federal law enforcement agency

[ryderjl]

I'm not sure if this is the correct spot to post this But it seemed fitting.
I'm an intern with a federal law enforcement agency in Oklahoma. I cant specify which one due to a non disclosure agreement with said agency. I've recently started my transition from female to male. When I originally applied for my position I went through a background check, and federal application for employment(even though this is a nonpaid internship), etc. I think this is all necessary background for my question so please bear with me.

How do I go about coming out, getting my name changed on federal forms and such, and can the agency terminate my status as an intern even though I was approved and beat out many other applicants for my position? I'm termed a sort of employee through them for legal purposes. So I was wondering since they are federal if I have any protections in regards to coming out? even though I live in Oklahoma.
I wouldn't like it to be so necessary but if I want to have a good reference from them when I apply for any future jobs they would need to know about my transition at the very least so that they would know who is wanting to use the internship as a reference without having to explain so much after time would have passed.
If anyone has any sort of experience with this it would be greatly appreciated any advice I might receive in proceeding through this situation.
I do know my transition in the coming months will probably be quite evident as well as I just started on testosterone about a week ago.

[Dena]

Welcome to Susan's Place. I am not a legal expert but while you may have legal protection, what will happen on the job will depend on how others treat you. Very soon you will have to contact the equivalent of the personal office and find out what the policy is for people transitioning on the job. After you know that, you will know how to proceed. As your history may be recorded with the federal government, your records may be exposed with something as simple as a figure print record when you are applying for your next job.

My only encounter with this was when I obtained a security clearance which I had no  problems obtaining because I told the truth and didn't attempt to hide anything. That would be the approach I would recommend for you. You may be able to remain stealth to your co workers if you remain in law enforcement but management will know and should respect your privacy.

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[Jin]

I work for a Federal land management agency and we have many safeguards and protections under the law. Check with your local Equal Rights laison or opm.gov for details.
I gotta say that I love where I work, I get nothing but positive feedback, thanks mostly to the efforts of lesbian activists during the previous two decades. "Thanks girls, for your service!"
I am able to switch around from male to female daily (who wants to be boring?) I just have to remember to wear only office appropriate clothing.

[tgchar21]

Dena - another idea I have seen (and used by another transwoman on here) suggested for security clearances, etc. is to put down that you'll supply the sensitive information straight to the investigator when requested. That keeps your situation private from those whom the form passes through while allowing those who truly have a reason for knowing about your background to have the full information.

[Dena]

That job was obtained from a Temp agency and I needed a bottom level security clearance the moment I walked through the door. They had tank weapon simulators scattered in the middle of the office space and I was in the computer room handling printouts of who knows what. I suspect the moment I handed the paper work in it was passed to the resident security officer to be analyzed. To bad I was out of a job because the contract was canceled. It seems part of the problem was the smart shell took out an outhouse instead of the target. 

[tgchar21]

Good story, Dena. The suggestion I gave is one of a few "alternative" ways I've thought of handling when an employer asks about prior names that avoid either lying or outing yourself to those you're dealing directly with (the usability of each depends on when you transitioned, why they're asking, and who's doing any checks - I'll elaborate on the others if someone's curious and hasn't seen my posts mentioning them before). The disadvantage like you hinted with this idea is it may slow down the check if getting it done quickly is a concern (as well as working only when a separate party is doing the investigating; the advantage over my other ideas is it can work regardless of at what age or how long ago you transitioned).