For some time now, I have been operating under the incorrect premise that for me to transition from male to female and keep my position as an Arizona public high school Theatre Arts and English teacher. I have been living full time as a woman outside of work for some time, but still putting on my male costume to teach. But this has not sat well with me. And after this summer, I was not inclined to go back to work as a man yet again.
I was fortunate to come across this article a little over a week ago. I read it with interest and then contacted the author. She was kind enough to call me and talk me through a number of things I could do, but starting with finding an employment lawyer who knew the ins and outs of AZ GLBT laws. She gave me a few contact names and I followed up on them. A wonderful lawyer in DC put me in touch with a local firm and my spouse and I met with them the next day. One of the lawyers we met with knows one of my school district's board members and he called her the next day. She informed him that my district had other trans teachers who had transitioned on the job and that they treat discrimination against trans employees the same as they treat discrimination against any gender. She told him to tell me to go to my principal first and work from there.
So on Tuesday I sat down with my boss and came out to him. I explained my situation and he didn't even blink in telling me that he supports me 100% and will do everything to make sure my transition is as smooth as possible. He asked when I wanted to start working as a woman and I told him I felt that it would be best to begin the school year as myself to avoid confusion on the part of the students. Plus, whatever disruptions there might be would happen early on and not impact the real work of teaching. He agreed.
And so for the past two days, I've been coming out to the faculty I work with and to a person they are supportive and wonderful. My drama kids found out and want to have a party with cake for me. I'm fairly stunned by the level of positive support I have received from my co-workers and students and even thought I am nervous about teaching as a woman, I'm also thrilled beyond words that something I didn't think possible, especially in Phoenix, is happening.
I would not be able to do this without the tireless work of all the LGBT advocates out there who have really helped make even a pretty conservative place like Arizona open enough to allow for me to do this job that I love doing.
Today was my last day ever presenting as a man. I am so grateful.