I work as a speech-language therapist at an elementary school for children ages 5 - 12 with a diagnosis of autism. To be honest, the thought of ever coming out at work terrifies me and I try not to meditate on it. What frightens me the most is how parents will react to the news. I’m also fearful about how staff and administration will treat me when I’m living full-time as a male. I’ve posted in the past about some of things (#work) I’ve heard parents or administration say about or to male workers at my job, and it’s clear that there is a double standard.

During my transition, sometimes my co-workers have said something along the lines “You sound sick” and I will just agree with them and carry on. My voice change has been so gradual that it doesn’t draw too much attention. I plan on staying “in the closet” at my job for as long as I can. It’s uncomfortable but I rather that than endure discrimination and be a victim of people’s ridiculous double standards.

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