Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Community Conversation => Transsexual talk => Male to female transsexual talk (MTF) => Topic started by: Angélique LaCava on April 22, 2014, 06:05:53 PM

Title: my dad keeps telling me that no one is going to hire me cause im transgendered.
Post by: Angélique LaCava on April 22, 2014, 06:05:53 PM
He told me  no one is going to hire me since im transgendered cause they wont want to risk losing their business cause someone may know me and see me and complain. ive applied to 2 places already and both didn't set up a interview with me. I did call them and they said no thanks. I included that I was a MTF transgender in the online application. what should I do? I hav no money and my parents are sayin they arnt going to give me anymore money for my cosmetic needs such as makeup,razors to shave my face and body and other stuff. im stressing out rite now.

Title: Re: my dad keeps telling me that no one is going to hire me cause im transgendered.
Post by: Hideyoshi on April 22, 2014, 06:16:38 PM
Quote from: Angélique LaCava on April 22, 2014, 06:05:53 PM
He told me  no one is going to hire me since im transgendered cause they wont want to risk losing their business cause someone may know me and see me and complain. ive applied to 2 places already and both didn't set up a interview with me. I did call them and they said no thanks. I included that I was a MTF transgender in the online application. what should I do? I hav no money and my parents are sayin they arnt going to give me anymore money for my cosmetic needs such as makeup,razors to shave my face and body and other stuff. im stressing out rite now.

Try to find a more liberal business.  It'll be harder to find jobs, especially if you come out and say you're transgender.  If I were you, I'd list my legal name on the application and not mention the trans part, and if you get the interview, go in girl mode, and if they have an issue with it, or if they clock you, explain your situation. If you find a good business, it shouldn't matter, especially in a position where you don't deal with customers.  If a business doesn't want to hire you because you're trans, that's not the type of business (in my opinion) a trans person should work for.
Title: Re: my dad keeps telling me that no one is going to hire me cause im transgendered.
Post by: Tori on April 22, 2014, 06:31:26 PM
In an application there should be no need to mention your gender or race or whatnot, but it may come up during the interview and/or background check.
Title: Re: my dad keeps telling me that no one is going to hire me cause im transgendered.
Post by: JadeFla on April 22, 2014, 06:33:14 PM
That is sad to hear your dad is so unsupportive. Things have changed a lot since he was your age.

I don't think you have to declare you are trans on a job application. A friend of mine held a job as a cashier on at one of those corporate retail places while transitioning in central Florida, certainly not a trans-friendly area. You can find a normal job.

Most big companies actually protect trans-rights.
Title: Re: my dad keeps telling me that no one is going to hire me cause im transgendered.
Post by: naomi599 on April 22, 2014, 07:14:14 PM
I think you can find somewhere to work. Don't let negative people bring you down, use them to push you forward to prove them wrong. If its any help, couldn't be any worse than the discrimination Canadians face....

(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi58.tinypic.com%2F2mocqz6.jpg&hash=8dca74fbaa9105ea701e07e3082866c032d083fe)

