Susan's Place Transgender Resources

I had hopes, when I moved up here to Washington state (near Tacoma) from Los Angeles, that I'd be able to start my life anew with no one knowing about my past.  I'm a post-op M2F TS (operation in 1999). 

Well, little did I know that, despite my earning $70,000 to $100,000 in my Hollywood editing gig, that I wouldn't qualify to get an $8 an hour job at a Target store.  It's all presumably due to one little question on their application:  "Did you have any previous names?"  Because another application at a grocery store had indicated that I didn't need to reveal a name change if it had been more than 7 years ago, I decided to respond, "no."  Not responding was not an option -- the computer that you fill the form out on would simply inform you that you hadn't answered that question and demand that you answer (or quit the application process).  On other applications (Home Depot, various grocery stores) I HAD revealed my previous MALE name.  I never, of course, was called for an interview. 

In Target's case, I was interviewed two times (their standard for everyone) and then was called back to be told that I was tentatively being offered a job provided I passed a drug test and a background test.  The person that was hiring said that I did unusually well in my previous two interviews.  Apparently, she did not discern anything negative about my appearance or she wouldn't have offered me a job.  While it's probably illegal for state or federal agencies to reveal my past name, we all know that there are TONS of information gathering companies that love to sell that information.  Presumably, someone tied my social security number to my past name and bingo!  Gee, Teri lied on her application about not having a previous name.  Lying on an application, of course, is grounds for firing.  It says so on the application.  The rub, of course, is that if I respond truthfully about my past male name, that will cause them to forget about me and move onto the next application.  In their bigotted thinking, changing genders could indicate some kind of sexual perversion (I'm actually a pretty normal, if not boring, person).

So, to those of you who are thinking of transitioning, buyer beware!  If you ever are going to apply to a job that demands a "background check" (and I think most jobs do, nowadays), know that your gender transition may kill your chance for employment.  I don't know what the answer is.  If I tell the truth, they won't hire me.  If I lie, saying I don't have a previous name, they'll tell me that I'm lying and thus won't hire me.  Obviously, discrimination because of my gender transition must be illegal (even in a backward state like Washington), but go and try and prove it.

I once heard a quote that I identified with:  "It could be that the main purpose of your life is to serve as a warning to others."

Does anyone know Washington state laws regarding all of this?  Do I HAVE TO reveal my past name or is it illegal for them to ask me that question if it's been more than 7 years since my name change?

Thanks in advance for your thoughts or suggestions.

Hugs, Teri Anne

Teri Anne, this is one of the things that I've thought about many times.  It was the Real ID act that woke me up to this.  A friend of mine recently accepted a position using her female name and putting "F" for gender even though she hasn't changed any of her vital records.  We talked before her interview and I told her she's setting herself up if she does that but she did it anyway and was hired.  But she will forever have the sword of Damocles hanging over her head.

Ain't life grand when you're trans?

Julie

Is it possible to have your name changed with the credit reporting agencies?  That's where they would get the information.  And, you need to give your approval for them to check with the reporting agencies from what I understand. 

I'm sorry Teri. This really sucks.

What problems we face.

Cindi

Hi Teri.  I do not know of any such law.  Perhaps you could get a free consultation with a discrimination lawyer and ask them.  My recommendation would be to go to the HRC website and look up companies that are ranked well (especially on gender identity) on there and apply for jobs at those locations.  As for discrimination with employment, a new law was recently passed last June, so unless you can prove it (i.e. a rescinded job off on the basis of previous names), you can't do much about it.  Another idea would be to do your job search in a more well-known liberal area (usually a bigger city).  Work on your resume to get it perfect.  Try and get it to shine so brightly, they will be too blinded to see the previous names field. ;)

You may also try contacting HRC and Lamda Legal to see if you can get some more info.

Melissa

I don't know about anyone else in Australia, but so far no job application that I have filled out, has asked if you had a previous name, that includes Government jobs, Woolworths or the Coles/Myer group, even in interviews I have never been asked that.

Also In the Territory and as far as I know Queensland, not sure about other places, when you have the Op. you can be issued with a new birth certificate in your new gender with only your female name listed on it, or so I have been told by Births, Deaths and Marriages.

Hugs,
Sharon

Thanks for your suggestions.  This day has really been a "down day" for me.  I'm still stunned and frozen from this Target rejection.  It gradually is dawning on me that I have no hope of ever applying at a large company for they all seem to ask that question, "Do you have any previous names?"

While I could, indeed, pay to see what kind of information is released by the Social Security dept., California driving records, I feel it would only give me a minute fraction of the real story.  The sad fact is that there are literally MILLIONS of INFORMATION GATHERING COMPANIES who make money selling that information.  You only have to go on Google and type "background check" and you get:

"Results 1 - 10 of about 75,500,000 for background check"

75 and a half MILLION?!  It's stunning and frightening.  And, of course, these companies are happy to sell this information to anyone.  It's surprising that we ALL haven't had identity theft.

