Susan's Place Transgender Resources

I have a more feminine identity (AMAB) and will be interviewing for a sales associate position at an fashion retailer with a 100 out of 100 score on the HRC CEI tomorrow afternoon (I would prefer not to say which one, but their corporate HQ is in a progressive part of the country, so someone could potentially guess which one it is).  I know I made this post on short notice but I wanted to try and get your opinion as I only just thought of making this post.

Since I am in Texas I am a little concerned about leaning too feminine in my appearance, so I decided to settle on a more androgynous appearance (though using all women's clothing except for the shoes; blame large feet for that, a common issue we face).  I have a more masculine name (though one of my female HS teachers had virtually the same name as me), and though it doesn't reflect my true gender identity, I marked male on the job application at the recommendation of the corporate HR (I had initially marked "not specified" at first, but after my phone interview when they requested more information this was not an option, and while I'm concerned this may cause confusion, the "gender" may need to reflect what is "on paper" for background check purposes).  I'm thinking about wearing some makeup as well, but it would be subtle (and definitely nothing over the top).

I'll be wearing a black blazer(similar to this one (https://www.whitehouseblackmarket.com/store/product/seasonless+black+blazer+jacket/570222968?color=001&catId=cat210004) and mine is the same brand), collared poplin shirt (with a more feminine "tie front" detail) (https://www.whitehouseblackmarket.com/store/product/tiefront+poplin+shirt/570228914?color=111&catId=cat210001), a pair of white pants with gold accents (zippers/buttons), and a pair of black loafers with a silver accent.  Should I receive a job offer I will explain my true gender identity using a cover letter I plan to present as a supplement to my inaccurate-due-to-government-mandate identification, and may present a bit more feminine after that (though still leaning androgynous as to not upset my family).  There was an option to put a preferred name on my application, but I really like my given name even though it is most commonly associated with men.

I'm in Texas as well and am about to have to interview for another job soon also but when you talked to their HR dept what all did you ask?  Are they transgender friendly? Will coming out later at work pose a problem?

Robyn, I definitely felt that the corporate HR was pretty friendly, saying that they could address the gender issue in the event I am hired.  Though I did feel that HR's statement was more addressed at the gender marker in their system (such that once a background check went through, they could change the gender in their system).  I'm just a bit worried about issues pertaining to dress codes though (in particular I was worried about a situation similar to this (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,230459.0.html), which was shockingly at a company with a perfect HRC score), since I might be assuming a more androgynous appearance on the job and would like to wear more feminine attire on occasion, and would prefer to wear makeup. I knew a friend who used to work at the same place and one of her (male) co-workers did wear heels on the job sometimes, though.

I did allude to the HRC score in the cover letter I submitted with my résumé though. (of course this is different than the "coming out" cover letter that I'm going to present with my paperwork in the event that I'm hired)

Idk. I'm still living as a male, but it would be so liberating to interview in a skirt suit or sheath with blazer


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Quote from: Gertrude on March 20, 2018, 12:06:04 PM
Idk. I'm still living as a male, but it would be so liberating to interview in a skirt suit or sheath with blazer


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Gertrude.....   perhaps in the future when and if you go Full-time female you can have that pleasure.... it is indeed wonderful and liberating!   Please keep us posted about your progress.
Hugs,
Danielle

TY for posting this :)
I just wanted to say kudo's to you and after you do your due diligence research on job place approaches, I know you will do well.
I transitioned on the job (of 8 years) and I was very methodical about how I went about it. Too much to list here, but a very solid, sane, sensible, positive and confident approach.
After I left that position, I did interview and work, and since I was way full time as they say, this was never an issue for me thank you.  :)
My approach when I transitioned was to do what I needed to to get what I wanted. I wanted insurance, a job to come back to from time off with surgeries, and UC benefits when (not if) I left. The company I worked for was very careful as this was their first run thru on TG and workplace. I asked for their help when I called a meeting with HR/dept mgr/and unit mgr immediately after I had a stellar yearly review . We all did what we were supposed to legally. And the whole time I knew they wanted to fire me but needed to wait and sow the seeds to do so without litigation. And they did after I was done, and I got my UC benefits and went on :) Happy ending..
You will have one as well dear, just keep on keepin on !!

Quote from: Alaskan Danielle on March 20, 2018, 12:12:13 PM
Gertrude.....   perhaps in the future when and if you go Full-time female you can have that pleasure.... it is indeed wonderful and liberating!   Please keep us posted about your progress.
Hugs,
Danielle

It's moving at a 2x glacial pace.
That said, I wonder, if one interviews at a progressive company, would it be ok to transition now or wait? Would showing up in a skirt suit be a bad idea? Maybe start with the rèsumé first, meaning name change, which leads to my next question, can I change my name and therefore gender on my Résumé before I change it legally? When if at all should I tell a perspective employer I'm trans?

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