Coming out as trans and working as a DOD Civilian in California

[shauna1833]

Hello, I have a few questions on my situation to see if can get any suggestions.

I graduate with my bachelors in Computer Science in May and I have already gotten a job offer for after graduation with the US Navy as a civilian Computer Scientist in the Los Angeles area. I just got approved for my interim secret level clearance and just need to send them my final transcripts showing my graduation to get a start date.

So sounds like a dream, got a good job offer before I even graduate, my super conservative family thinks I am doing great and always tell me how proud they are of me. I worked my ass off to get where I am with no family help, and most people seem to think my life is going great, so what could go wrong? Well maybe being a MTF trans women that hasn't told anyone but her psychologist might ruin some things.

I have not started HRT, but I have been talking to a therapist every other week for a few months now. I think I am leaning more towards transitioning because I have felt this way all my life, and I thought I could just suppress it before, but I feel like all that is doing is just postponing the inevitable. So I am looking at starting HRT over the next few months but am worried about my new employer backlashing when I tell them I am transitioning and might find myself in some sort of discrimination situation. On top of that I am confused on how it all works for federal employment.

Just seeking some advice on this situation, and seeing if anyone out there has worked a federal government job as a trans person.

[V M]

Hi Shauna 

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V M

[KathyLauren]

Shauna, congratulations on your upcoming graduation and on your job offer!  Welcome to the forum.

I don't live in your country, so I have no first-hand experience with your future employer.  I do, however, have experience with security clearances.  Having a security clearance means that you can have NO personal secrets.  If they find that you have a secret, you are deemed to be vulnerable to blackmail, and you lose your clearance.  That usually means you lose your job. 

It would be prudent to start planning how to come out to your future employer.  The sooner you come out, the less vulnerable you will be to losing your clearance and the job.

Of course, being transgender in the military is problematic in your country right now, with no one really knowing where they will stand in the future.  How much of that will trickle down to civilian DOD employees, I don't know, but it is something that you should be actively researching.

Good luck with it!

[Ryuichi13]

Maybe you should start off with getting past the 90 days probation period first, and then come out.  Or, if they have a psychiatrist, come out to them. 

Either way, its not a secret that you will be able to hide for very long. 

Feel free to vent about it here, we're always willing to listen. 

Good luck!

Ryuichi

[BlueJaye]

Coming out is scary. I know how you feel. I dread the day when I have to come out professionally and publicly.