reply back that she had received and read them.
A few moments later I got an Instant Message from her telling me again that she had read them and then explaining to me that she has multiple friends who are in various stages of transition so she understands. She admitted she would have never suspected this was happening with me but that she supports me fully. When I mentioned I was a little nervous and unsure of what to expect in terms of reaction from my management, she assured me that she was confident my job will never be in danger. Having her understanding and support plus that reassurance was like a huge weight lifted off my shoulders.
So the plan now is, with my permission, she's talking to a friend of hers tonight who transitioned in place at his job. Her hope is to find out what went well and what challenges he encountered during his transition. Then her and I are going to meet tomorrow to discuss and once she feels she's prepped for the questions that may come, I'll send out the materials to my management. So that should all hopefully be complete by the end of this week or early next week at the latest. I've asked for a November 1 transition date, figuring by that point it'll probably be easier for me to present as female than it will male. Laser treatments should be done at that point on my beard and HRT effects should be pretty visible. I did leave that date open to negotiation however, so we'll see what happens. If they accept that date then I'm hoping to be full-time in all aspects of life in time for the holidays. Best laid plans and all that, I'm just in a day-to-day mode right now