I?m very fortunate to be in my mid-50s, with many years of experience at a senior level, yet have a job where I work in close proximity to recent college graduates. This morning I noticed a new hire in the break room who, in my mind, is clearly trans. I feel really bad for her as I?ve been struggling, hiding my own reality, for many years yet still present as a male. She is clearly presenting as a female but really missing the mark on many things like work appropriateness. She has been wearing short skirts with fishnets and more of a goth look. Edgy and cool for the weekend but not a work look. This is also not appropriate for our corporate culture, but I don?t think anyone wants to say anything since she is new. I am seen as a strong leader and well liked yet still in the closet to most. Do I introduce myself, take on a mentor role, and help her fit in, or do I let her figure it out on her own? I don?t want to stir up shit with HR or get called out for saying something.
