Header memo from VP Sales referencing my attached memo below.

To: All Departments
From: Old Name and title

There is no easy way to cover the subject of this memo with each of you at a common interest level. However, since my appearance and behavior will be significantly different the next time you see me I felt it appropriate to share something of what is going on, especially since my legal name is now Evelyn J. Smith. (Former Name) no longer exists.

For most of my life I have struggled with what has been medically diagnosed as 'Gender Dysphoria'. I am what is termed a transsexual woman. My clinical condition is different from that of a male transvestite, male cross-dresser, gay male, drag queen or female impersonator. One important difference is that those in the previous sentence have basically a male gender orientation. As a transsexual woman mine has always been female; and therein lies my dilemma. Masking my female orientation and disposition at work has become impossibly difficult and now produces high levels of stress and at times depression.

Examples of transsexual women include Dr. Renee Richards, Ms. Jan Morris and Christine Jorgensen. Each of these women ultimately resolved their gender conflict and achieved gender congruity via sexual reassignment surgery (SRS); the surgery in my plan.

The SRS prerequisites are rigorous and include medically supervised female hormone therapy, 8 years this month for me; gender counseling, 10 years for me; and living 100% of the time in a medically supervised Real Time Living (RTL), female role for a period of at least one year and in some cases two or more.

I have been living part-time as a female for the past 6 years and active in several organizations as a transsexual woman. I have now reached the point physically, mentally and emotionally where, after extensive consultation with my health care providers, I need to start a medically supervised RTL as soon as possible to complete that SRS prerequisite.

In preparation for RTL, during the week of October 21st, I had my name changed to Evelyn J. Smith, California driver's license re-issued to Evelyn J. Smith with a new picture, changed my Social Security records and even had a new Costco/Price Club card issued.

As I move into RTL please know that it is not my intent to cause anyone discomfort or embarrassment within (X Corporation) or within (X Corporation's) accounts. At the same time I am realistic enough to know that some may have difficulty accepting me and I will respect their rights and hope they will respect mine. I am very flexible and open to suggestions that minimize difficulties and awkward situations so we all can work together.

For people who knew me as (Former Name) there will be an adjustment period where you will unconsciously use he, him or (Former Name) instead of she, her or Evelyn. I will be patient and in fact do understand. Please note that opera diva Jessye Norman along with author and professor Maya Angelou are also large in stature and, there are many women who have 'low' voices. Later on I may gently remind you by whispering 'she' or 'Evelyn' with a smile; never in a confronting or combative manner. Relative to restrooms I propose the women's restroom in the (X location) be the only one available to me.

Since 'coming out' to (X Corporation Management) Monday, October 28, 1996, I feel like a huge boulder has been lifted from my shoulders. I am ecstatic to finally be able to live openly and honestly the female I have always felt I was and am on the inside; and the female that now shows more and more on the outside. I hope empathy will be possible for most of you and I look forward to a smooth transition for all of us.

MEMO (To Management)
October 28, 1996

To: VP Sales
From: (Old Name)

In a search for words to begin this letter it became obvious it was going to be difficult to find an easy way to present my situation. For most of my life I have struggled with what has been medically diagnosed as 'Gender Dysphoria'. I am what is termed a transsexual woman and have been living in a female role part-time for the past 6 years. Last year my church membership, as a female, was confirmed in October 1995.

Rather than attempt a medical explanation for the condition, a quicker way is to explain that women like Dr. Renee Richards, Ms. Jan Morris and Christine Jorgensen had a similar diagnosis. Each of these women chose to resolve their gender conflict by choosing a path that ultimately led to sexual reassignment surgery (SRS), the path I am pursuing.

The SRS prerequisites are rigorous and include living 100% of the time in a medically supervised Real Time Living (RTL), female role for a period of at least one year and in some cases two or more. I have reached a point physically, mentally and emotionally where, after extensive consultation with my health care providers, I need to start a medically supervised RTL as soon as possible within the (X Corporation) HR policy of valuing individual differences in the workplace.

Masking my female disposition at work has become more and more difficult and now produces high stress levels and at times, depression that is incapacitating.

Eight years of medically supervised female hormone therapy is on-going as is a number of years of electrolysis and voice coaching. Significant physical changes are in progress.

In preparation for RTL, a Declaration of Legal Name Change to Evelyn J. Smith has been prepared and notarized. Last week, California Department of Motor Vehicle Form DL328 was completed by my physician, (Physician's Name), M.D., and submitted by me as Evelyn Smith to the DMV. A new photograph was taken at that time. A name/gender change was also processed at the Social Security Administration office in San Mateo, CA.

I anticipate having few, if any, problems in my computer sales territory, San Francisco, CA, as the City has a reputation for valuing individual differences. There have been a number of newspaper stories in the past of transsexual individuals who transitioned successfully on the job to RTL with the support of their employers.

It is not my intent to cause anyone discomfort or embarrassment within (X Corporation) or within (X Corporation's) accounts and, I am realistic enough to know that some may have difficulty accepting me. I am flexible, open and looking forward to working with management and colleagues to minimize difficulties and awkward situations. Mildred Brown, Ph.D., my therapist for the past 7 years, has offered to make herself available to (X Corporation) for any questions and clarification. (see enclosed business card)

(X Corporation) is an outstanding company and a good place to work. I look forward to contributing to its success in my new role as a female and to (X Corporation) HR policy support of my transition.

(Old Name, Title)

Enclosed: Declaration of Legal Name Change, Copy of DMV form DL328

Copyright by the author.

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