March 23, 2009 10:22 PM GMT
Hi
I came out over a year ago and fortunately so far my transition has gone relative smoothly
Over January and February I came to my friends and family, most of whom were totally surprised but in general supportive, the only exception were my 3 children who found it very difficult to accept, my eldest son hasn't spoken to me since and the other 2 speak to me on the phone. I know it must be hard for them and it will be a long hard struggle to get back their love.
The final hurdle was work but with the help at HR, it was arranged for the whole of the office (over a hundred people) to go to a meeting at which I stood up and told them that I was going to live in future as a woman then gave the reasons why I was taking this drastic step. I left after making my speech (to applause amazing enough) and went on a weeks leave. My councillor then gave them an hour lecture on transgender people, which I understand was well received On my return there was a little awkwardness but that soon went and I have had no trouble at all. Interesting enough several Gays came out and a couple of months later one of the executives announced she was transitioning as well. I now go out regularly with the girls from work which is enjoyable.
The first couple of months I was very nervous and was read very often, but once I became confident then I was rarely read . I still get called "sir" sometimes when i speak but I ignore it and most times it changes to madame.
At a singles club I used to go too, there was a group that gave me the cold shoulder, but since I have made a number of new friends I left them to it as I could not be bothered with them.
I went Charring Cross for my first appointment in May to be accessed, and then after a second interview in September I began hormones. The hormones are now having their desired effect on my body.
In the early days of my transition I was introduced to a small charity in Southampton that provided support, information and counselling for TS's this has been a great help to me. I was recently asked to be the treasurer and trustee of this charity as it is expanding.
I have also been on the Local radio giving updates on how I am progressing, they seem to find it interesting and keep asking me back
I do not think I have been happier in my life even though my children are finding it hard, I know this is right for me and can never go back to my old life
Katie