Congrats on your coming out party CJ.
Even if no one asked you if you were, you were ready to answer! Did anyone ask today?
Beauty
Coming out nice and slow to colleagues
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Beauty
- Retired Site Administrator
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CJ
- Miss Diamond Goddess
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- Joined: Sun Nov 02, 2003 11:12 pm
- Location: Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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CJ
- Miss Diamond Goddess
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- Joined: Sun Nov 02, 2003 11:12 pm
- Location: Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Hi all,
Well, it's been a month and a half since the party and the infamous "poster" and "pinup calendar." Some reactions have begun trickling in. One of my colleagues, in jest, I think, suggested I should explore my femininity as I seem to have a knack for presenting as a woman. I laughed and told him that, indeed, I'd been doing just that. For 35 years or so. You should've seen the look on his face!
It was priceless. He asked me for a digital copy of the poster, so that he could show his GF--I later found ou that she was apparently suitably impressed. 
By the way, as I said above, I won't be posting it publicly, but, if some of you are interested, I can send you a copy of the poster (it's a large file, even in .jpg format; the poster is three feet high by two feet wide). Another reaction: one of my female colleagues and I were going through photographs taken at a Halloween party and I almost didn't recognize one of my own team members (she was dressed as a funky disco diva). When I said, "My God! It's unbelievable how a wig can change a person!" this colleague I was sifting through the pile with looked up at me, right into my eyes, smiled innocently, and said, "Yes, amazing isn't it?" Guess I set myself up for that one, folks.
Anyway, reactions are trickling down. I imagine there'll be more questions next month, when everyone's back from vacations and they'll all have had time to digest what they've seen on the poster.
Love,
CJ
Well, it's been a month and a half since the party and the infamous "poster" and "pinup calendar." Some reactions have begun trickling in. One of my colleagues, in jest, I think, suggested I should explore my femininity as I seem to have a knack for presenting as a woman. I laughed and told him that, indeed, I'd been doing just that. For 35 years or so. You should've seen the look on his face!
It was priceless. He asked me for a digital copy of the poster, so that he could show his GF--I later found ou that she was apparently suitably impressed. By the way, as I said above, I won't be posting it publicly, but, if some of you are interested, I can send you a copy of the poster (it's a large file, even in .jpg format; the poster is three feet high by two feet wide). Another reaction: one of my female colleagues and I were going through photographs taken at a Halloween party and I almost didn't recognize one of my own team members (she was dressed as a funky disco diva). When I said, "My God! It's unbelievable how a wig can change a person!" this colleague I was sifting through the pile with looked up at me, right into my eyes, smiled innocently, and said, "Yes, amazing isn't it?" Guess I set myself up for that one, folks.Anyway, reactions are trickling down. I imagine there'll be more questions next month, when everyone's back from vacations and they'll all have had time to digest what they've seen on the poster.
Love,
CJ
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Lorna
- Miss Diamond Goddess
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Hi CJ, what a wonderful work atmosphere you have... 
As for colleagues who learned of my CDing, there was only a small percentage. The exception was Halloween of 2001.
At the time I was working for a small financial firm, but the overall attitude in the office was fairly easygoing. That year there was a costume contest. I decided to take a gamble & dress up as a sexy witch.
Part of me was nervous about looking "too good" to my colleagues, but having nobody recognize me at first sure was fun!! Plus I was one of the winners in the contest that year - $100 gift certificate to the mall!!
If anyone was curious about how & why my makeup looked so good, no one really said anything except to compliment!
As for colleagues who learned of my CDing, there was only a small percentage. The exception was Halloween of 2001.
At the time I was working for a small financial firm, but the overall attitude in the office was fairly easygoing. That year there was a costume contest. I decided to take a gamble & dress up as a sexy witch.
Part of me was nervous about looking "too good" to my colleagues, but having nobody recognize me at first sure was fun!! Plus I was one of the winners in the contest that year - $100 gift certificate to the mall!!
If anyone was curious about how & why my makeup looked so good, no one really said anything except to compliment!
Live it. Love it. OWN IT.
