Is it a good thing to discover that you're NOT the trailblazer you thought you were? (Preparing to transition in the workplace.)

What do I mean by that? Oh, not much. But, earlier this week, I discovered that the first girl transitioned in my company four years ago (and is still employeed). The second, transitioned last month. And, now, our HR is in the process of writing formal "prodedures" for transitions (rather than figuring them out as they go).

Why do I know this stuff? I've been set up as the chair of the Benefits/policies/procedures sub-committee of the LGBT Advocacy group within the company. (What an ideal way to ask questions and learn what's what - without having to out myself - prematurely.

Oh - and one other bit... Another board member came out to me... Her transition is currently "on hold" pending working out things with her long term partner (He's gay, and has issues with being in a straight relationship as I understand it).

So, things are looking up there!

Other things? I went to the Trans-Health Conference in Philly at the beginning of the month. (My older daughter went along as well - as a future health care provider/ally! She was popular. LOL NO - seriously, folks were VERY happy to see an ally heading to Med School. They were also happy she was there supporting her "new" mom.)

I learned a lot at the conference. So, it was well worth my time. Some of the stuff was things I already knew so it was more confirmation. Other bits were extensions on what I knew. I do think I'll plan on attending again next year (hopefully full time by then, but time will tell).

One fascinating bit was some changes that is going on in the care field. (I've not yet decided whether I agree or not with them.) One is the development of an "Informed Consent" model on HRT and other parts of care - where the client is in more control over their own progress. The client decides when steps are taken and so on. They are just fully informed on risks/benefits and the like and make an informed decision. Logically this could include the various surgeries. And, in this model, no diagnosis is needed. On the more "traditional" side of things, several practitioners made a point of reminding folks that the WPATH Standards of Care (SOC) guidelines are just that GUIDELINES, and that the care professionals MAY need to make adjustments to meet the individual needs of their customers.

All of this does tell me that the field is still "evolving". It's far from where things were twenty-five (25) years ago when I first was preparing to transition. Back then, the procedures used by the group I was working with were: Before you could "officilally" start your RLT, you needed two therapists to recommend you for it. Then, it was two (2) years RLT prior to Hormones. Then, one to two (1-2) years on hormones before you'd be recommended for surgery. The recommendation was by a committee composed of a plastic surgeon, a dermatologist, an endicrinologist and two (2) therapists.

Where do things go from here? Time will tell. If any of you got this far, thank's. If anything I've said strikes up questions please ask. (Not that I expect anyone to get this far, mind you... LOL)

Anne