Sharon, I'm happy to hear that Australia doesn't ask the "previous names" question.  Hey, I'd probably try moving there but Australia, unlike the United States, has a tight immigration policy.  And, even if I could get in, I doubt that they'd want me looking for work there (I have enough of a pension to live on but would still like to work since I'm only in my mid-fifties. Working gives me a sense of purpose in life).

I tried the HRC site and did fill in the "Do you have a discrimination story you want to share?"  As to companies that are supposidly welcoming to GLBT people, I tend to have my doubts.  I worked at a major Hollywood studio that has the REPUTATION of being GLBT friendly.  Well, I encountered discrimination and lost work after working there for 25 years.  So much for reputations.  All it takes is one or two bigots in a supposidly GLBT friendly company and your life changes.

As to the "Real ID Act," I looked it up on Google and it, too, is frightening.  In principle, I don't mind having a national ID but, as the web page indicates, information such as birth dates and social security numbers would be accessable.  I presume they mean accessable by government but, as we all know, things have ways of leaking out.  Some government employees, both in Canada and Mexico, probably are salivating at the chance of selling such information on the side for some extra bucks?

But, back to the main issue of my post, I'm frightened of the millions of INFORMATION COMPANIES that are ready and willing to wreck my chances of starting a new life in my new locale.  My ex used to tell me that "good news travels fast."  It was her way of telling me that anything of a sexual nature (and that would include being TS) travels fast in the business world.

Unfortunately, so it seems, that "good news" of my transsexual (male) past now guarantees me failure at applying for even minimum-wage jobs.  Like I mentioned earlier, the only possible solution is to find a small company that doesn't run "background checks."  But maybe they all do -- heavy sigh.

Teri Anne

Teri,

I don't think that failure is a guaranteed.  I have always answered the question the way you did. I was never called on it.  So I don't know ultimately how you should check the box. There is no way I could put my old name on the form... there is nothing feminine about it.  Now you've got me paranoid.  I was thinking that I could go down and work at the local burger place part time as a way to get out of the house..... you know the American Beauty thang?  But if they check my ID like this, the whole community could know within days.  This sucks.

Cindi

Washington State is one of the states where there are gender identity discrimination laws.

It is far from a backwards state with regards to this issue, and Target probably just violated the law. 

Contact lambda legal.  This IS illegal in Washington State to discriminate on gender identity, it is one of the nine states with protections for gender identity.  They will probably have no problem taking your case.

This has NOTHING to do with the real ID act. 

Also you may want to apply to Best Buy...100% HRC score, largely because they are fairly progressive with regards to their transgender policies. 

Like it was mentioned...look at HRCs guide, apply to the places that prohibit transgender discrimination. 

Also it may be wise to be upfront with employers.  Just put a little sticky not reminding them of the law. 

Also this is why it is key to change your SSN, your Birth Certificate, and EVERY POSSIBLE DOCUMENT.  If you change your SSN, it is harder to track a persons background to a past name.  Some place you did not cover your tracks, it is figuring out where that place is.  Because honestly the name change field should not have been an issue. 

The problem Amy is that Teri wasn't "truthful" on her application.  So the company can legally turn her down for the position. The thing is... had she been truthful, they would have likely just passed on her application and never made an offer on the position.  You see, we are screwed either way.

Cindi

Actually one of the things with the gender identity laws is that it is still a violation of the law.  At least it is here in DC.  She should still contact Lambda, they may want to litigate this case, because there are clear problems.

This is an area that most states that protect gender identity do prohibit discrimination. 

Also I think Target may have gender identity nondiscrimination policy, it may be a good idea to contact their main office. 

Sometimes being an advocate for yourself and taking the extra step can be rewarding.  As much as stealth is valued, achieving true stealth is often difficult, especially with regards to jobs.  Sometimes you have to be an advocate as well as an applicant. It is this fear in the transgender community that often holds it back.  There is a law that prohibits discrimination in washington state...you have been discriminated against, contact the legal advocacy group and use it.  Do not hang your head and say its hopeless.  Take action.  If you are facing continuing discrimination because you are transsexual in a state that prohibits it contact your local lambda legal and get somebody to take on your case.  In the end you can end up with a job better than minimum wage anyway. 

The thing is you will be sacrificing a perceived level of stealth. But right now there is a problem in the records that is preventing you from achieving stealth anyway.   The thing is lambda may help you catch where the problem is coming from and help you correct it.   

Thanks, Cindi and Amy for your input and concern. 

Cindi, it's interesting that you mentioned "American Beauty."  In applying to Target, I felt like I was doing the "American Beauty" low-wage job thing.  Money wasn't the object.  The object was to work, at anything, to feel a sense of purpose.

