WTF Moment……

Having been working out of the main office as myself now for quite a few weeks, it is beginning to feel, dare I say it, “Normal.”

The kind of normal I am talking about, means for the most part I don’t think twice about what I am wearing, or how I look. I move around the office with a sense of purpose and a degree of calm. Whilst this confidence has not yet resulted in an ability to boldly stride around the Perth Malls, I can at least feel safe at work.

Earlier this week I was back in the office, and whilst heading to one of the many meetings I attended that day, I strolled past the open plan kitchen area, and spotted a colleague I last saw some months ago whilst she was heavily pregnant. I gave her a cheery wave, and bade her a pleasant afternoon. At which point I thought she was going to choke….

Clearly the news of my transition and return to work had passed her by whilst on Maternity leave….I paused, because I seriously thought I was going to have to perform a tracheotomy or something….She was visibly shocked and felt I owed it to her to stop, take a few paces back and explain….

She quietly asked “Why are you dressed like that ?” I know its a cliche, but I really don’t know who was the most embarrassed. But I suspect it was me, simply because it usually is. I explained the nature of my journey and apologised for the obvious shock.

The whole episode was a bit of a wake up call that highlighted a couple of very positive aspects of progress. Firstly It didn’t even occur to me, that this colleague would think anything other than “Hello Suzanne” and secondly, I was proud to share my story, I didn’t hide behind humour or wishy washy anecdotes, I was able to share openly and with pride.

Pride has a new meaning for me now, I’m not sure I am ready to walk behind a float in a rainbow coloured feather boa and clear plastic 12 inch heels. But I am becoming more proud of who I am.