Professional references after transition

[Sondra Marie]

Hi everyone,

I'm sure this has been discussed at some point so I apologize if it was a recent topic but I'm curious about some of your experiences with job references during and after transitioning. Did you call up your references and say, "hey,  this is <new name>, but you would remember me as <old name>, I was hoping I could put you down as a reference?" Did anyone tell you not to put them down because of what you disclosed? How did you approach the situation? Was their focus more on the reference and "ohh cool I hope you get the job!"? Or was it more on the fact that you now have a girl's/guy's name and voice? On that note, did you try to talk in the voice they know or the voice you now speak in?

These questions give me a good amount of anxiety because the workforce issue is my biggest fear when I think about transitioning. Many businesses claim to have policies against lgbt discrimination but I've read so many instances of, "Sure, you're very qualified but we aren't sure if you'd be a good fit here at blah blah company." It seems like having good references that recognize you by the name you now go by could mean the difference between being unemployed and having a comfortable income.

I'm looking forward to hearing your experiences.
Thanks! ^.^
-Ondi

[ajames.shirley]

I think your best bet is take the ones who don't have a problem referencing you, and then if you don't have enough references, just include in the cover letter that your references declined their offers with discriminatory intentions. That way if it's a company that has a problem w you being trans, you won't have to deal with the headache after working for them in the first place. But hey, that is just my opinion. Explore your options before you decide, and remember you can change your approach later.

~Mostly Male

[Dena]

I am not really sure. The company I worked for had a massive layoff when I transitioned and I was part of it. I am sure everybody knew there were a bunch of bodies to be snatched up if they wanted them. On the other hand, american law somewhat limits what a future employer can ask. Did the person work there, how many years but off limit is what type of worker were they and why are they no loner there. I suspect most companies unless they need it for security reason skip going back to the last company because their just isn't much they can learn. After the first job, I had a work record in the new gender so I no longer needed to worry about it.
If you work in a skilled profession like I did, you future boss will learn far more about you in the interview than they will ever learn from your old work record.

[JLT1]

I would do  exactly what you mentioned.  Call my old employers and tell them I transitioned.  Make sure they could document that I worked there and the dates.  If they are not LGBT friendly, politely remind them what they can say.  If friendly, make your old boss a personal reference.

Jen

[Sondra Marie]

Thanks for your comments! The way it sounds, it almost seems like most people don't even bother much with your references and if they do, it's a good idea to know your rights (always a good idea regardless). I guess by the time I'm applying at a job as a woman though it probably won't be as big of a deal telling an employer I had 4 years ago. Hah

[FTMax]

The references I use are all friends with me on Facebook, so they've seen my transition and have been nothing but positive. The most I've ever seen places ask for is three references, and I luckily have 3 very good former supervisors that are happy to oblige.

There are three paths I'd consider taking if I wasn't in the position I am:

- Call and update them directly as described. Let them know you've transitioned, ask that they update their files, and let them know that they may be getting calls soon for references.

- If you have any former coworkers that you're still friendly with, list them instead. If the person reviewing references asks you about it, say your former supervisor left the company and you don't have contact information for them.

- If your former employers have HR people, call and update them and provide their information on your application. There are only so many questions that can be asked of references, and an HR person can answer all of them.