“I was actually in the process of inserting a scalpel blade in the arteries on my wrist, when I was disturbed by a colleague who entered the office, until then empty except for me. I dropped the scalpel and blade in shock, and rushed out in hysterics.
At this point, I must thank my line manager, for his extra-ordinary support, empathy and help during this episode and subsequently. It was he who helped me to see my doctor, who arranged for me to see a psychiatrist. He has subsequently supported me in countless other little ways, with openness and fairness. The psychiatrist diagnosed me as having ‘gender dysphoria’ – a medical term to explain the longing of someone who wants to change gender. This of course, came as a complete shock to me, ha, ha. Following this and the time away from work recovering, I resolved to – horrible term – ‘come out’. I would return to work as a woman (or rather, as a facsimile of a woman).
This I have done. It was very much a learning curve, still is. One of the major problems to overcome, as I saw it, was to gain acceptance from my colleagues at work. Also discussed was the usual ‘have to use the disabled toilet’ syndrome. Suddenly bodily waste is special if you are transsexual. Also discussed were matters like ‘would he/she/it be able to carry on doing their job?’ – As if changing gender alters my knowledge, experience or abilities! Again, my line manager proved his worth in supporting me over matters like this, as well as the occupational health nurse and members of the welfare service.”
Erika

I certainly hope so, in much the same way as one can be asexual. I wouldn't want that for myself, though, as someone who is dual-gendered. An effective equality impact assessment may make official forms more inclusive and appropriate. Most assessments, if done at all, are done very badly - because outside our community, this is not seen as worth doing, let alone as a priority.
Joy

At work I have never had a problem, except with one friend who distances themselves from me now they know (as if how it affects them, is all I should consider!) Of course behind my back there is some comment e.g. "Jesus wept!" said a visiting retiree to his friend, on seeing my appearance. I tell myself "It is not about caring who knows, but knowing who cares".

I am these days well-known to be an MTF transgender person at work; I have often attended work at another of our offices as Joy and was supported in this, and named a national "key stakeholder" in our national Diversity strategy. However, as Ian, I wouldn't wear a skirt at my main office unless I wore the rest of the appropriate clothes, and was expected to appear there as Joy. By keeping these identities largely separate, I find it is much easier to fit relatively comfortably into any group.
Joy