First job-- Could I get away with not revealing my trans status?

[Zeke]

Keeping this brief-- I'm starting HRT and the name-change process really soon and obviously, I need a way to pay for all this. Thus, job search time, woo.

Now, my number one concern is keeping my stealth. I've been told that mentioning I'm trans upfront isn't the greatest idea because it most likely won't get me hired. My therapist suggested that I play the role of a bio-male for the first few months after I start work, and only out myself after I gain the trust of my manager/coworkers/whoever. My question is, is this possible? I know I run the risk of getting fired if I get found out before that point, but could I get somehow clocked from the start? Do most stores check ID before hiring you? Could my birthname and sex somehow be discovered without my consent? Ugh why does this all have to be so complicated.

[tekla]

Businesses are required to prove they hire only people eligible to work in the US - or are supposed to, so you're going to have to produce something from the list below

You must present identification from List A or from List B AND List C while filling out an I-9 form in the Personnel Services office on or before your first day of employment.

Acceptable Documents for Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-9)

Under Interim Rule -- September 30, 1997

List A (Identity and Employment Eligibility)

    * United States Passport (unexpired or expired)
    * Unexpired Foreign Passport with I-551 stamp
    * Alien Registration Receipt Card or Permanent Resident Card (INS Form I-551)
    * UnexpiredTemporary Resident Card (INS Form I-688)
    * Unexpired Employment Authorization Card (INS Form I-688A)
    * Unexpired Employment Authorization Document issued by the INS which contains a photograph (INS Form I-766 or I-688B)
    * For aliens authorized by the INS to work only for a specific employer: Unexpired Foreign Passport with Form I-94 containing an endorsement of the aliens nonimmigrant status

Documents removed from List A:

    * Certificate of United States citizenship (INS Form N-560 or N-561)
    * Certificate of Naturalization (INS Form N-550 or N-570)
    * Reentry Permit (INS Form I-327)
    * Refugee Travel Document (INS Form I-571)

List B (Identity Only)

    * Drivers License or ID card issued by a state or outlying possession of the United States provided it contains a photograph or information such as name, date of birth, sex, height, eye color, and address
    * ID card issued by federal,state, or local government agencies or entities provided it contains a photograph or information such as name, date of birth, sex, height, eye color, and address
    * School ID card with a photograph
    * Voters Registration Card
    * U.S. military card or draft record
    * Military dependents ID card
    * U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Card
    * Native American tribal document
    * Drivers license issued by a Canadian government authority
    * For persons under age 18: School record or report card; Clinic, doctor, or hospital record; Day-care or nursery school record

List C (Employment Eligibility Only)

    * U.S. social security card issued by the Social Security Administration (other than such a card which specifies on the face that the issuance of the card does not authorize employment in the United States)
    * Certification of Birth Abroad issued by the Department of State (Form FS-545 or Form DS-1350)
    * Original or certified copy of a birth certificate issued by a state, county, municipal authority or outlying possession of the U.S. bearing an official seal
    * Native American tribal document
    * U.S. Citizen ID Card (INS Form I-197)
    * I.D. card for use of Resident Citizen in the United States (INS Form I-179)
    * Unexpired employment authorization document issued by the INS (other than those listed under List A)

Receipts
Application for a replacement document. A person may present a receipt showing application for a replacement document. An application for initial work authorization or an extension of expiring work authorization is not acceptable. After 90 days, the person must present the actual document.

INS Form I-94 indicating temporary evidence of permanent resident status. A lawful permanent resident may present the arrival portion of the Form I-94 (Arrival-Departure Record) that the Service has marked with a temporary I-551 stamp and has affixed with the aliens picture. The Service may issue this document if an alien is not in possession of his or her passport and requires evidence of lawful permanent resident status. After 180 days, the person must present Form I-551, the Alien Registration Receipt Card (commonly referred to as the "green card").

INS Form I-94 indicating refugee status. A refugee may present the departure portion of the Form I-94 containing a refugee admission stamp. After 90 days, the person must present either an unrestricted social security card (along with a List B identity document) or an INS Form I-766, employment authorization document. Technical correction will be made to add Form I-688B to the documents that may be presented after 90 days.

