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Coming out to people with Autism, Mental Retardation ETC.

Discussion in 'Coming Out Advice' started by lillyrstinnett, Feb 17, 2016.

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  1. lillyrstinnett

    lillyrstinnett
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    Location:
    Virginia
    Gender:
    Female (trans*)
    Sexual Orientation:
    Bisexual
    Hello. :icon_bigg My name is Lilly and i'm a transwoman from virginia. I currently attend a group of people who make T-Shirts as a work training program for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Most of the staff known I'm Trans but the other clients have no clue. It's started to make me hate that place that I cannot freely share who I really am with people who are so amazing in every single way. Iv'e asked staff but there advice is to stuff it because others might not understand and be upset. In a way I want to respect the other clients intelligence because I do believe they can handle it.

    Any Advice?
     
    #1 lillyrstinnett, Feb 17, 2016
  2. Hiraeth

    Hiraeth
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    Location:
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    Out Status:
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    I honestly don't think it's that big of a deal. Just explain it in very simple terms.
     
    #2 Hiraeth, Feb 17, 2016
  3. Distant Echo

    Distant Echo
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    Hmmm...how do you present when you are there?
     
    #3 Distant Echo, Feb 17, 2016
  4. Mikelhpc228

    Mikelhpc228
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    HI Lilly;
    Yes-here's my advice.

    Listen to the other staff-they are right. People w/MR, & autism, are amazing, but many do not have the cognitive skills to understand what you are telling them. They are not fully capable of grasping the concepts of gender fluidity, or shifting orientation, or sexual attraction. It is fine to share your trans gender with coworkers, but I would discourage sharing anything further about your personal life with your clients. You may want to examine why you are hating your workplace for maintaining professional boundaries with the clients you obviously admire and respect.
     
    #4 Mikelhpc228, Feb 18, 2016
  5. Euler

    Euler
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    Why do you feel urge to come out to the clients?

    To be honest with you unless you provide sexual services I don't really see why you being trans is any business to the clients. Your employer is not asking you to hide the fact, right? If it comes up naturally there is no need to hide it but there is certainly zero reason to be proactive about it. As a customer I prefer keeping professional distance to the staff but that' just me.

    Also, if you do come out to the clients, don't be upset if they don't respond in a way you like. We had mandatory internship in my school where you had to spend a day with kids with cognitively challenges like autism and retardation. Those kids can say rude things to you and not necessarily mean it. I kind of get the feeling that this is a sensitive topic to you so are you mentally prepared for an adverse response?
     
    #5 Euler, Feb 18, 2016
    Last edited: Feb 18, 2016
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