Occupation as transsexual

[Guest Kayla Grace]

*If this has been posted in the wrong place please move it and accept my apologies.

Hey all, Natalya here.

I've finally managed to find work, and I'll be starting soon. I know the workers rights pretty well.

What are my rights as transsexual? I'm assuming we fall under discriminatory rights (I know hate crimes quite well ... unfortunately) and being harassed about being transsexual is illegal, along with the obvious sexual harassment being illegal.

I'm not going to start out dressing as a woman, but when I (FINALLY) receive a call from a gender therapist, and (FINALLY) get to start HRT, I will need to tell my boss. And ... I'm pretty scared. I understand that I can't be fired for being transsexual, and if I can prove that I was, I will not back down from asserting my rights. But if a company really wants to fire you, they will find a way.

I hope that it doesn't come down to push and shove, I just want to be prepared if it does.

God Bless,

Natalya <3

[Guest]

The OHRC should go a long way for you, if not just the Human Rights Code alone.

Huggs,

Joann

[VickySGV]

If you are just at the stage of seeking Gender Therapy, it is NONE of the boss's business. I was very happily on HRT for 18 months before there was any real reason to talk about it or anyone had any real idea, and when it did hit it was because I had handled a previously stressful problem without stressing out!!

[Guest Kayla Grace]

Maybe I worded it wrong, Vicky. I'll rephrase.

If I start growing breasts while on HRT, depending on their size (maybe even regardless), someone is bound to notice. If someone notices, it could open up me getting made fun of. Taking that to the boss might open doors and questions that we don't want opened right now. I will hold off telling them as long as possible, but I would preferably like to dress as a woman as soon as possible, so it kind of feels like a battle I can't win.

God Bless,

Natalya <3

[StephanieVikingGirl]

Hi Natalya,

Good question. I am over three and a half months into HRT, and my breasts show if I don't cover them with an over shirt or sweater or something. Darker tops don't show things quite as easily, white T-shirts are definitely a no go for me without a cover up. i think I developed a bit quicker than most though, so YMMV. I am definitely waiting for someone to say somethinig at work, but so far no one seems to have noticed, or if they have they aren't saying anything about it. I think that those who see you everyday will be the last to notice anything. I live in California, and we have good legal protection out here, but like you I still worry a bit. I am well liked at work, and the cultural community here is rather accepting of LGBT folks, so I think that I will be okay. I don't own enough womens clothes yet, and I have no make up to wear either. I also need to keep working on my hair. These problems, and some financial issues are the things keeping me from going full time. As soon as I have these problems minimized, I will go to my boss (our senior manager is also our HR department), and let him know. I will confer with him regarding how to "come out" to staff, and tour guides. I will also do the identity/gender marker document changes at that time. That is my plan at least. I hope you find this useful info.

hugs,

Stephanie

[VickySGV]

Stephanie put one thing on this VERY well, and that is that people who see you daily will not readily see changes in you for some time since it will be so gradual. Let's face it, you are working, not staring at each other all the time.

As part of therapy, get the information you will need to let your employer know at the right time, your therapist will be able to guide you in doing it.

Underwear is not all that noticeable and can be a real help in getting going. Sometimes slacks or tops that are women's label can fit and look good without drawing attention as well.

[Guest Kayla Grace]

Stephanie, it seems like you and I are in the same boat except you're on HRT and I'm not. Regardless of how HRT works out regarding my beasts, I will likely have implants. I've worn a bra in public, even going so far as to wear it in just a t-shirt in front of my mother, who is ignorant of my trans* at this time. nothing has been said yet, though my mother never has been one for confrontation. I have quite a developed chest due to weights (I needed a 42 strap length for this bra) so even before I wanted to be a woman, it wasn't uncommon for my chest to portrude from my shirt.

There's a ton of things about women's clothing that I have no idea. google will certainly be my friend.

It's not really about dressing like a woman that matters to me, it's being referred to, treated, and called a woman.

God Bless,

Natalya<3