Coming out to work - first steps part 2

• Posted by Elizabeth (Liz) May 2, 2014 #coming out  1,737 views
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  Wednesday 30th April
  Today I spoke to my senior manager, Phil. The hierarchy is CEO then Phil then my boss. He was great, saying how brave I am which I think will become one of the standard reactions. I don’t feel like that really, I’m just doing what I need to, it is scary but I know it will be worth it. He showed genuine empathy towards my family which was so nice (I almost cried but held it together). We had a chat about how to support me and other staff, and he promised that he would be a big part in supporting all of us. 3 down, lots more people to go.

  Friday 2nd May
  I had another meeting with the HR manager. It was clear from the start that she is putting an amazing amount of thought into this. She covered things that I hadn’t even thought about. We agreed that we would tell 3 key people next, my boss, a business analyst that I work closely with every day and is an amazing woman, and finally a man that I’ve worked closely with for the last 13 years. Hopefully that will be next week, but all of us are busy so it might take a while to find a free moment. I did raise the issue of Facebook with her, not so much my concern, but it’s such an open environment that one well meaning comment could get through to the parents at my son’s school and be potentially disastrous for him. I think that will require a very diplomatic approach as FB is not controlled or monitored by work.
  So another next step is that the HR manager will raise my change at the next senior management meeting which is on 20th May. This will definitely be the start of the process of filtering information down through the teams.

  I got home from work to find that my deed poll papers had arrived. I just need to sign them and get them witnessed and then I am legally Elizabeth. I’ve decided to ask the HR manager to be my witness, I’d be really honoured if she does, she’s been wonderful.

  
  OMG it’s happening.
  OMG I think I’ll have to get divorced when my name change is official