All joking aside, you can get a job, there are people that will hire you. Don't include that your trans on the application. That way you can make an appearance to prove how awesome of an employee you can be for that company before they can make any assumptions.
Title: Re: my dad keeps telling me that no one is going to hire me cause im transgendered.
Post by: Sarah leah on April 22, 2014, 07:14:42 PM
You are not required by law anywhere to state your gender, religion, sexual preferences, political affiliation or age. If they ask it they are breaking the law. Also two jobs is not a great deal, just apply everyday for 4-5 at a time, you will get one as long as you have the correct qualifications.
Title: Re: my dad keeps telling me that no one is going to hire me cause im transgendered.
Post by: peky on April 22, 2014, 07:18:10 PM
get an education or trade ! Cause life is hard, and even harder if you do not any skills
Title: Re: my dad keeps telling me that no one is going to hire me cause im transgendered.
Post by: Jessica Merriman on April 22, 2014, 07:39:12 PM
Not trying to rock the boat here, but unless they told you this is why they did not hire you this is speculation at best. :)
Title: Re: my dad keeps telling me that no one is going to hire me cause im transgendered.
Post by: Ltl89 on April 22, 2014, 07:53:20 PM
There are plenty of professional MTFs out there that prove him otherwise.  Yes, it may be harder for those of us who are not established, but I know transwomen that started there careers after the fact too.  Being trans isn't easy and you will face discrimination in this world in some form, but it doesn't mean you are destined for a life of unemployment.  I've been able to get hired despite my situation and there are plenty others to.  Again, it's harder than it should be, but it doesn't mean you can't find something.  I believe my job search has been much much harder than it should be, but I have gotten passed this in the past and will be able to do the same again.  Don't give up hope and work hard to secure something. 

As for mentinining that you are trans on your application, something tells me that its not the best idea.  If it's not related to your job performance, it may be best to refrain from talking about it.  Having said that, take my advice with a grain of salt because I'm currently looking for work myself and don't have all the answers. 
Title: Re: my dad keeps telling me that no one is going to hire me cause im transgendered.
Post by: Angélique LaCava on April 22, 2014, 07:54:09 PM
Quote from: Jessica Merriman on April 22, 2014, 07:39:12 PM
Not trying to rock the boat here, but unless they told you this is why they did not hire you this is speculation at best. :)
I should also have stated that ive never had a job so they had no other reason to not hire me.
Title: Re: my dad keeps telling me that no one is going to hire me cause im transgendered.
Post by: Angélique LaCava on April 22, 2014, 07:55:32 PM
Quote from: learningtolive on April 22, 2014, 07:53:20 PM
There are plenty of professional MTFs out there that prove him otherwise.  Yes, it may be harder for those of us who are not established, but I know transwomen that started there careers after the fact too.  Being trans isn't easy and you will face discrimination in this world in some form, but it doesn't mean you are destined for a life of unemployment.  I've been able to get hired despite my situation and there are plenty others to.  Again, it's harder than it should be, but it doesn't mean you can't find something.  I believe my job search has been much much harder than it should be, but I have gotten passed this in the past and will be able to do the same again.  Don't give up hope and work hard to secure something. 

As for mentinining that you are trans on your application, something tells me that its not the best idea.  If it's not related to your job performance, it may be best to refrain from talking about it.  Having said that, take my advice with a grain of salt because I'm currently looking for work myself and don't have all the answers.
they going to know im transgender tho. I gotta put male as my gender. that's why I state that im transgender so there is no confusion wen I go in for an interview.
Title: Re: my dad keeps telling me that no one is going to hire me cause im transgendered.
Post by: Ltl89 on April 22, 2014, 07:56:47 PM
Quote from: Angélique LaCava on April 22, 2014, 07:54:09 PM
I should also have stated that ive never had a job so they had no other reason to not hire me.

Well, inexperience is one of the biggest reasons that people don't get the job.  It's sad, but there many so called entry level jobs that require a few years of work.  The requirements are skewed to get the best workers they can for the cheapest price in this economy.
Title: Re: my dad keeps telling me that no one is going to hire me cause im transgendered.
Post by: Ltl89 on April 22, 2014, 07:59:05 PM
Quote from: Angélique LaCava on April 22, 2014, 07:55:32 PM
they going to know im transgender tho. I gotta put male as my gender. that's why I state that im transgender so there is no confusion wen I go in for an interview.

Good point.  I know there are so people here that have changed jobs before their legal name was changed.  Hopefully they will chime in.   I've been applying as male to avoid this, but yeah it does cause confusion to a degree even though I'm not even full time. 

