So things have been quiet here in my neck of the woods, until just recently. I've made some really awesome friends where none were expected, met some fascinating people, learned more about my rights as a transman, and even pushed aside the negative people who once were a part of my life. I've made some decisions, both good and bad, but they were my own and I take full responsibility for them. The most important thing, though, is that I believe in myself and am proud of who I am. It's a cause that I will fight for until the day I die, and it outrages me just how ignorant some people can be.
Being short-staffed at work, my manager tells me that we are going to be hiring in some new temps to help relieve the workload. So I inquire as to any new-hire's need to know about my gender status (unaware of my rights at this time). I'm informed that any male new-hire would have to be aware of my status since they have not held a meeting to educate the men about me using the men's restroom...the gender that I identify myself as. Not only does he have to know, but I have to tell him, and before they have this meeting. Ok...yeah...why not just put a big "I am trans" sign on me and parade me around for all to see. And while you're at it, you can give all the mean kids sharp sticks so they can all poke the "freak." Because it's not like I don't feel singled out enough already. I am isolated in the unisex bathroom, where I periodically find myself locked out because one of the guys is too "poo shy" to take a crap in the men's room. And it's already bad enough that the guys that I used to joke around with hardly say a word to me now unless it's work related. I don't already live in stress and fear of those who know about me, so let's just make me tell the ONE person that I work with aware of this without actually getting a chance to know me. It's MY life, and I get to choose who knows my story!
Yeah, so it's scary to think that HR and management could have this power. Not to fear though. Remember, it's just like all those scary horror movies. Someone always gets out alive (well, the majority of the time). I got out of this "Freddy's Nightmare" just by reminding them that disclosure of this information is a direct violation of HIPAA laws. Go me! Yeah, buddy...doing the happy, in-yo-face! dance! Knowledge most certainly IS power. <insert maniac, world-domination laugh here>
Now, I'm standing taller and even more proud of myself. It takes more than you think for someone to stand up for themselves. I'm feeling better every day, and I have so many reasons to be. I'm alive, I have friends, I have a wealth of resources around me, and I'm reaching out to find someone to share my life and experiences with. I know it will be tricky being a gay transman, but I can't give up. And I won't give up. It's about WHO I am, not what's in my pants. It's what's in my heart and mind...NOT what's in my pants. I repeat...it's NOT what's in my pants! That's what makes a man, a man.
Okay, so maybe this story wasn't so scary, but it could have been had I not educated myself about my rights. So, know your rights. And stick up for yourself and what you believe in!
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