Amy, I'm glad to hear that Washington isn't as backwards as I thought and that they do have anti-discrimination laws.  I think one of my big problems is that I'm applying for work in a small suburb of Tacoma.  If I was applying in a major city like Seattle, I might have found more acceptance.  No guarantee, of course.

Just for the record, I DID change my Social Security, California driver's license and U.S. passport to my new name.  I never changed my birth certificate because I presumed that my passport with my new name would suffice.  I'll go ahead and write to the hospital to arrange for my birth certificate to be changed. 

My inclination is as Cindi suggests, not telling or telling (my past name) would still leave me in the same place.  Passed over and "screwed."

I'll check with Lambda, Amy.  Thanks for the help.

Teri Anne

Hugs.  Sorry to read about this.

I believe that it is impossible to completely divorce yourself from the previous name, once you have been named and numbered, which is usually at birth in the States (not sure about elsewhere).  When I ran full checks, the old name popped up in credit reports and the like along with the new name (this was before my current name change problems).  However, at the time NJ had refused to change my name on the birth certificate until I could prove I had surgery.

Recently when I renewed my license they ran the SS check and even though my state and fed IDs are different in first and middle names, the check went through just fine.  Much to the amazement of the really cool DMV officer that I was talking to and myself.  The IRS told me that they just look at the social security number and last name but I asked them to note what was going on in my file, just in case.

You could answer yes and then just put initials down, J.B. Somebody.

As for Best Buy, everyone I have known who had worked there, hated it with a passion.  YMMV.

Quote from: LostInTime on March 14, 2007, 09:05:26 AM
As for Best Buy, everyone I have known who had worked there, hated it with a passion.  YMMV.

My brother didn't.

Melissa

I mentioned this before, but here it is again:

Try Whole Foods or the PCC's up in WA state, or any other co-op or natural foods kind of business. Most of them won't care even if they do know about your past.

They tend to much more accepting of people that are from, or live in an alternate lifestyle.

And maybe I am naive, but were I in your position, I would not list "other" names on an app. People often change their name to avoid detection of previous delinquent financial hanky-panky. The reason they ask you if you have had any previous names, is to see if you are attempting to do the same, or if you have changed your name because of marriage, that you incurred financial liabilities during that period of your life, or if you are attempting identity fraud.

If you have done a name change -- legally, and informed all the financial institutions where you could have carried over those possible financial liabilities, then you are not attempting to be fraudulent. If, during the screening process, the old name comes up, and you are called on it, then you can at least have the opportunity to explain your situation.

Your situation is completely different than someone that changes their name to avoid legal detection, or to attempt identity fraud. If you have changed all of your legal ID, including passport and BC, and alerted your financial institutions as to your new name and legal status, than you have complied with the spirit of the law.

I know in my own case, that I have changed jobs a lot, and I had a bankruptcy filing and their so-called background checks didn't even show that information or my bad credit. So, I am not saying what you are worried about is not possible, but I am saying that most businesses and the people they hire to check this stuff are pretty darn incompetent.

I say, you are who you are, and if they have an issue with it, than the onus is on them to prove that you are being fraudulent -- or risk legal liabilities.

Why don't you tell them that you had a previous name? I really think that they don't care, just that they want honesty. If you had your name changed for one reason or another and you don't tell them, them might think that you are hiding something. I have worked in retail for a long time and really they don't care, just don't lie on the application, no matter what it is. If you had some violation in your car they want to know, they do check. It isn't about bigotry, it's about who they hire to handle their money and merchandise.
Sheila

Sheila, they ask for the names that you have used.  It would be a red flag to see William or Fred as a name previously used.  I can assure you, that any hiring manager would pass on the opportunity to hire one of us in this situation. For there is not a single thing that can be done. They can not be held to account for deciding not to hire you based on any personal bias. You have to prove it which is nearly impossible.

Cindi

Thanks, Cindi.  You responded just as I would have.

No, I'm not hiding any financial or criminal things.  I own my own house (paid for) and I have an excellent credit rating (800+).  I have nothing to hide except my (male) past.  Unfortunately, as Cindi says, the hiring manager will just flip past my application once he sees my previous (male) name.  I may try LostInTime's suggestion of just putting down my first initial of my previous name.  At least, that way, maybe I'll get a chance to see their faces when they ask what the initial stands for.

It's a situation that didn't occur to me might happen.  In the computer information age where all aspects of me are shared for a profit, there is no such thing as a clean slate.

Thanks Thundra for the company suggestions.

Teri Anne

What do you think of the idea of using your first and middle initials instead of the full former name?
I honestly haven't had the same problems you've had. I used my male name and got hired anyway.
I'd still rather be retired.


Karen Lyn [/b] [/i]     :icon_female:

Another option may be to try feminizing the spelling of it.  I don't know the legality of that though.

Melissa

I work for Group Health Co-operative in Seattle and there are always openings. You might want to check our web site to see if there's anything that suits you.  It's at www.ghc.org.  It couldn't hurt and there are locations in the Tacoma area.


