How Virgin Media O2’s benefits supported my transition

Starting my journey

When I first began looking into my transition, I knew Virgin Media O2 offered support for trans people through our healthcare benefit, but I genuinely didn’t know where to begin. For months, I felt like I was staring at a closed door with no idea how to open it. I didn’t know anyone else who had used our benefits for transition-related care, so it all felt a bit isolating and overwhelming.

Eventually, I downloaded our healthcare app and found a phone number. I just called and said, “I think I need help starting my transition.” They were great. They told me exactly who to speak to, what the process looked like and what would happen next. It was the first time I felt like I wasn’t trying to navigate everything alone.

Transition-related healthcare can be extremely expensive, and without our benefit, I would have struggled to access the appointments I needed. My psychologist sessions and endocrinology (hormone) consultations would have cost hundreds of pounds privately. Having these appointments covered by the policy made such a difference. When I finally received my first order it, it honestly felt like receiving a parcel I had been waiting for my whole life. I felt so many emotions all at once.

Feeling supported at work

The company announced its transition-related support before I ever came out. I remember reading the announcement and feeling emotional. I was not out yet, not even to myself fully, but seeing that message from the business made me feel safe in a way I can’t properly explain. It gave me hope. When I did come out, my team made everything feel easy and natural. We’re a close group, and my best friend at work already sensed what was happening. She helped me with pronouns and made sure the rest of the team understood how to support me. Not everyone gets that kind of experience, and I know how lucky I am.

Appointments have been effortless to arrange. I speak to my manager, and we work around shifts and store needs. They have been curious, respectful and genuinely interested in understanding more. I’ve also appreciated being able to talk openly about my transition appointments without feeling judged.

Looking ahead with confidence

Transitioning is an ongoing journey. It doesn’t have a clear before and after, and I’m still at the beginning of the medical part. But I already feel more myself than I ever have. I’ve been in my role as an Assistant Store Leader for more than four years and I’m starting to think more about what my future looks like. We have loads of opportunities at Virgin Media O2 and I’m looking forward to exploring some of our Field Engineer roles in the future. Proudly, our LGBTQIA+ employee network, has also helped me connect with people who understand what I’m going through, which has made such a difference.

I’m not waiting to “finish” transitioning before living fully. I am living fully now. With the support of our healthcare benefit, our Proudly network, my team and Virgin Media O2, I finally feel able to become the person I have always known myself to be.