Spreading the word
Hi Folks.
Yes I know. Not my usual two week interval and not a Sunday. You know sometimes I just like to be a rebel!
Thanks to those that comment on this blog. Welcome the feedback. Keep it coming thanks.
So been a busy period since I last wrote. Had some much needed time off work. Divorce, coming out and work levels are all conspiring to push stress levels somewhere beyond the international space station. So I took a few days away from the hub bub and just chilled out.
Before that though was time for my starring appearance! I think I had mentioned work has brought into play a transitioning at work policy. To spread the word and to get people on board with trans issues, we are going around key offices and having training sessions. I was honored to be asked to help out and had my first one at my home branch last week.
As most already know my intent it was a nice easy way to start. We had outside help with the presentation which really helped both the audience and my involvement. It gave a professional aspect to the session rather than seeming like I was trying to push an agenda for my own benefit. Good feedback and a lot more turned up than I expected.
Today we went to our Leeds office. No one there knew. Smaller audience and refined presentation really helped. Spoke for about 10 mins and came out as trans. Got a round of applause at both sessions and dont know why but I find that embarrassing. Im just being me,
Two more sessions to do in our two biggest offices with possibly external panel for the latter. 18 months ago you wouldn't have seen me anywhere near this but I see this now as the end of my coming out and the prologue to going full time. I was nervous particularly today but once I was up speaking it came really naturally. I hope by people seeing someone going through the process that they will get a better understanding. Its also helping me being able to speak so freely. I really am feeling rather evangelical about trans issues now. Perhaps this is the start of something new for me on a professional level. I dont know where this will go but I am certainly finding this stimulating intellectually and deep emotionally. Got a bit emotional today doing my bit.
Looking forward to seeing other offices and spreading the gospel.
Elsewhere, I have finally seen an end to my male social media presence. Twitter went a few weeks back but Facebook was a bit more difficult notably as I use messenger a lot. I had to come out to my cousin who has taken a bit of time to get his head round it but seems cool. So in the world of the interweb I only exist as Amanda now. Again I feel like a step has been taken forward. I will probably by the end of the year be 98% out so this will set me up for an early 2019 start day for full time living. I will look at next changes to my LinkedIn account and flagging up my change on there.
I have been in recent times filling out the wardrobe and whilst I was off work I hit a few key points. My male wardrobe is now down to bare basics. I have donated to Asda Pink Charity (Breast cancer) all my non essential clothes including a lot of my previous going out wear. I again apologize if I seem slightly unkempt as a male but I really dont have much to wear now and dont want to spend money on clothes that I may only need for a few more months.
Purchases have focused on work clothes and a quick recent stock take shows I am ready with skirts, blouses and dresses. Shoes are also sorted and have a variety of formal and non formal outfits for work. I splashed a bit on a nice skirt suit / dress combo from M&S so I am now ready for court and client meets. Pale pink pj's as well are a welcome addition to the nighttime selection now its getting colder.
I have now reverted to casual clothing buying for the rest of the year to pad out that part of my wardrobe. I am going to start looking at vintage style clothes. Love that 50s look and seen some online that I like.
Not sure when I will next have time as Amanda. Hopefully before the Xmas party but we will see. My outfit for that is good to go. With full time very much on the horizon, I am getting very excited to be me soon.
House hunting is progressing well and nearly ready to buy. Down to a few to view and then decision to be made.
As always happy to answer questions. Feel free to comment.
Take care
Amanda
xx
Yes I know. Not my usual two week interval and not a Sunday. You know sometimes I just like to be a rebel!
Thanks to those that comment on this blog. Welcome the feedback. Keep it coming thanks.
So been a busy period since I last wrote. Had some much needed time off work. Divorce, coming out and work levels are all conspiring to push stress levels somewhere beyond the international space station. So I took a few days away from the hub bub and just chilled out.
Before that though was time for my starring appearance! I think I had mentioned work has brought into play a transitioning at work policy. To spread the word and to get people on board with trans issues, we are going around key offices and having training sessions. I was honored to be asked to help out and had my first one at my home branch last week.
As most already know my intent it was a nice easy way to start. We had outside help with the presentation which really helped both the audience and my involvement. It gave a professional aspect to the session rather than seeming like I was trying to push an agenda for my own benefit. Good feedback and a lot more turned up than I expected.
Today we went to our Leeds office. No one there knew. Smaller audience and refined presentation really helped. Spoke for about 10 mins and came out as trans. Got a round of applause at both sessions and dont know why but I find that embarrassing. Im just being me,
Two more sessions to do in our two biggest offices with possibly external panel for the latter. 18 months ago you wouldn't have seen me anywhere near this but I see this now as the end of my coming out and the prologue to going full time. I was nervous particularly today but once I was up speaking it came really naturally. I hope by people seeing someone going through the process that they will get a better understanding. Its also helping me being able to speak so freely. I really am feeling rather evangelical about trans issues now. Perhaps this is the start of something new for me on a professional level. I dont know where this will go but I am certainly finding this stimulating intellectually and deep emotionally. Got a bit emotional today doing my bit.
Looking forward to seeing other offices and spreading the gospel.
Elsewhere, I have finally seen an end to my male social media presence. Twitter went a few weeks back but Facebook was a bit more difficult notably as I use messenger a lot. I had to come out to my cousin who has taken a bit of time to get his head round it but seems cool. So in the world of the interweb I only exist as Amanda now. Again I feel like a step has been taken forward. I will probably by the end of the year be 98% out so this will set me up for an early 2019 start day for full time living. I will look at next changes to my LinkedIn account and flagging up my change on there.
I have been in recent times filling out the wardrobe and whilst I was off work I hit a few key points. My male wardrobe is now down to bare basics. I have donated to Asda Pink Charity (Breast cancer) all my non essential clothes including a lot of my previous going out wear. I again apologize if I seem slightly unkempt as a male but I really dont have much to wear now and dont want to spend money on clothes that I may only need for a few more months.
Purchases have focused on work clothes and a quick recent stock take shows I am ready with skirts, blouses and dresses. Shoes are also sorted and have a variety of formal and non formal outfits for work. I splashed a bit on a nice skirt suit / dress combo from M&S so I am now ready for court and client meets. Pale pink pj's as well are a welcome addition to the nighttime selection now its getting colder.
I have now reverted to casual clothing buying for the rest of the year to pad out that part of my wardrobe. I am going to start looking at vintage style clothes. Love that 50s look and seen some online that I like.
Not sure when I will next have time as Amanda. Hopefully before the Xmas party but we will see. My outfit for that is good to go. With full time very much on the horizon, I am getting very excited to be me soon.
House hunting is progressing well and nearly ready to buy. Down to a few to view and then decision to be made.
As always happy to answer questions. Feel free to comment.
Take care
Amanda
xx
It's good to see that you're sort of enjoying (perhaps not the correct word) getting up and speaking to people as Amanda in a work setting. I guess your audience's attitudes will vary. There's a fine line to tread between giving people information and, as you said, pushing an agenda. People's reaction with the applause seems to show you're getting that just about right. Well done!
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