Still at it? Still at it. Name battle 2

[BenKenobi]

A while ago, i fought for my name to be on my nametag. I was willing to compromise with the company. I asked if i could have my name on my badge and sign forms with my legal name. Everyone wins.

They said no way. Period. End of story. No compromise.

Fine. I can still have people call me by my preferred name. It's nowhere in any handbook that states this is disallowed. People went with it...

Until one got reprimanded for saying it over the intercom.

->-bleeped-<-ing seriously? I really need to go to court for the right for people to say my preferred name now? What the hell is this bull->-bleeped-<-?

I tried being nice and accommodating. God knows I've tried. But now I'm going the legal route. Any loophole will be highlighted and brought to my manager. If she bitches I'll ask where it explicitly states badges must have legal names. If she refuses, DM (who resides in our building). If he blocks me then ->-bleeped-<-ing HR because I'm sick and tired of this run around.

[suzifrommd]

I tried being nice and accommodating. God knows I've tried. But now I'm going the legal route. Any loophole will be highlighted and brought to my manager. If she b-----s I'll ask where it explicitly states badges must have legal names. If she refuses, DM (who resides in our building). If he blocks me then f---- HR because I'm sick and tired of this run around.

Let 'em have it Ben. Give them all you've got. They won't know what hit 'em.

[BenKenobi]

Now I'm wondering what to do once HR says no? The manager said it was HR's rules but given that they haven't spoken with me I'm unsure.

[JLT1]

You have legally changed your name??

Jen

[BenKenobi]

You have legally changed your name??

Jen

Not yet. I can't afford it at this point in time. Too many debts claiming most of my funds and putting my cat down sent me back further

[JLT1]

Wow, that hurts.

They can legally do what they are doing - being %&^^((s. 

Be better then them!  Keep requesting and appreciate those who use the correct name.  Hold your head high.

And get the name changed when it is right in all parts of your life.

Jen

[BenKenobi]

The thing is that in the handbooks nothing is stated about legal names on an ID badge, let alone using someone's name that they prefer. Two people i work with use their middle names. The name badge is just a piece of plastic with a tape slapped on it. It's not like There's one printed out special. That's what grates me. There is literally no reason why they absolutely must adhere to some made up rule.

[suzifrommd]

The question, I would ask, is, are there any employees who are called by nicknames that are not their legal name. I.e. anyone named Robert called "Bob", anyone named "William" called "Bill", etc.

If yes, then their refusal to call you by your preferred name is discrimination. I.e. they are doing it because Ben is a male name. If you had a female nickname they would have no problem with it.

If they persist, I'd say your next step would be a local LGBT legal help place or maybe the EEOC.

[Katiepie]

I was going through the same exact thing at work. At first my boss was cool with me using my prefered name, but then when I had done so for a week. I was told by corporate is that I must legally change my name for me to  wear my prefered name. That it dealt with compliance issues to the fact that there was no "Kate" officially working there. That the union would think that the company would try and have someone under the radar.  Though on the bright side, I eventually reasoned with them to the suggestion of using my LEGAL last name in place of my first name. That way I don't get stressed at hearing my birth name a million times a day and just get stressed, frustrated and just outright going insane. Maybe your next step might be the same thing is to have your last name, and then otherwise you can then proclaim your preferred name, but on paper and official "intercom" would be last name basis. I did have to threaten my job that I would quit if i would not be able to use my own last name at the time since my health is far greater than a job.

I hope everything works out for the best Ben! Please don't give up!

-Kate <3

[BenKenobi]

That would be quite comical actually given that my last name is "Biggs" and I'm a very small person. Jesus I'm a walking contradiction aren't i?

Though there is a part in the handbooks about reasonable accommodation. Plus there are people that go by their middle names so i could point that out but i don't want them to not use their preferred names as a result :c

[FTMax]

Have you spoken with anyone in HR? I'd go to them first and explain the issue. HR folks are usually not too difficult to work with, and all that I've encountered have understood trans and transition related issues.

In the mean time, keep digging into the handbook and documenting any anecdotal experiences (people going by nicknames, last names, etc.).

Are you open to saying where you work or what kind of environment you're working in? In previous threads I got a big box retailer vibe and was surprised you were having so many issues, but if your DM lives in your building that seems like I might be wrong.

[BenKenobi]

I haven't spoken to HR yet. I'll be getting the phone number today. And i work at Hobby Lobby. I don't have the luxury to leave because they pay WELL over most places around here. Even managers at other stores are paid less. I am actually not surprised I have issues. I was skeptical when a manager said they were LGBT friendly

[lostcharlie]

Ben,  Hobby Lobby yikes, their pretty bible belt at the top from what I understand. Best of luck in getting your name issues straightened out to your satisfaction.