Potential employers and trans

[GrayKat]

I work in a field where I deal with sensitive client data. So when I apply for a job, they do a thorough background check. I am at the point where my identity is well established. I was in the military, went to college, been married, and have an employment history showing my senior level expertise.

Its still acceptable to hate and discriminate against trans people. Even with laws in place, there are ways around it. So I wonder if there is a way to hide being trans from potential employers. Except for growing out my hair, I have done nothing else since I am concerned about this very important point.

[Dena]

Possibly you could hide your trans status but I recommend against it. Once I was up for a security clearance at the military division of Ford. On entry, I had to fill out a form that ask if I had ever used another name and I responded that I  had and provided my dead name. I was called into an interview with a room full of people a few weeks latter and the subject came up. I responded truthfully to all of the questions and I passed the security clearance because of honesty.

If you are going to handle sensitive material, they have to know that you can't be blackmailed and you do that by never being caught in a lie.

I did this around 30 years ago when there weren't any laws about discrimination. Yes I ended up losing the job but it was because I didn't have seniority and they lost a government contract. They did offer a parting gift in that the head of security told me he would be a reference should I need it.

[GrayKat]

Hi Dena, thanks for responding. It sounds like you work in a technical field like I do. Have you had any trouble getting employment due to being trans?

[Dena]

I am an assembler programmer and at times it's difficult to find jobs because employers think you don't know anything and can't adapt. The last job I took was January 13,1986 and they are still sending me a paycheck because I am the most likely one to be able fix any bug that might occur. I don't really think being trans has caused much of a problem finding work but I suspect it as been a problem a couple of time when somebody higher up had an issue with it. I don't have any proof but it's more of a suspicion.

Because that job is winding down, I am now a landlord in a family business.  I find stuff needed for repairs, fix many things around the business and last week I was even installing security lights. What is this about not being able to adapt?