Changing name at work as a trans and non-binary person was scary – but it couldn’t have gone better
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Thea Bardot, the chief executive at Lightning Travel Recruitment, recently shared their experience of changing their name and transitioning while running their own business. Bardot, who identifies as trans and non-binary, took the brave step of informing their team about their name change via email. Despite some initial trepidation, Bardot was pleasantly surprised by the overwhelmingly positive response they received.
Bardot’s journey towards self-discovery and authenticity has been characterized by spontaneous decisions. They have always followed their gut feelings and done what feels right for them. This approach extends not only to their gender identity but also to their career choices. Bardot made the bold move to establish a luxury travel and lifestyle recruitment consultancy, even though they had no prior experience in the field.
Throughout all these life-changing decisions, Bardot emphasizes the importance of authenticity. They firmly believe that once a decision is made, it should be embraced wholeheartedly without hesitation. Bardot describes a sense of calm and certainty that comes with aligning their mind and body, making them more sure about their choices than ever before.
When it came to sharing their name change with clients, colleagues, and associates, Bardot approached it with careful consideration. They wanted to ensure that everyone understood what was happening and made a conscious effort to get it right. Bardot decided to keep things simple and share their story in their own words.
To their surprise and delight, Bardot’s announcement was met with overwhelming support. Clients and industry peers went out of their way to accommodate the changes, from updating their contact lists to educating themselves further on trans and non-binary issues. The positive response has had no negative impact on Bardot’s business, and people have actively supported their reintroduction as Thea Bardot.
Bardot believes that storytelling and authenticity are powerful tools in business. By sharing their personal journey and being true to themselves, they have fostered strong connections and received unwavering support. Bardot’s experience serves as a reminder that embracing one’s true identity can have a positive impact on both personal and professional relationships.
In anticipation of common questions, Bardot prepared a Q&A to provide guidance and education for those supporting someone on a similar journey. They emphasize the importance of using the individual’s new name and avoiding the use of their dead name. If a mistake is made, a simple apology and the correct use of the new name is all that is needed.
Bardot also addresses the question of pronouns, highlighting the opportunity to ask about any changes. They emphasize the importance of not making assumptions and allowing the individual to lead the conversation about their new name and gender identity.
Support from colleagues and clients is crucial during this time of transition. Offering to update personal and work contacts with the new name is a practical way to show support. However, Bardot advises checking with the individual before making any announcements or communications without their consent.
For Bardot, their chosen family within the LGBTQ+ community has been instrumental in their journey. They acknowledge the importance of surrounding oneself with supportive friends and loved ones who accept and celebrate one’s authentic self. Bardot’s friends even threw them a name-change party at an LGBTQ+ bar in south London, which further reinforced the significance of having a chosen family.
Overall, Bardot’s experience of changing their name at work as a trans and non-binary person has been overwhelmingly positive. Their story serves as a testament to the power of authenticity in both personal and professional relationships. By sharing their journey and being true to themselves, Bardot has received unwavering support from clients, colleagues, and industry peers alike.
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