My workplace

[rikki88]

So I did a Google search on my employer (big corporate company) and it seems like from what I've found is that they do not have a transgender non discrimination policy. Without calling hr is there anyway to know if I'm at risk for being fired for being transgender??

[Dena]

Companies have a policy book that you could ask HR to see. The company I started with in 1982 has nothing in their policy book about transgender employees and they are aware of my status but I am a highly valued employee so I remain employed. Most companies are interested in a person doing there job and not causing problems. If you are that type of person, it's unlikely you would lose your job because of your TG status.

[Sharon Anne McC]

*

Rikki:

On the other hand, I won't go into extended details here at this thread that you can find elsewhere here at Susan's.

I was fired from two different employers nearly 20 years separated expressly because I am transsexual - the first was a federal agency (1985) and the second was a state agency (2010).  I fought both actions for about two years to a dead end.  I was vindicated each time as having endured 'an intolerable work environment'.  Those legal decisions meant nothing considering that being fired left me unemployed.

I held a superior performance history with both employers.  I had, in fact, been issued an agency-wide award by my state agency mere days before they issued their separation notice declaring that I am 'mentally unfit' to be a state employee because I am transsexual.  The state agency finagled Social Security Administration to declare me 'disabled'.

The state agency went so far as to openly defy the legal order to restore me.  My problem was that all my legal support fizzled - my lawyer dropt my case at the last minute, no ACLU, no EEOC, no AFSCME union, no help from disability agencies.  Nothing.  Zip.  Nada.  They pounced on that weakness.

Be carefull!

*

[Ms Grace]

I don't see any issue with you calling HR, you don't have to identify yourself to them. It sounds like a large organisation (yes?) so presumably they're unlikely to know who you are as long as you don't use your internal line.

[rikki88]

I don't see any issue with you calling HR, you don't have to identify yourself to them. It sounds like a large organisation (yes?) so presumably they're unlikely to know who you are as long as you don't use your internal line.

Very large company. When you call in you have to call the employee hotline number and provide the specific employee number to them before they will talk. So that's why I'm worried.

I am out to my store manager and she is very accepting of it. She even is giving me tips on hair styles I can try when my hair grows out and everything. It's great! But problem being is if someone is or wants to call corporate about me being transgender having no policy on it makes me worry that a higher up can come into my store and fire me on the spot. I live in Illinois so I do believe that there is a state law against it but I haven't found anything searching.

[Dena]

Your store manager should be able to enquire for you without exposing your identity. Just a guess but if you work for Walmart, don't worry. We already have several members who are out and work for them.

[rikki88]

Your store manager should be able to enquire for you without exposing your identity. Just a guess but if you work for Walmart, don't worry. We already have several members who are out and work for them.

No but my sister works for Walmart lol. I work for corporate Goodyear and it's predominantly male employees that work for the company. My boss is going to find out after the holidays and talk to our district manager to see if we need to let HR know or what. Plus also if there is an issue he will not be blindsided by the fact I'm trans.

[Dena]

https://corporate.goodyear.com/en-US/about/mission/human-rights-policy.html

[rikki88]

Thank you! So my question is it says gender I'm wondering that does extend to transgender correct?

[Missy D]

That's quite scary  I can't believe how far behind some countries are - I guess that you're talking about America.

It says gender - which means no basic sex discrimination and other rights protected by law. If it's not protected by law where you are then I don't think you're covered  I'm so sorry to hear that but for a large company that diversity policy is rubbish!!

In contrast I work for a large financial services company in Britain and our policy is so comprehensive that it runs to several pages. Our dress codes for office wear aren't gendered - so anyone can wear anything as long as it's smart  and also protection goes beyond gender reassignment to take in transvestitism, cross dressing and other non-conformity. It's actually in our handbook!!! I'm a fairly low-down administrator but I work normal office hours too!!!

We do a few things right over here, and transgender seems to be one of them!!

[Qrachel]

Hi:

Below is an HRC link for Goodyear.  They appear to include sexual orientation (subject to interpretation based upon locality perhaps) in their non-discrimination policy per HRC.

http://www.hrc.org/apps/buyersguide/profile.php?orgid=1252#.Vn19ifHGBJk

[rikki88]

That's what I was afraid of........ But on the bright side I live in Illinois so I do believe that I'm protected by the state. I've seen somethings online but not sure if it's law or anything.

[rikki88]

So I did some more research and found that I am protected under Illinois law against being discriminated in my workplace for being transgender. 

[diane 2606]

So I did some more research and found that I am protected under Illinois law against being discriminated in my workplace for being transgender.

That's good, but if your employer decides they don't want you around they will find another reason to get rid of you. Does your job involve direct customer contact?

[rikki88]

That's good, but if your employer decides they don't want you around they will find another reason to get rid of you. Does your job involve direct customer contact?

Yup basically when you walk in the door I'm one of the first you see and talk too. I'm upfront I'm the customer advisor.