Getting a job (McDonalds)

[NXTransit]

Hey guys.
I wanted to apply to McDonalds because they're the only thing around here that hires young people. Because I don't have anything legally changed, I don't know how to go about this. Do I just typed in my legal information then explain I'm trans if I get the job? I know Wendy's had an antidiscrimination policy but they only hire older people. Do you think the fact I'm trans may not allow me to be accepted for the job? If so, should I pretend to be female identified? I really would rather not having a job. But I need it. Gah. Any advice?

[Sharky]

Are you living as a male? Do you pass? Plan on transitioning soon? If you answered no to these then I would just go in as female.
It is possible that being trans could loose you a job.

[dmx]

Don't say anything about being trans, don't explain it.

Put your preferred name on your resume/application if you plan to go by that name; a resume is not a legal document. Go to the interview using said name. Once hired, you'll have to provide legal information so that's when you hand them the papers disclosing your legal name, and tell them something like "that's my legal name but I go by _______". They may have questions but the point is let them bring it up, not you.

That's the best solution I can think of.

[MaxAloysius]

A company as large as McDonalds would have policies in place that cover you, which means that legally you couldn't lose the job or be dropped from consideration because of being trans. However, if the interviewer decides they have a problem with you they could stop you from getting the job in the first place by making up any number of reasons not discrimination related. So I'd agree with Gifted; put all of your preferred information on your resume, the name you'd like to go by etc. Then if you get the job it should be fine to disclose from a legal sense, because they cannot fire you for being trans.

Of course if someone in power really wants you gone they can invent other reasons to get rid of you, but that kind of risk comes with every job. Over all though, I honestly don't think you should have any problems with McDonalds, especially when most of the people they employ are so young; our generation isn't doing too bad when it comes to being open-minded!

Good luck!

[Kyle_S]

I agree with the other guys here. Don't disclose trans status beforehand. Not only could it prevent you initially from getting the job at McDonalds....god knows if they have a problem with it, how many other people they may know in other companies they may disclose for you, making sure you can't get other jobs. You could give them preferred name, and deal with legal later. If you get the job, then check into anti-discrimination policies.

If you can't find policies, I'd say wait  a while for disclosure. If you can prove yourself to be a hard worker, worthy of being there and the bosses think highly of you, this might just save you regardless.

If, on the other hand, you find you are not protected, and wish to get out of there for your own peace of mind in yourself, I wouldn't tell em. Just lay low if you can for a little bit, and set up other, better, jobs.

I've been at my company for 3 years already. Sobeys is the second biggest grocery chain in Canada. I have not been able to find their policies anywhere. I'll have to ask if I can see them soon. I am waiting for my name change to come through. That is my first step with them. I've been a valuable employee, and my dept. manager had no problem with my pending new name. If all works well and they can't fire me, I plan to transfer to another Sobeys a few hrs away.

Just be careful, and good luck, buddy. I hope everything works out for you 

[MaxAloysius]

Are they not required to give you a copy of their policies in the US and Canada? I was given a printed off copy of all of our workplace standards, anti-discrimination and harrassment policies etc as soon as I was hired for every job I got from a large company.

[elliott]

My Dad is a businessman with McDonalds, I asked and under no circumstances will they discriminate you upon being trans.
They pride themselves in hiring people who often find it difficult to find work, hence a lot of the cleaners and workers have various disabilities, because they see it no reason not to hire people who are perfectly fit for the job.
I'd say interview etc with you're preferred name and legally for payment give them you're legal name, it won't be a problem
Good luck!

[Kyle_S]

Are they not required to give you a copy of their policies in the US and Canada? I was given a printed off copy of all of our workplace standards, anti-discrimination and harrassment policies etc as soon as I was hired for every job I got from a large company.

We were just given the employee handbook with general a.d.p in it. Didn't go in depth, and that was done up years ago, so Idk if its been updated lately for trans ppl 

[CaptainFantastic]

Been there, done that! McD - not advisable for me, but for different reasons...the job just sucked and
was seriously underpaid for the amount of stress and fuss....never again! Not even as a customer;))

[NXTransit]

Are you living as a male? Do you pass? Plan on transitioning soon? If you answered no to these then I would just go in as female.
It is possible that being trans could loose you a job.

I have been living as male for a year, I want to go on t asap but I'm having trouble with insurance and my mom.

[NXTransit]

Don't say anything about being trans, don't explain it.

Put your preferred name on your resume/application if you plan to go by that name; a resume is not a legal document. Go to the interview using said name. Once hired, you'll have to provide legal information so that's when you hand them the papers disclosing your legal name, and tell them something like "that's my legal name but I go by _______". They may have questions but the point is let them bring it up, not you.

That's the best solution I can think of.

That's a good idea, thanks!

[NXTransit]

My Dad is a businessman with McDonalds, I asked and under no circumstances will they discriminate you upon being trans.
They pride themselves in hiring people who often find it difficult to find work, hence a lot of the cleaners and workers have various disabilities, because they see it no reason not to hire people who are perfectly fit for the job.
I'd say interview etc with you're preferred name and legally for payment give them you're legal name, it won't be a problem
Good luck!

Thanks man, that definitely helps!

[NXTransit]

I thank all of you for your extremely helpful replies, and I'm sorry I just got to them now!

[Jasper1408]

Hey, man -

I actually worked at McDonalds and came out to my General Manager as trans. He was super cool about it and we even sat down for a while and discussed it. And this was in a tiiiiiiiiiiiiiiny little town in Virginia. The thing is, though, as with any job in any location, there will more than likely be people who aren't okay with it. But, from my experience, if you've got people in managerial positions who support you, don't let anything else bring you down. There was even a trans manager at the town over working the McDonalds over there. He didn't have a problem.

The only problem was... well, it's McDonalds. Lots of stress, but it is whatever you make it.

[zombiesarepeaceful]

Pre-name change I always listed my preferred name on my application and resume, or filled out my application as Legal Name (preferred name). Then just briefly mentioned that "this is my legal name but I go by 'name'" I never mentioned being trans at all. So glad I don't have to go through that anymore though, it was definitely a major concern for discrimination for me because no matter what...a company can decide not to hire you for whatever reason they please and there's really nothing you can do about it unless you're rich and can afford a good lawyer..and even then...it's not worth the hassle.