Edited for critical word omission. 
Title: Re: my dad keeps telling me that no one is going to hire me cause im transgendered.
Post by: Angélique LaCava on April 22, 2014, 07:59:39 PM
Quote from: learningtolive on April 22, 2014, 07:56:47 PM
Well, inexperience is one of the biggest reasons that people don't get the job.  It's sad, but there many so called entry level jobs that require a few years of work.  The requirements are skewed to get the best workers they can for the cheapest price in this economy.
well let me add that the 2 places I applied at were burger king and dollar general. I highly doubt anyone who works at those 2 places need much experience lol
Title: Re: my dad keeps telling me that no one is going to hire me cause im transgendered.
Post by: Ltl89 on April 22, 2014, 08:02:24 PM
Quote from: Angélique LaCava on April 22, 2014, 07:59:39 PM
well let me add that the 2 places I applied at were burger king and dollar general. I highly doubt anyone who works at those 2 places need many skills lol

True, though they don't always need more help.  A lot of jobs are working with the bare minimum staff, if that, in order to cut costs.  It may be more of a payroll issue than discrimination.  I'm not saying it's possible, but there are many other factors that could have played a role.
Title: Re: my dad keeps telling me that no one is going to hire me cause im transgendered.
Post by: Jessica Merriman on April 22, 2014, 08:04:38 PM
Quote from: Angélique LaCava on April 22, 2014, 07:54:09 PM
I should also have stated that ive never had a job so they had no other reason to not hire me.
Except for a work history and skills. It is much easier to get a job when you have had one. :)
Title: Re: my dad keeps telling me that no one is going to hire me cause im transgendered.
Post by: Angélique LaCava on April 22, 2014, 08:05:29 PM
Quote from: learningtolive on April 22, 2014, 08:02:24 PM
True, though they don't always need more help.  A lot of jobs are working with the bare minimum staff, if that, in order to cut costs.  It may be more of a payroll issue than discrimination.  I'm not saying it's possible, but there are many other factors that could have played a role.
I understand, but my best friend works at the burger king I applied at and she told me they was hiring. she even asked the manager while I was on the phone wit her and I heard the manager say yea.
Title: Re: my dad keeps telling me that no one is going to hire me cause im transgendered.
Post by: Ltl89 on April 22, 2014, 08:14:15 PM
It's possible.  I mean I wouldn't deny that there is discrimination out there.  I just don't want to see you give up.  There was a point that I went through months of unemployment despite sending out hundreds of resumes.  Finally I found something at the time.  It's possible to get hired even if it's more challenging, so don't give in to hoplessness over something your father said.

Again, I hope those who were in a similar boat will respond and give you more help and insight with this.
Title: Re: my dad keeps telling me that no one is going to hire me cause im transgendered.
Post by: Jessica Merriman on April 22, 2014, 08:14:28 PM
Quote from: Angélique LaCava on April 22, 2014, 08:05:29 PM
I understand, but my best friend works at the burger king I applied at and she told me they was hiring. she even asked the manager while I was on the phone wit her and I heard the manager say yea.
Just trying to say don't jump to unsubstantiated conclusions as it could cause you legal trouble. :)
Title: Re: my dad keeps telling me that no one is going to hire me cause im transgendered.
Post by: AdamMLP on April 22, 2014, 08:18:27 PM
If you don't mind a guy chipping in...

I applied for a quite a few jobs last year, some of which I was over qualified for and got rejected from all bar one without any explanation.  For the job that I did get there were over 150 other people going for each place.  My mother was applying for jobs as well, she's had a lifetime working in catering but she still got rejected straight away for over twice as many as she even got interviews for.  She's cis and I didn't say that I was trans.  It's probably more of a case that too many people are applying for jobs than you being trans, but personally I'd never put in an application that said I was trans, they're sorting through applications quickly and are going to quickly cut down the field for any reason that they can find, and being trans might just be that thing.  If you look good on paper and get through to an interview it's a lot harder for them not to give a reason why.

