Today we had a meeting in the office with officials from neighbouring cities, Helsinki and Vantaa. This group meets about every 4 months in one of the 3 cities. I remember having been in a similar meeting in Helsinki right after my name change...the first time officially as Laura.
We met in between once in Vantaa, that was in May. I have noticed a certain smooth change in the relationships between the group members and me. Right after the name change there was of course a certain upset feeling in the meeting, mixed with hugs and "good girl" comments. In May the situation started to normalize, but today I would say it finally was comletely normal. Every person was totally him- or herself with me, we argued and discussed, I was no more handled with silk gloves, so to say. They took me completely as a normal lady architect, who is totally equal with them. They listened carefully what I had to say, but kept their own opinions. We had a good and well balanced fruitful discussion.

Laura