JET: Fearing rejection, don't even want to try

[Rena-san]

I want to apply to the JET program, teaching English in Japan. It is a highly competitive program and I feel I am qualified, but I fear that they will reject me because of my gender now. I have to apply with my legal name and gender which I am currently unable to have changed. I also have to provide a self-assesment of any medical condition. I have done my best to present my condition as straight forward as possible. I had both my psychiatrist and endocrinologist write a detailed letter explaining everything. But still this is what I fear will happen:

I go to the interview part, they call my male name. I go in and interview, and I'm obviously not male anymore nor could I or should I try to be. They just keep it silent, ask the questions they are told to ask, but put a big red x somewhere on my application and basically stop listening to anything I say, or can do or offer.

I don't know. Any suggestions? Ideas?

[Brooke777]

Sorry, no suggestions or ideas. I think you are going about it the right way by just being yourself. I hope it all goes well for you.

[Catherine Sarah]

Hi Hippo,

Is there a labour secretariat with a LBGTQ organisation that has experience in labour market issues that can be the forerunner of any interviews?

Do you have anti discrimination laws in the country/state you live in. They should have department that can pre-empt employers as to AD regulations and again be the forerunner for any interviews, highlighting the need to ask non gender based questions, or to ask referees non gender based questions about your previous performances.

Lastly, just remember what FEAR  stands for. False Evidence Appearing Real.

Hope it goes well for you. Look on the positive side, always. You maybe pleasantly surprised

Lotsa huggs
Catherine

[Taka]

be yourself. take it for granted that a girl can have a "male" name, it's really a girl's name if it's yours. have confidence in your skills, and focus on that rather than your gender. gender is irrelevant if you've got the skills.

i wasn't fired from my temporary teaching job when i dyed my hair white/pink. only the students laughed of it a little, until i told them that it's not due to a technical error. the confidence and enthusiasm you show is what gains you respect from a student, and if an employer doesn't understand this, then too bad for them. (not that i've tried transitioning as a teacher yet)