[Luc]

The last job I had, I had to show my social security card to my manager in order to be hired. My state ID has my male name, but since it hasn't been changed legally (in CA all you need is a doc's note to change gender & name on ID), my birth name is on my soc. The manager didn't make anything of it at the time, but later brought it back when she was unhappy with me... "I'm the only one who knows about your... situation..." things like that, sounding like threats. This was just before she told me quit or be fired.

I don't know why I had so much trouble with that mgr... the job prior to that one, I had to do the same thing with the hiring process, and no one ever treated me as anything but a guy. My thought is, give the hiring manager your documentation, but tell them that you prefer whatever name you prefer, and that you'd rather they not reveal your birth gender to your co-workers. If they have a problem with that, or if they reveal it nonetheless or treat you differently, call Human Resources. That's what they're there for.

SD

[tekla]

I hate to be the cloud behind the silver lining, but...

Competition for jobs is intense. Lots of places are getting over 100 apps for every opening.  If you have some odd skill, and are a crackerjack at it you can get people to put up with a lot.  Such is not the field that entry level first jobs occupy though.  So I'd apply as just exactly what the documents say, get the job, and hang out in it a while and see what the conditions are.

Most jobs have a 90 day period where they can dismiss you for no reason whatsoever without penalty.  Also, there are an increasing number of places that have you sign on with a provision called 'at will' which means they don't need a reason to let you go.

And, its not just ID, lots of places do basic background checks if you are involved with money, security, or children in any way.

[Renate]

Most jobs have a 90 day period where they can dismiss you for no reason whatsoever without penalty.

Many jobs have absolutely no limits on dismissing you, read the fine print.

My take on all this, just for me:

I went in with my driver's license (correct name and female) and my social security card (correct name, but SSA has "M" somewhere hidden in their files).

As far as work is concerned, I'm just another boring older woman.
Maybe they identified my genetic background on day #1 but it has never come up.

[missmarleen]

Okay so...this is a tricky subject one that I am facing with my boyfriend who is an FTM however I am a hiring manager for a company an this is what I have learned from my research....you  need to find a company that is an EOE (equal opportunity employer) now when you find one..the job application will NOT have anything about gender (it is discrimitory to put male or female on an application if you are EOE) this is so women are not discriminated against for certain jobs and men are not either...this works in your favor because no one will see your documentation..when you put your name legally you only have to put your first inital of your first name not the entire thing (until your papers get changed with your male name) simply explain to the employer you go by .....such n such not your biological name.....again they are EOE so they can not discriminate....finally when it comes to your drivers licence etc etc...they will need copies of it..simply tell them because they are EOE they can not discriminate based on your sex...sex is different than gender..that is explained fully in their EOE booklets that alll EOE companies have..if they give you hassle simply give them an update on their own EOE standards because they are all universal throughout the states...by this point most companies if you are qualified you ahve met their standards and they are not going to have any more issues because they are EOE they don't want a backlash of ANYONE against them for discrimination...companies that are EOE hold that as a suvinior of pride and accomplishment...believe me my company takes LONG meetings about the importance of how our company looks to shareholders....hope my advice is helpful....

[deviousxen]

I'm pretty terrified to work. Cause either A. I go fulltime and undergo massive stress to try and blend in with my lack of experience or B. Be that weird kid with boobs.

[tekla]

Many jobs have absolutely no limits on dismissing you, read the fine print.

Yeah, I said that.  Its called an "at will" contract.

[Janet_Girl]

Just to put a scare in here.  You will be outed by the SSA, because they will notify your employer of the "error" in the gender maker.  They sent the letter to my employer, but they said 'Yeah. OK. We know".  End of story.

Janet

[Ms.Behavin]

When I first started to transistion I started work at one firm. Ok I started with earrings and plucked eyebrows, but it was guy mode then  After three months I came out to my boss.  That was a scarry time.  But I was kept on and things worked out well.  I was there for not quite two years. I left as the resession / depression had cut my hours to 24-30 a week.  In December I aplied and got a new job with a different firm and had no problems at all just being me.  I think I needed to be out for a year or two to be more convincing. 

Not saying I pass all that well, but that at least I'm consistant now in who I am.  It would not have been possible to do that just after I started going full time.  So I would recommend starting as the old you and wait to see the lay of the land.  After being there 2-3 months then chat with HR.

Beni