Karen Lyn

Teri;

You may want to consider becoming an activist.  You may need to out yourself, though.

But I'd bet that Target doesn't want bad publicity.  Most management droids might figure that the appearance of discrimination will more likely hurt sales than help.  Publicize your rejection on the grounds of dishonesty, and point out the catch-22 your situation brings to that.  Either way, you'd never get the chance to show you could do the work.

You can also use the incident to lobby your congressional representative to support federal reforms in discrimination rules, and cite this incident as the untenable choices faced by transgendered.

Target may just fall all over themselves to offer you a job, to 'prove' to their customers that they don't discriminate.

But, of course, you'd have out out yourself.  And, do you really want to work at Target THAT BAD?

(decisions, decisions...)

Karen

Teri,

I feel for you girl!  You are so gorgeous, and so totally natural looking.  I realize that all you want is to live your life in dignity.  You're not asking for a free handout.  You just want to do something add meaning.  I applaud you for that.

I don't have a profound answer like those above.  But I wish you the best, and know that the right thing will happen.  I hope it is better than you ever dreamed.

(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fganjataz.com%2F01smileys%2Fimages%2Fsmileys%2FloopyBlonde-blinking.gif&hash=4545ddf8251cf9c32ae6074d56e48bc34a755857)Kristi

I know this sounds impossible, but it is KEY not just to change your name with social security, but also to get a new SS NUMBER.  ALOT of transsexuals do not know how important it is to go through with this step.  This will eliminate many of the problems of background checks.  Changing your name and sex is not enough.  Without a change in the SS number itself you are going to run into these problems. 
Many people skip over this, and think a name/sex change is enough.  Its not.

I have helped several people change their documents. 

Also it does not hurt to do an intermediary name change or to change it again if you are running into problems.  Many places only ask for one previous name.  I know this seems like a silly step, but trust me when all is said and done it does help. 

I only know this all sounds like a bit much, but there is a right way to go about these things.   

Also change your birth certificate if you can.  As many documents that come up with the correct sex, the fewer problems you will have.

A new SS number will only have your new name and your current sex.  It will not reflect past data.  The SS administration does this largely to protect post-op transsexuals.  Credit reporting is tied to the SS number, NOT the name or a name change.  So are simple background checks. 

There are only three groups privilaged to get this level, people who are part of the federal witness protection, transsexuals, and victims of identity theft.  It allows you to start from scratch. 

So remember, do not just change the name and sex, ALSO remember to apply for a new number.  They cannot track your past with a new number.  Also only the federal government and state government are privilaged to ask if you had a previous SS number and name.  Because only they have access to that information. 

Also once again this would be a STATE discrimination case.  Only STATE governments have discrimination laws regarding gender identity. 

I would like to mention, I am a lawyer.  I have worked with transsexuals to help them get documents in order.  But all of this is simple advice you can find on the internet.  TS make alot of mistakes with regards to document changes because they usually do it on their own or do not seek out an attorney who has experience in these matters.

The question is...Did you get a new SS number?  If you did these problems should not be coming up.  Your old identity basically disappears.  If they try to connect the number to previous names...NOTHING COMES UP.  Because with a new name and new number they only see the new name, new number and new sex, but they do not see your past.

From what it seems like you have made the common mistake of not getting a new number, so your old name IS listed in background checks.  Your old name does not show up with a new number. 

I know this all sounds a bit weird, but to me it sounds like if a problem like this came up you did not take the extra step of obtaining a new number. 

Once again, I strongly suggest you contact lambda.  They will at least help you get your documents in order and find where the discrepancy is.  If not deal with the discrimination case, which is illegal in Washington state.  Discrimination on the basis of gender identity is illegal, and I strong encourage you to follow through on pursuing it. 

Thank you Amy T.  I knew getting a new SSN was available to victims of identity theft, but I did not know it was available to transsexuals.  When I get my sex changed, I will definitely look into this even if it requires an attorney.

Melissa

KAREN - You made me laugh.  Yes, I probably don't want to work at Target THAT BAD, lol!

KARENLYN - Thanks for the tip on Group Health Cooperative.  I'll give it a shot.  Yes, the Tacoma facility would be convenient.

MELISSA - I, too, thought of feminizing my previous male name.  Ah, what dasterdly hoops we need to jump through, lol!

KRISTI - Thanks for the compliments.  I, of course, am not showing you my bad photos.

AMY T - WOW!  Your post was enlightening and fantastic!  I had no idea that I could change my social security number. 

Does this affect the tally on how much Social Security will pay me when I retire a decade from now?  I would presume that Social Security could secretly link the two account numbers so that they know how many years I've paid into Social Security.

Another question:  Can I presume that I'll still have an 800+ credit rating or will I have to start from scratch?

