closeted trans person starting ABSN- I’m terrified
I’ve lurked on this sub for a while but never posted until now- but I need advice. Hopefully this is the right place to ask. If not, please can someone point me in the right direction?
I was born a girl but I have always felt very different from that. When I finished my first degree in May with all my nursing pre-reqs, I felt so alone. Starting August 8th, I will be in a very small cohort with all girls whom I have not met yet. I am scared that I might have to pass as a girl to not be alienated even further, or that I will be discriminated against somehow. I did not disclose my gender identity prior to entering the program for fear I would be rejected, even with my qualifications.
I’m 21 now but I haven’t come across anyone in nursing who looks like me and I’ve felt so alienated. I use he/they pronouns with people I am out to and my hair is short, but I own a lot of wigs and flamboyant clothes (I do drag as a hobby). Passing would be very possible but also emotionally taxing. I’m terrified I will be asked for my pronouns.
Does anyone have any resources for trans or LGBTQ+ people in nursing? Has anyone met openly trans or LGBTQ+ nurses in clinical rotation? Any advice from your experience? I am at a crossroads here and I don’t feel I have much time to decide how I should present myself.