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CJ
- Miss Diamond Goddess
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- Location: Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Hi all,
Well, I guess the cat's pretty much out of the bag right now. At our monthly meeting last week (where the entire staff is present), I asked the boss if he was looking to hire men or women (we're currently looking for three or four people to consitute a new team and we usually keep a male/female balance). He waved the question off. "It doesn't matter... it could be a transvestite, for all I care," he said, with a half-grin. The reply got a few chuckles and knowing glances thrown in my direction. My neighbour at the table even poked me in the ribs with his elbow. It was a fun moment.
Mmrreooww.
Love,
CJ
Well, I guess the cat's pretty much out of the bag right now. At our monthly meeting last week (where the entire staff is present), I asked the boss if he was looking to hire men or women (we're currently looking for three or four people to consitute a new team and we usually keep a male/female balance). He waved the question off. "It doesn't matter... it could be a transvestite, for all I care," he said, with a half-grin. The reply got a few chuckles and knowing glances thrown in my direction. My neighbour at the table even poked me in the ribs with his elbow. It was a fun moment.
Mmrreooww.
Love,
CJ
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Anita
- Miss Diamond Goddess
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Here, kitty-kitty!
Well, CJ. I didn't download the calendar, but even if you slacked off just a little, I'm sure it still looked stunning. Your workmates would have to take notice of that. Isn't it nice to be transparent at work? Maybe no one talks about it openly, but it's not off-limits, either.
I can show customers pictures of "the girl," and they seem to get a kick out of it. I keep it light and breezy so that no one has to think too hard about it all. Late the other night I swung by an empty house where we were working, to pick up a tool.
Who was there but the customer, working late? So he met Anita--he seemed to take it in stride. I was in a good mood, and didn't feel like it was going to hurt anything. He already knew that I was doing a good job on his floor, so it wasn't like he was going to try to get rid of me. Still, Anita does not show up on construction sites, as a rule.
Well, CJ. I didn't download the calendar, but even if you slacked off just a little, I'm sure it still looked stunning. Your workmates would have to take notice of that. Isn't it nice to be transparent at work? Maybe no one talks about it openly, but it's not off-limits, either.
I can show customers pictures of "the girl," and they seem to get a kick out of it. I keep it light and breezy so that no one has to think too hard about it all. Late the other night I swung by an empty house where we were working, to pick up a tool.
Who was there but the customer, working late? So he met Anita--he seemed to take it in stride. I was in a good mood, and didn't feel like it was going to hurt anything. He already knew that I was doing a good job on his floor, so it wasn't like he was going to try to get rid of me. Still, Anita does not show up on construction sites, as a rule.
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CJ
- Miss Diamond Goddess
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Hi all,
Still, Anita does not show up on construction sites, as a rule. Heh. The question is: will it soon be time to change the rules?
Good for you, Anita! There's something to be said for the idea that people--especially people who already know and appreciate us--just don't care how we choose to dress or present ourselves.
Rock on.
Love,
CJ
P.S.
I hope the chicken was good!
Still, Anita does not show up on construction sites, as a rule. Heh. The question is: will it soon be time to change the rules?
Good for you, Anita! There's something to be said for the idea that people--especially people who already know and appreciate us--just don't care how we choose to dress or present ourselves.
Rock on.
Love,
CJ
P.S.
I hope the chicken was good!
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Kyra
- Miss Ruby Goddess
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Hi CJ,
Hi Anita,
Girls, I am so jealous! It's really great to see that not all people are as close minded as I fear. I wish I could be so bold, but as yet, I don't own a bullet proof vest.
Keep making strides, girls. Totaly awesome!
Hugs,
Kyra
Hi Anita,
Girls, I am so jealous! It's really great to see that not all people are as close minded as I fear. I wish I could be so bold, but as yet, I don't own a bullet proof vest.
Keep making strides, girls. Totaly awesome!
Hugs,
Kyra
For once you have tasted flight you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skywards, for there you have been and there you will long to return. - Leonardo DaVinci
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CJ
- Miss Diamond Goddess
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Hi all,
What tipped them off, Donna? Oh, I don't know... maybe the fact that I showed up at my office three weeks ago wearing women's boots. When I pulled them off, my painted toes were there for my colleagues to admire (I was wearing pantyhose on that day). One of my colleagues also happens to be the boss's wife. She strenuously objected to my wearing pantyhose: "Who in their right mind would want to wear pantyhose when they don't have to??!?--they're so uncomfortable!!!" Oh well. 
