In my situation there have been some academics not only coming out but fully transitioned. In my immediate case, though, it might be a good idea to have that elusive full-time spot before hitting them with it.

Thanks, Sandra. I always count on your point of view. Heck, I can remember not all that long ago my "wife" said to hold off on repiercing my ear until I get the job. Now this weekend I will pierce both. But as for showing up as Mere, it would not be a good idea. Besides, it takes a few years for the transitioning, so by then I hope this would all be a moot point and that I'll have my office somewhere.

Skirt Lover, as for people heeding your advice, please try to remember that not everyone lives in the same environment. As has been said here, some areas are more conservative than others.

Look at my current situation. I'm teaching part-time at a school that is located in a not-very-nice-area. I was damn near assaulted once as it was. All I needed was to be fully dressed. That way I could also wear a sign that says "Hey, Gangbangers! Beat me up!"

Soon I will be visiting a college buddy in central Illinois, smack in the heart of hunting-rifle-toting-beer-drinking-Republicans. Now, how do you think they'll react to a Chicago transsexual? Yes, life is too short. I don't need to shorten it any more than is necessary.

I do plan on being full time very soon. When that comes I'll address those issues, especially since I think I'll be able to pass relatively decently. Maybe. But for now, I still need to keep things as uncomplicated as possible. I've had enough headaches and heartaches these past six months alone. Sometimes discretion is the right path.