Privacy Policies and Laws

[ChristiVee]

Hi, I've been considering to go to Victoria's Secret to get a bra fitted. My question has 2 parts, and both are related.

I already have a credit card there I used to build my credit.... they think it's just for my wife and credit, but we've gotten myself a couple things, including bras and leggings for when I "grew" more (also I started with a higher credit limit than any employee! XD ).

Anyhow, Other than with a handful of people, I'm still "in the closet" about transitioning because I'm in the bible belt. More accurately, I talked to a few people, including my shrink, who think gradually transitioning to let people get used to the idea of me looking more feminine may get more backlash.... So I'm trying to hide some of my changes still in public.

There's a sale and my wife and I have a few coupons for VS where we can get like 4 bras and a pair of leggings for like $30. My current bra from them is a sports bra that's still a little big, but Walmart's fits great, and I use it or an A-shirt with a black large T-shirt over it, to play down my chest. Brighter shirts make it more obvious I have a round chest.

So, the reason for going shipping is because I've still not got my legal documents transitioned, as I'm from another state as well. A friend works somewhere the manager already knew me.... I was asked if I wanted a job there, and I accepted.... the "formal" interview is Wednesday, but the dress code is a light blue shirt, I've not seen anyone wear dark blue.

So the situation is that:
-Should I be open during the interview or right after, over why my desire to wear a darker tee?
-Could me trans status be considered "medical", so they cannot share it and make gossip before I'm ready to "come out"?

-I'd be looking to go to VS to get one bra to make my chest look better and more feminine for when I'm ready to pass.... but also one to play it down before I'm ready to come out. I know nobody that's an expert on styles and cuts, and because I'm so tall with broad chest/shoulders (hips are wider than chest, less than shoulders), I'd like to be professionally measured/fitted to what would look good on my chest type.

So does VS have corporate anti-discrimination policies (I know they have a trans model), and do they have policies or laws preventing THEM from bringing gossip to the public of not only them fitting a trans (still in stealth), but also to not let them disclose who in public? The south is like ALL about gossip, sometimes.

I know it's long, but I'm planning to leave in an hour or two, so would appreciate feedback. Thank you!!!

[Dena]

For an interview, wear what you have. After you get the job you will have to conform to their dress code. When you have people dealing with the public you often want them to present a certain image. It's why Home Depot has everybody wearing an orange apron or in the old days, IBM had all the non factory people dress in high end office wear. There may be wiggle room in the dress code but you must stay within it.

Don't discuss your trans status with them unless it becomes important to the discussion or the paper work. They are looking for a body to fill a position and not a trans. Deal with it after you have a track record with the company and are ready to come out. When they interview you, they want to be in charge of the interview and nothing is worst for you job prospects than looking like you are going to change how things are done your first day on the job.

[ChristiVee]

Thanks for the input Dena, so I will keep it under my hat until the change is finalized... I just wasn't sure BECAUSE my chest may likely be more obvious in blue, lol.

That leads to the VicSec thing being just as important.... do they have like a policy of non-disclosure or anything?

[Dena]

I suspect so just because it's good business not to turn away or drive away customers but I don't know. I haven't even seen one of there catalogs much less been in one of their stores. Just do what you can do and play it by ear. That's what I have done for many years.

[AnneK]

I have been in a VS store, but not to buy something.  My work took me into one last year.  So, I was there for a couple of hours, behind the counter and in the back room, doing my work on their network.  Turns out they had a problem with their ADSL connection.

I was wearing my bra then.   


Incidentally, it was interesting to hear the customers discussing their lingerie with the clerks and their friends, ignoring the fact a male was within earshot. 

[ChristiVee]

An update: I went yesterday, after having my wife call and ask on their policies.
-They said they have a discreetness policy.
-They said they're still willing to fit a trans.

Thinking I figured out how I can do so without turning heads, because men sometimes wait in the hallway with the fitting rooms for their girls, I headed there. Turns out, they were moved to a smaller location for the main stores remodeling... so the fitting rooms were less discreet.

We grabbed an associate who was not busy, explained the situation, and she was very positive towards me. She measured me and gave me my fitting and bra type recommendations (for me, was a balconette, with a demi also working), to give more lift, because I already have a thin but curvy frame

Entering and entering was mad less awkward by my wife being with me, raising fewer questions, and I walked out after only a couple people were left in the store, and they were in 2 booths over. Turns out, we already stayed past closing, but she was helping me. ^_^

Guess either they're really helpful.... or they wanted to make sure they didn't get a complaint because my "status", if you will. Either way, since I'm a Google Guide, I informed her that she earned her store a good review.

Hope maybe this may help someone else in a similar situation in the future!

[Daniellekai]

I've not heard of anyone having a bad experience with VS, they're always helpful and kind.