And I know a trans woman who was in a similar situation, she'd recently came out and got made redundant by her company.  She was panicking that no one would want to employ her.  By the end of the day a company had heard what had happened and was on the phone to her offering her a better position than she'd had before.  She's now one of the first people that new employees meet when they join.

Lots of people are looking for jobs, it's not easy right now.  But you can and will get a job, even if you are trans.  Don't give up, just keep applying.
Title: Re: my dad keeps telling me that no one is going to hire me cause im transgendered.
Post by: E-Brennan on April 22, 2014, 08:54:08 PM
Quote from: Angélique LaCava on April 22, 2014, 07:59:39 PM
well let me add that the 2 places I applied at were burger king and dollar general. I highly doubt anyone who works at those 2 places need much experience lol

You'd be surprised.  It's a nasty economy out there, and I'm sure that both Burger King and Dollar General are receiving many, many applications for those positions (even entry-level), with plenty of applicants greatly exceeding the minimum qualifications.  There's a reason unemployment is so high right now - there's not enough jobs to go around, and just bringing the minimum to the qualification table doesn't cut it anymore.

Keep applying.  I'd suggest ramping up the job search to a minimum of five job applications per day, each and every day, and I'd also suggest leaving out any hint that you're trans when you apply.  If the application doesn't bring it up (which it shouldn't in the US), then bringing it up yourself might suggest to some employers that you're likely to make a big deal of your trans status if they give you the job.  They probably don't care that you're trans, but they might care if you decide to make it public.

Good luck - it's hard, and I sympathize.  Been there, done that, never want to do it again, and I can't express how much it bothers me that the younger generation can't get a decent foothold in the job market because of how badly the older generations have screwed things up.
Title: Re: my dad keeps telling me that no one is going to hire me cause im transgendered.
Post by: Chloevixen on April 22, 2014, 09:09:37 PM
You do have the new strip mall opening up, on I 10.  They will have several stores opening real soon if they havent allready.
Put in applications at ALL of them.
Title: Re: my dad keeps telling me that no one is going to hire me cause im transgendered.
Post by: kelly_aus on April 23, 2014, 01:54:54 AM
Even before my name change was legal, I used my preferred name on applications - apart from those that called for a security clearance check.. Having my clearance did complicate it a little. But I certainly made no mention of being trans on an application.

I wouldn't assume you didn't get an interview or the job because you are trans. The job market is tough all over.. Even people with skills and a previous work history are finding it hard. I'm a qualified chef, amongst other things, and I can't get any work..
Title: Re: my dad keeps telling me that no one is going to hire me cause im transgendered.
Post by: katiej on April 23, 2014, 02:19:07 AM
Applying for jobs is a numbers game...especially with your first job.  For every job opening you apply for, there are always a lot of others competing for the same position.  So don't take it personal, and don't get discouraged after putting in just two applications.  Keep going.

And as a father, I can understand your dad's position.  I don't know how supportive he has been otherwise, or what your relationship is like.  But this may just be pragmatism, and concern for your well-being -- even if it's misguided concern.
Title: Re: my dad keeps telling me that no one is going to hire me cause im transgendered.
Post by: sam79 on April 23, 2014, 03:36:46 AM
I managed to get a new professional job about two weeks ago after resigning a little bit ago. It was the first one I applied for ( and had other interviews lined up ).

But I certainly didn't mention my trans status at any point, and I pass well enough. So they don't know, or rather didn't know, until the police check where former names are needed. The air did get a little crisp after that. I hope it doesn't come back to haunt me.

Title: Re: my dad keeps telling me that no one is going to hire me cause im transgendered.
Post by: PrincessPatience on April 23, 2014, 09:21:05 AM
You should try Hyatt hotel(if there is one in your area). The granddaughter who's currently on of the CEO's is a transgender woman. So you being transgender there wouldn't be a problem if you're just starting out. Also ROSS, ULTA and CVS are three trans friendly companies.
Title: Re: my dad keeps telling me that no one is going to hire me cause im transgendered.
Post by: Ltl89 on April 23, 2014, 09:37:24 AM
Quote from: kate on April 23, 2014, 09:32:28 AM
Next time you apply for a job like at Burger Kings, put your gender as Female. My first job when i was 16, i'm pretty sure they didn't do a background check or references. Entry level jobs usually can't give a sh*t.