I've always wondered why Social Security numbers can't be changed when you get hit with identity theft.  Now, from you Amy, I find that you can!  Maybe there IS some sense in this crazy world!

Your letter really gave me hope and good direction, Amy.  I'm sure that others appreciate your post, too.  Thank you!

Teri Anne

You mean I could have prevented so much discrimination by getting a new SS 20 years ago?  You have got to be kidding me!  I had a lawyer help with my documents too! Oh, this has me upset.  I have never taken my husband's last name. Perhaps I could do that and get a new number at the same time. Hmmm.

I wish sometimes that I didn't live in such a small town that also happens to be the county seat.

Cindi

The SSA will attach the old number to the new so that there is less of a chance for someone to commit fraud.  So you may or may not lose your most excellent credit rating.  SSA usually only changes the number if you can prove misuse of your number by another party or if you are harassed or are in a life threatening situation.  Be sure to check your birth certificate to see if your SS number in on there.  If so then check with the state that you were born in if they will update it with the new number.  With Real ID coming into being, lacking a valid birth certificate may limit where you can travel and also make it impossible to obtain a passport or even a drivers license.

YMMV, I am not a lawyer, and you should absolutely consult one before you do anything like this.

Another option is that you could refuse to put your social security on an application and note that one will be provided should they decide to hire you.  It is not hard for them to get around this but it will stop amateur efforts to root out your past.

There is definitely some excellent advice in this thread! :)

Melissa

Teri,
I too feel a hurt for you. These are problems I knew I would face when I left my place of employment for a new life. Is there anyway you can start you own business?? There are opportunities out there for female business owners. Small business loans for a female are kind of a sure thing.
My self, I kind of went to an extreme. I live so far out in the country, that the farmers don't even know what a TS is. I breed horses. It is nothing glamorous. On the flip side if they ever found out I would probably be hung from a tree.
Truly, as beautiful as you are, I think you will do fine. Just as posted above I would never lie on an app from one of those large companys. Just don't ever give up.

Best Wishes
Deb

I'm sorry for your predicament Teri. I guess the consesus here is that you can't get a job. I do know of several TS's, both male and female that have received jobs. Maybe it was my optimistic way of dreaming. I do know that I hired people and if there was anything at all that was wrong on your app. you could kiss that job goodbye. They didn't care what it was. You lied on the application.
Sheila

Getting your SSN changed is not an easy process.  It is process that requires the expertise of an experienced lawyer and it requires a legal process that is a bit longer and harder.  I usually got in contact with another attorney if somebody wanted to opt for doing this (most of the trans people I talked to were younger and open about their transsexuality, and working in Cook County, IL).  I only gave out simple advice.  This simply cannot be done on your own.   Changing the number  basically requires a lawyer who knows what they are doing and works on transgender issues.  It may be more expensive, but I think for job security it may be worthwhile to do it.  I know people who desired deep stealth who spent the money to get this done.  This basically requires a special legal procedure because changing the number is not an easy proccess, but it can be done. 

Like I said, multiple name changes may have the same effect.  Most employers only match up the last name you had with your application, if you did multiple name changes, it is harder to match up.  Only government agencies track multiple name changes generally.  I know it may sound a bit too much to change your name again, but it may be the only effective way of achieving stealth without changing your number, which is a difficult and expensive process that basically requires an attorney.

Luckily I am in the progressive activist.  I do not have to worry about these issues.  I also have no choice regarding the stealth issue, its not an option for me in the future.  I was wise to choose a career path where gender identity was less of an issue. 

There is also a proccess out there to get a second number.  It may be just as effective as changing your number. 

My advice is to speak to a lawyer with trans experience or Lambda.  The process is only effective if you do everything with the advice of an experienced attorney.   They will be able to help out in this proccess completely.

Also the Real ID act will be checking your birth certificate.  How much stealth will soon be determined by the place you were born.  Luckily I was born in Illinois, one of the first states that allowed trans people to change their birth certificate. 

Have you considered the idea that they meant what they said, that they simply feel you've lied when you filed 'no'?
Because you have had a different name, before. Now; me, I don't see why they would ask that question at all. But they did, and you filed 'no,' and they feel you've lied. That could be all there is to it. It doesn't have to be all about the gender change.

Thanks Amy.  I have some TS friends who have an attorney that has helped them with some TS-related legal procedures such as changing their birth certificates.  I wonder if this lawyer knows the process of getting a new number.

Melissa

Teri Anne,

What I don't understand is why are you bothering to look for a job at Target or other highly "managed" business and not resume your editing position as a freelancer.  I understand how tough it is to get a start in a new community but SeaTac is small enough that everyone seems to know everyone who is or was in film, television, theatre, and publishing.  A good editor (film, video or print) is hard to find in ANY town and there are several worldclass companies in the Northwest who can use those talents.  (You might also explore the Vancouver market as well.)  Stay away from companies with ultra-conservative HR departments and perhaps look for some company that is smaller and chooses talent from a personal basis.

