job hunting... should I tell them?

[ChelseaAnn]

So, I'm currently looking for a new job, partially because I want a backup to go to in case my current job gets rid of me for coming out, and partially because I'm actually getting tired of the way things are run at the current job.

So, I'm wondering if I should disclose that I am going to be transitioning. I am pre everything right now, presenting almost all the time as male, aside from times when my son isn't around or he's asleep. However, the agreed plan between my wife and I is for me to start HRT next spring and also go full time if possible.

I am just thinking to disclose my status because a new job is supposed to be a backup. If I go in not telling them, they could get rid of me for coming out too. I know some companies might not hire me (although we do have anti discrimination laws in the city I work in now). But I figure it's better than getting fired for it a year from now.

Thoughts? Experiences?

[Ms Grace]

It's up to you but if you don't expect to transition for a year I can't see there'd be a need to tell them. If you prove yourself to be a valuable worker and have the respect of your colleagues they'd be crazy (and, by the sound of it, breaking the law) to dismiss you for transitioning. While it's always a good idea to plan for contingencies you may be over planning for a negative reaction which may never happen. My sense is that people are usually more supportive of someone they know and respect instead of someone they met 15 minutes ago in a job interview... so take the job, let them get to know you and then talk to management about transition. Just my thoughts though.

[spacerace]

Don't tell them. No matter how accepting they are or how a great an applicant you are, you would be waving a flag that says "I come with baggage" and then they can easily just pass on you for some other reason.

[ImagineKate]

My plan is if I am terminated I will immediately go full time and do my job search as a woman. I hope it doesn't come to that and they can't terminate me because I'm trans.

[jeni]

I'm in a somewhat situation, except that I have already begun HRT and plan to find a job as part of a major relocation. I do not anticipate coming out to the public for at least a year from now, perhaps longer depending on how things work out (and assuming HRT gives slow, subtle changes over that time, though I wouldn't complain in the long term if it goes too fast and strong and gets in the way of my plans...)

Anyway, I do not plan to discuss this with potential employers. It is none of their business whatsoever, and gender identity is protected from discrimination anywhere I would consider settling. That reinforces its not being their business. However, legal protections from discrimination are of very limited practical value in many cases. My plan to combat this a bit is to delay any workplace transition until I've been there long enough to establish myself as a value to the employer, and if possible, to get a positive performance review or equivalent on record. That at least makes it harder for them to claim I was a poor employee and they'd have to try a little harder to mask their reasons if they try to fire me.

[GerryT]

Yup, I agree with everyone else here. I have a two counselors helping me transition, one social and the other employment, and we've discussed employment because I am also looking for work, and the consensus is that you need to, at the least, get on the other side of a probationary period before disclosing.

You may also want to check with your local library for any business resources. Oftentimes, libraries will collect information about local businesses and their LGBT policies. You would also do well to ask around in your local LGBT community.

Best wishes!
Gerry