Hi Joe, if people gossip it says a whole lot more about them and their character than about you, alright??
Put yourself above any gossip (if there is any that is!!), that's their "small mindedness" and you know next week/month/two months from now it'd be gossip about someone else.
And if people are gossiping instead of at least coming up to you and saying something (something to make you feel easier!!) then it's shame on them!!
You're doing a job, and clearly professional, even if they're not.
The customer though................acting aggressively/in a threatening manner.........walking away and ensuring your safety...........I thought employees were responsible for ensuring their own health and safety?? And this customer wasn't about to calm down was he?? So.........good move!!
And the intersex condition, that shouldn't/has no right to effect how you're treated, you should be respected for the work you do, and how you do your job. Beyond that what is it anyone's business but your own? And you have a right to keep it as your business if you wish. So your voice is different at times, does that effect how you do your job? Does that entitle people to know everything about you? I'd say "NO"!!.
So, I want you to be holding your head up OK Joe??!! You have nothing to be ashamed of or feel bad about, just show them who you are and what you can do.
And as for the letter of recommendation if it doesn't come through, you're going to be entitled to some feedback right? Push for some constructive criticism and see if it's actually something credible, actually something you can address, and fingers crossed for the next letter if you do something to address all that .
They should want someone they know can make the grade, someone they can have confidence in regardless of any other factors, right? Good business sense??

And are we decided on taking away the "embarrassing" bit in relation to the voice-or the intersex condition?? yet/now??
Because you are who you are and why should you be ashamed of that??!! It doesn't make you any less than anyone else, it really doesn't!!! And if some people see it differently, does that make prejudice right??!! NOT in MY book!!! So just try to be you, and try to be proud of who you are!!!



Alison