Just one girl's opinion - but I know.  I am in the same boat.

Quote from: madison_1953 on March 16, 2007, 03:23:21 PM
Teri Anne,

What I don't understand is why are you bothering to look for a job at Target or other highly "managed" business and not resume your editing position as a freelancer.  I understand how tough it is to get a start in a new community but SeaTac is small enough that everyone seems to know everyone who is or was in film, television, theatre, and publishing.  A good editor (film, video or print) is hard to find in ANY town and there are several worldclass companies in the Northwest who can use those talents.  (You might also explore the Vancouver market as well.)  Stay away from companies with ultra-conservative HR departments and perhaps look for some company that is smaller and chooses talent from a personal basis.

Just one girl's opinion - but I know.  I am in the same boat.

This is better advice than even my legal advice.
Especially if you have references that respect who you are now and can keep things straight.
Just because you changed your sex, does not mean you should abandon your career.  Especially in an area such as editing and publishing. 

Thanks all for your comments.

Dryad -- I agree with you and think I've said as much in my posts.  Finding out I had two names could simply be viewed as, "she lied."  Not hiring me could be because of that lie rather than discriminatory intent.  There is the oddity, though, that the names are two genders.  Hmm, better stay away, in any case.

Madison -- Thanks for your suggestion.  I've considered returning to editing but the type of editing I did is ending due to a technology change.  Besides, between high stress there could be endless days of typing.  During those days of nonstop typing, I sometimes would daydream that prisoners who had televisions in cells had better lives than I was having (presumably the reality is different but that was my daydream).  Besides, I don't really want to travel an hour or more each day to get to Seattle to work.  That's not my idea of semi-retirement.  Target would at least have offered me a chance to be out of the confines of an office (my cell), meeting new people.

I received the letter from Target that included the "background check" from Choice Point Workplace Solutions in North Carolina.  They enclosed a Transunion (talk about an ironic name, lol) report that indicated I had a "high risk fraud alert."  It would be funny if the result (not being hired) wasn't such a negative incident for me.  I wasn't surprised to read that fraud alert, although I'd never actually seen a report of mine with that on it:  I knew about it because I WAS THE ONE WHO PUT THAT FRAUD ALERT ON by alerting the credit companies that a man I knew had threatened me (nothing to do with transsexualism).  Funny how something I created myself could now be misinterpreted ("hoisted by my own pitard").  I wish they could have said "Self-imposed fraud alert" on my account.  I guess, regardless of who put it on though, it still creates what I intended, an alert or credit block.  In New York, a friend tells me, people are now allowed to "BLOCK" their own credit so that people don't open credit cards in their name (identity theft).  I think it's not a permanent thing in New York - you have to renew it occassionally.  The California laws, I guess, have allowed me to keep my fraud alert active for years.  I've always liked that protection - feeling safe - but now, ironically, it's come back and kicked me, lol.

Second discovery:  Transunion LISTS my current (FEMALE) name as #1 with a history of three addresses.  One is my current address, one is the right old address but wrong PO box number and one is my best friend's address here in Washington.  Regarding my friend's address, the only thing I can figure is that I charged something to an online store and had the package sent to my friend's address (without changing my billing address).  Why the credit company would think I moved there is beyond me. 

Transunion then LISTS my PREVIOUS (MALE) NAME twice as #2 and #3 (exact same spelling).  They have various addresses listed under #2 and #3 -- addresses where I did indeed used to live.  Again, the odd thing is that one of the addresses is my mother's old address.  I had my mail forwarded there by the post office for three weeks (when I was recuperating from SRS).  I didn't move there and never changed my billing addressses but, oddly, they again have that as one of my addresses.

My birth certificate, by the way, having been issued in the 50's, didn't have a social security number on it.  Both names (female and male) on the Transunion report have the same (partial) social security number and the same start date (in the sixties) for that number.

Bottom line, reading the short report, I can see why Target passed on me -- A fraud alert and two names?   It's like those horrible Citibank identity theft commercials where they show an identity thief with a low voice and, on screen, a woman mouthing the words (HATE IT!).  Would Target want to hire this person to handle credit cards as a cashier?  Credit numbers she can steal?  I wouldn't.  It doesn't sound, as I'd presumed, like bigotry.  As my friend pointed out, Target has plenty of people to choose from.  The Target (form) letter advises that, if any of the things on the report are untrue, I should talk to Choice Point (or Transunion).

It's a dilemma.  I'd love to talk to Transunion and ask them anonymously -- "I'm a transsexual and I notice on your Transunion report on me that you list both of my previous names.  Is there a way I can get you to take my old name off?"  They would probably ACT very sincere and say, "Well, we wish we could take it off but, after all, that's part of your legal records."  In the back of their minds, they might be thinking of that Citibank commercial.

