A setback at work

[Diane Elizabeth]

   I have been talking to my HR at work (discreetly) and they have informed me that I can come out but the company requires me to use the mens facilities until I have GRS.   that means I have to change clothes with others.  Well I would have to hide in the stall as I do already.  But how do I handle showers if I need one.  that I don't know yet.   State law just says its at the companys policy as long as it applies to everyone equally.  I am very upset about this.  I don't want to be in the mens room anymore.  I have been on the verge of tears most of the afternoon.  Its depressing.

[Randi]

I'm very sorry to hear this-corporate policy is stacked against us (some of us) at every turn it would appear. I haven't spoken to HR yet but my manager said there was no way in hell I could come out and stay there. I wonder if HR would tell me the same thing? I will eventually find out as I do not intend to stay the way I am now-presenting as male.

I wish that I had a more positive response for you but there are no definitive policies for corporate to follow-every company and even management within said company-is different and most have the deck stacked against us as a minority. Even my insurance provider has SPECIFIC disclaimers stating they will not cover any expences related to transsexualism.

Randi

[regan]

I would think it's the policy because no one has ever questioned it.  So question it, politely of course.  Actually just point out the logical (or rather, illogical) aspect of requiring you to change with the men.  Aside from the genital issues, do they require women they deem to be "less then women" to change away from the other women (or even with the men).  It sounds like the issue is they don't want to create problems by having you change in the womens locker room, but its pretty clear there are going to be issues (especially as your transition progresses) with you changing in the mens room.  Company policy may be what it is, but it may not even be you filing a complaint when the time comes.  Meet them half way, ask is there a unisex area you could use to change.  Univerisites in the past, for example, have designated areas as unisex to allow transgender students to dress/shower for phys ed type classes.  Also, check the ADA to see if you can be covered under it (in some cases trangender is a protected class), then they MUST accomodate you.

[Diane Elizabeth]

Thanks for your responses.   

Randi, I don't know what kind of company you work for, but there are laws that hopefully protect you from being fired.

In my case there are only 2 dressing areas with restrooms and showers.  One for the males and one for the females.  So I would have to use the bath room stall to change.  But then I would have to walk by the men dressing to get out. 

[Keaira]

I got very lucky. I happened to catch the ND policy of our parent company. They include protection for gender identity and expression. And one of our HR reps is gay. So I was allowed to go full time pretty much when I was comfortable. Only there was a snag. I didn't get to do it in my own time. People thought I was on HRT 3 years before I finally was. So something that I thought was a deeply private matter was very much public. The only reason I went full time so soon was just to get it over with. Just a bit of advice though. Its not the 'trying to look feminine part that will upset people. It will be the Bathroom issue that will get tempers flared. *hugs*
If you work for a company that has a parent company, try to see what their non discrimination policy is and if it is supposed to cover your company too.

[Diane Elizabeth]

Yes, I was thinking of trying the rooute of talking to the parent company HR.  That is if I can get a phone number to call.  They are located in AZ.