Love,
CJ
What tipped them off, Donna? Oh, I don't know... maybe the fact that I showed up at my office three weeks ago wearing women's boots. When I pulled them off, my painted toes were there for my colleagues to admire
(I was wearing pantyhose on that day). One of my colleagues also happens to be the boss's wife. She strenuously objected to my wearing pantyhose: "Who in their right mind would want to wear pantyhose when they don't have to??!?--they're so uncomfortable!!!" Oh well. Love,
CJ
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Beauty
- Retired Site Administrator
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CJ
- Miss Diamond Goddess
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- Joined: Sun Nov 02, 2003 11:12 pm
- Location: Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Hi all,
A note on some further progress, here.
I went to this week's staff meeting crossdressed. Yep! Yessiree! Okay, so I wasn't in full regalia (just slacks, ruffled blouse, pantyhose, high heeled sandals, hoop earrings, and a touch of makeup) but still! I was pretty proud of myself and I fell in love all over again with my colleagues. To be honest, it wasn't that difficult; it was only the weekly staff meeting and half my team is on vacation right now so I didn't do this in front of the whole gang, just a couple of co-workers. Plus, we held the meeting at the home of one of them instead of at the office (we did hold the meeting outside, though, on the backyard deck).
The reaction? Awesome! They loved it. One (the boss's wife) wondered why I didn't bother "going all the way," wig and nails, and skirt and all. I just might, some day soon.
It was a blast writing "Christina" instead of "Daniel" as being present, in the meeting minutes. I think my other colleagues will be temporarily thrown for a loop when they read the minutes (which we always have to do upon our return from a vacation).
The afternoon was pleasant and relaxing. If it weren't for the fact that I had to go meet clients later, I would've stayed dressed that way for my friend Marie's birthday party later that evening. As it is, I reluctantly changed and made absolutely sure I had no trace of makeup on my face before heading out to meet my clients.
The door is slowly opening. My co-workers said they'd very much enjoy it if I came to the staff meeting fully dressed one day. I'm not sure if I'd feel comfortable enough to do that around the guys (this week's meeting was an "all-girl" affair). Barring that, they want to take me out some fine evening. Who knows? Maybe, some fine evening, I'll accept.
Never fear to be who you are. Those who love you, love you because of who you are. Give them a chance to get to know you better. The rest can go suck on a sugarless castor oil lollipop.
Love,
CJ
A note on some further progress, here.
I went to this week's staff meeting crossdressed. Yep! Yessiree! Okay, so I wasn't in full regalia (just slacks, ruffled blouse, pantyhose, high heeled sandals, hoop earrings, and a touch of makeup) but still! I was pretty proud of myself and I fell in love all over again with my colleagues. To be honest, it wasn't that difficult; it was only the weekly staff meeting and half my team is on vacation right now so I didn't do this in front of the whole gang, just a couple of co-workers. Plus, we held the meeting at the home of one of them instead of at the office (we did hold the meeting outside, though, on the backyard deck).
The reaction? Awesome! They loved it. One (the boss's wife) wondered why I didn't bother "going all the way," wig and nails, and skirt and all. I just might, some day soon.
It was a blast writing "Christina" instead of "Daniel" as being present, in the meeting minutes. I think my other colleagues will be temporarily thrown for a loop when they read the minutes (which we always have to do upon our return from a vacation).
The afternoon was pleasant and relaxing. If it weren't for the fact that I had to go meet clients later, I would've stayed dressed that way for my friend Marie's birthday party later that evening. As it is, I reluctantly changed and made absolutely sure I had no trace of makeup on my face before heading out to meet my clients.
The door is slowly opening. My co-workers said they'd very much enjoy it if I came to the staff meeting fully dressed one day. I'm not sure if I'd feel comfortable enough to do that around the guys (this week's meeting was an "all-girl" affair). Barring that, they want to take me out some fine evening. Who knows? Maybe, some fine evening, I'll accept.
Never fear to be who you are. Those who love you, love you because of who you are. Give them a chance to get to know you better. The rest can go suck on a sugarless castor oil lollipop.
Love,
CJ
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Anita
- Miss Diamond Goddess
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What an inspiring post, CJ. Even if doubts and fears get in the way from time to time, you've made an opening for all of you to be present at work. That's quite a gift, that you've given yourself.CJ wrote:Never fear to be who you are. Those who love you, love you because of who you are. Give them a chance to get to know you better.