If I talk to Transunion on the record (using my real name and social security number), will this information gathering agency record the information in their computers that I'm a transsexual?  Why not?  Might be of use later.  Would they share THAT, too?  Presumably, they wouldn't.  If they put "transsexual" on paper, they open themselve to be sued for revealing discriminatory information.

Ah, tangled webs I weave.  I don't mean to deceive but when, exactly, can I get this new life and leave my past in the past?  Dual names on credit reports is something that can affect, in a serious way, many of us.  I guess legislation might help.  Amy T presumably still has the only solution for now - change my social security number.  More hoops to jump through, lol.


Teri Anne  - by the way, not my real name either (whatta lier!) - it's my Susan's name.

P.S. - I changed the SUBJECT TITLE in the Susan's lead post:
Old title:  "I can't even get an $8 an hour job at Target!  Bigotry rules!
New title:  "I can't even get an $8 an hour job at Target!  "Background Report" with two names!"
I think, as stated above, it's not because of "bigotry" that they withdrew the job offer -- it's because of I appear to be a fraud criminal with two names.  It's not, as I thought earlier, Target's fault, so I think my first (emotional) headline is inaccurate.  For awhile, I was feeling like I'd never want to shop at Target again.  Now, I certainly don't hold anything against them.  My apologies to them.  They're back to being, in my eyes, a stylish company with polite hard working people.

Quote from: Teri Anne on March 17, 2007, 01:16:43 AM
Thanks all for your comments.



If I talk to Transunion on the record (using my real name and social security number), will this information gathering agency record the information in their computers that I'm a transsexual?  Why not?  Might be of use later.  Would they share THAT, too?  Presumably, they wouldn't.  If they put "transsexual" on paper, they open themselve to be sued for revealing discriminatory information.

Ah, tangled webs I weave.  I don't mean to deceive but when, exactly, can I get this new life and leave my past in the past?  Dual names on credit reports is something that can affect, in a serious way, many of us.  I guess legislation might help.  Amy T presumably still has the only solution for now - change my social security number.  More hoops to jump through, lol.


Teri Anne  - by the way, not my real name either (whatta lier!) - it's my Susan's name.

I was a licensed mortgage broker as well as spending nine years in the retail credit industry. When I changed my name I told all three reporting agencies that I had changed gender and that if my old name ever appeared on my current report that I would sue them for defamation which one could most certainly do. The reporting agencies can be made to jump through hoops very easily.

Putting on a report that someone underwent a gender change would be a slam dunk defamation case.

A lot of awesome advice here.

I would consider, especially if you're going to change careers (I don't know why you would, but . . .) but is to look at a smaller company who are generally not going to go into background checks and so forth. 

Your mileage may very, as everyone has said, but I know when I started looking for jobs at smaller companies, the interview prospects were higher.

Of course, I haven't changed anything really obvious (yet); but smaller companies seem better to work for anyway :), depending on the area and profession.

b/d

b/d - I agree that smaller companies could be better to work for.  The only thing I'd be wary about is that, if sh3&*t happens regarding being TS, big companies generally have HR people that are educated in legalities of what constitutes discrimination and what is proper.  Pre-transition, I once worked at a small company and it was like living in a small town -- everyone knew everyone's business.  There can be, though obviously not necessarily, more anonymity at large corporations.

Melissa - Thanks for your post.  You wrote that you " told all three reporting agencies that I had changed gender and that if my old name ever appeared on my current report that I would sue them for defamation which one could most certainly do. The reporting agencies can be made to jump through hoops very easily." 

That's very interesting.  I may just try it but I would be worried about one thing.  Someone told me that the free credit report I get once a year does NOT list whether other people are using my social security number.  Apparently, there's quite a problem with illegal aliens and I.D. thieves just making up a name and making up a social security number.  Unless you get the Transunion report THAT'S SENT TO PROSPECTIVE EMPLOYERS like I did in applying for work, you won't have any knowledge if someone is using your number under a different name.  One friend theorizes that the Social Security department doesn't care about it because the illegal aliens are pumping social security taxes into accounts they can never collect on -- also, of course, the Social Security dept. is keeping it a secret from you because they don't want you to get credit for the illegal alien's Social Security tax input.

Or - it could be my friends are incorrect and that problem (of dual names that SS and credit companies won't release to us under normal credit reports) does not exist.  I have no idea.

Are there two different types of credit reports released, one that they give to us and one that they give prospective employers?  I assume that there are because my free credit report LAST YEAR did not indicate two names (I had SRS 7 years ago) -- it also didn't have the "extreme fraud warning" on it because, presumably, I was the one asking for the report.

Thanks, in advance, for any guidance here from anyone.

Teri Anne

Teri Anne, if you were to run a background check on yourself, you would probably get a more detailed report.  Also, if you went through a paid service you might get more detail than a free one.

