Coming out to Work

[Guest Addy K.]

So as the title says I'm planning to come out to my work in about 6 months, when I go full time. Which has brought up my fears that I will most likely let go when I do. One of the major reasons is that I work as an assistant manager of a Bojangles fast food restaurant. And I have looked up the HR policies to see if there was any for transgender employees. This than leads to the fact that my job is based on interacting with customers and trying to get their sales. And dealing with employees. And I really feel that if I were to go to my boss or HR, they wouldn't fire me for my transition, but in a few weeks after telling them I will be given another reason to be let go. Its sad because I love my job. To me my days are hectic but when it goes great its really fulfilling. I'm thinking about looking for another job, already just to get options in place. And thinking about moving to another state which has protections for transgender people.

Oh and if you haven't heard of Bojangles before its pretty much KFC lol!!!

Addy

[Carolyn Marie]

If there are no written policies, Addy, and neither the state nor your city have protective laws in place, then it is a crap shoot. There are many companies, especially national corporations, which have such policies. Here is a site that has a list: http://www.masstpc.org/mediawiki/index.php?title=Employers_with_Transgender_Friendly_Policies

I wish you luck, hon.

HUGS

Carolyn Marie

[Guest Addy K.]

Thanks Carolyn for the link and support. Yeah I think any food industry is going to be risky to transition in. Because companies will fire employees if customers complain about them. An example of this was that one of my Front-line register staff had to be let go because he had the name Mom in a heart tattooed on his neck, and a customer complained about it saying it wasn't right and soon on. Yeah came in the next day and they had been let go because of that reason. I really think my boss would be willing to work with me, the store manager, but I fear that since were corporate owned it will go to them and be their choice.

But as i said originally, I'm currently just looking for a new job in a different industry other than food. Hoping to find something in the next 2 to 3 months that way I could be already in the company and then go to HR about my transition when I'm ready to go full time.

Addy

[Guest CariadsCarrot]

I'm sorry you're in this position Addy. I hope it will go better than you think but from the way you've described the working of things it does sound risky. I think you're being very sensible by looking into all the possibilities and trying to find somewhere you will have more chance of a positive outcome.

Good luck with your plan.

Gabe

[Guest erica970]

I wish you the best of luck and giving hugs...by the way, I love bojangles, just wished they were here in ky!!

[Guest Elizabeth K]

Advice maybe? The HR department is required to be confidential. Ask if that is their understanding. Get an assurance in writing your query will be totally confidential. When you have that ASK about their policies toward transgender employees and what should be done to allow transitioning on the job. They will most certainly need a letter from a qualified gender dysphoria trained therapist that you are recommended to transition for your metal well being..

Follow what they tell you exactly! DO NOT confide in anyone ourside HR, not even your bestest most trusted work friend.

Lizzy

[Guest *Brooke*]

Advice maybe? The HR department is required to be confidential. Ask if that is their understanding. Get an assurance in writing your query will be totally confidential. When you have that ASK about their policies toward transgender employees and what should be done to allow transitioning on the job. They will most certainly need a letter from a qualified gender dysphoria trained therapist that you are recommended to transition for your metal well being..

Follow what they tell you exactly! DO NOT confide in anyone ourside HR, not even your bestest most trusted work friend.

Lizzy

This right here... helps me out so very much!! *hugs* I've been worried about what to do about work myself lately.

I wish you the best of luck Addy. I understand exactly how things are for you right now. Granted I'm not in the food industry, but manufacturing. *hug*

[Guest Addy K.]

Erica, Bojangles is planning to open like another 30 or more stores this year alone. Yeah corporate wants to open 500 more stores in the next 10 years and its why I want to stay because I could advance higher up the chain per-say.

And Elizabeth thank you for the idea about contacting HR. I'm going to probably send a message to my HR department when its closer to me going full time. Its just I've looked up the HR policies, in our HR policies guide/manual that we have in our store, as well as the employee website that has Hr policies section that I've looked into. From what I've read their is nothing for transgender employees, but that could be changed since the most recent update. Or maybe the policy will change,hopefully!!!

Addy