Melissa

I am pre-op. I put now F in papers when they ask gender. But the law here should protect me when I do so.  ( It is not my opinion, I have been legally confirmed as female.)

 I am a retired social worker . This may not be of any use and this post may be getting stale. but---as a post-op TS woman who has worked with the TS population in HIV/AIDS awareness, substance abuse, and life skills in transitioning, I have always told potential employers up front that I am TS. It did create a problem for a while, but I did get better in my presentation and got a great job on a Federal grant. If you saw the movie "MILK", you must see how our community will never get equal rights without coming out and demanding equality. I definitely felt "stealth mode" was unethical as a TS counseling other transgender people. I think that I have a very effective feminine persona, but I still feel that being out is liberating and the first step to real equality.

This is one reason I am so anti-stealth. As long as we keep to the shadows we allow ourselves to be marginalized and victimized. There are way more TS's and Transgender people out there than most people would believe in their wildest dreams...

Quote from: Susan on February 12, 2009, 01:03:52 PM
This is one reason I am so anti-stealth. As long as we keep to the shadows we allow ourselves to be marginalized and victimized. There are way more TS's and Transgender people out there than most people would believe in their wildest dreams...

You're preaching to the choir here.  I've been saying this for years but have yet to make much headway.  There's a seriously intense fear out there.

Julie

Agreed.  Everything comes out in the end anyway.

Quote from: Susan on February 12, 2009, 01:03:52 PM
This is one reason I am so anti-stealth. As long as we keep to the shadows we allow ourselves to be marginalized and victimized. There are way more TS's and Transgender people out there than most people would believe in their wildest dreams...

That is one reason why I have not went stealth even pre-op.  I think that if one is open about their TS past, more people would be somewhat understanding about the past name.

Also if you can get a paper application, try 'Will explain at interview".  It means outing yourself but that goes back to what Susan said.

Janet

How does one get a hollywood editing job making 70,000--100,000?  I want that, please.

For what little it is worth, a female relative of mine has a traditionally male first name.
^*shrug*

Quote from: SarahFaceDoom on February 13, 2009, 02:44:41 AM
How does one get a hollywood editing job making 70,000--100,000?  I want that, please.

Step 1 - can you cut?  Can you cut really, really well?

Step 2 - who do you know?

Karen (C'n I see some of your work?)

Oh wait.  Brain fart.  I thought it was editing, like word editing, not film editing.  Yeah I have no film editing experience.

Quote from: Susan on February 12, 2009, 01:03:52 PM
This is one reason I am so anti-stealth. As long as we keep to the shadows we allow ourselves to be marginalized and victimized. There are way more TS's and Transgender people out there than most people would believe in their wildest dreams...

Julie's viewpoint has validity.  But THEY (the transphobes) win if we go stealth -- they continue to exercise an almost absolute power over us if we -- for whatever reasons we use to rationalize it -- go and stay stealth.

Yes, when some too-sensitive people find out that you live 'opposite' of what you should be for the body you were born with, they 'goon up'.  I find ways to just be my (true) self matter-of-factly -- and with a LOT of patience, a majority of them loosen up and start treating me normally.  And now they can say that they know an acquaintance who is transsexual.

It's the only way we can counterbalance Right-Wing (http://home.cc.umanitoba.ca/~altemey/) Authoritarians. (http://members.shaw.ca/jeanaltemeyer/drbob/TheAuthoritarians.pdf)

Karen

Quote from: SarahFaceDoom on February 13, 2009, 07:35:03 AM
Oh wait.  Brain fart.  I thought it was editing, like word editing, not film editing.  Yeah I have no film editing experience.

Step 1 - modified to the skill you wish to market.

Step 2 - the same...

=K

 Nothing wrong with opposition being an identity. What about Harvey Milk and Dr. King?  I could list so many more people who achieved justice by being in "opposition".  As for being "bathed in mud", we live in a classist culture and those transgender people who are able to aquire a good income, health care, and a good job can succeed. Unfortunately, many can't. Go to the Equality Florida www.eqfl.org (http://www.eqfl.org) for statistics on infection rates in TG people. I was fortunate never to have been in the gutter and that allowed me the opportunity to be part of programs helping others. I was the first TG to get invited to train law enforcement officials on TG issues in my very conservative Southern state. THe only way to get equal rights is to plug away tirelessly. There will be a "Lobby Day" in Tallahasse on March 16th and I hope we get a lot of people.

Thank you.

All transwomen could be outed by chromosome test. 

1) There is no reason to believe that all people have the so-called appropriate set of chromosomes for their birth gender.

2)  There is no serious medical reason to ask anybody to take a chromosome test unless the person wants one.

3) Until it happens, presuming some agency would see some public reason to require such a test is only demoralizing paranoia. We cannot allow ourselves to think like that. Public acceptance of the TS condition is increasing over-all. Consider that the general public gets its info from Discovery Health rather than Springer.