That's a good point.  Every job I worked for did have intensive background checks, with the exception of when I was a photo tech in some pharamcy chain.  I kind of just got the job and that was it.  So, honesty may not be the best policy here, lol. 
Title: Re: my dad keeps telling me that no one is going to hire me cause im transgendered.
Post by: Jennygirl on April 23, 2014, 09:55:01 AM
Quote from: kate on April 23, 2014, 09:32:28 AM
Next time you apply for a job like at Burger Kings, put your gender as Female. My first job when i was 16, i'm pretty sure they didn't do a background check or references. Entry level jobs usually can't give a sh*t.

+1

There is just no need to list anything else.

Getting the first job is hard enough even if you're applying as cis... Just mark yourself as female and your chosen name and keep trying. You'll eventually find a place. Seriously, the first job is always the hardest to get!
Title: Re: my dad keeps telling me that no one is going to hire me cause im transgendered.
Post by: devon14 on April 23, 2014, 12:41:39 PM
Work for a place that you know supports and embraces diversity. I work for a college that does everything they can in making all walks of life feel comfortable and welcome here. When I came out to my work, management and HR were more than willing to ensure that I felt welcome and secure and my coworkers were very supportive as well.
Title: Re: my dad keeps telling me that no one is going to hire me cause im transgendered.
Post by: Janae on April 23, 2014, 02:15:54 PM

Like others have said NEVER put on a app that you're trans. Your a young woman and that's it so check female and keep moving.

I would suggest you try to apply to as many places as you can. Even if you have to go to the mall and apply to every store or restaurant in the food court. When you get an interview sell yourself and let them know that even though you don't have prior job experiences that your a fast learner and a team player. Someone is going to give you a chance. Also try volunteering somewhere. That's a great way to gain experience and gain references. It shows that your serious about working.

Also, I'm not sure if you're into the medical field but they are very accepting of trans people. Try looking into medical assistance or nursing assistance. A lot of cities offer free nursing assistance training and it's good money.
Title: Re: my dad keeps telling me that no one is going to hire me cause im transgendered.
Post by: Carrie Liz on April 23, 2014, 02:29:47 PM
If there's one mistake that I've made over and over again in transition, and that I'm only now learning from, it's basically NEVER make a big deal out of something or ask special permission unless someone else makes it a problem. People have VERY wrong notions of what MtF transgender people are. Most people equate "transgender" with "cross-dresser," and they automatically see what they'd consider to be "icky" images of someone with a 5 o'clock shadow wearing a pink dress. So you're selling yourself short by mentioning that, and making people WAY more afraid of you than you need to be.

Apply, don't talk about your trans status on the application, show up at the interview, and don't even mention your gender identity unless they themselves ask you about it. Basically, don't make a big deal out of something that probably wouldn't be a big deal if they'd just see you and talk to you without the stigma of knowing that you're trans.

Be yourself, be unashamed of who you are, and have an attitude of "why the hell would you think that there's anything wrong with me? This is who I am, I'm just living my life, and if someone has a problem with it, that's not my problem, it's theirs." Basically, don't create problems that might not be there in the first place. I got fired from two jobs in a row because of this exact tendency to ask for special permission, constantly apologizing for myself.
Title: Re: my dad keeps telling me that no one is going to hire me cause im transgendered.
Post by: Jess42 on April 23, 2014, 04:36:31 PM
If that is you in your avatar, just put F on the applications. Chances are if you are going for a job like burger king, they aren't even gonna check references or anything else. This gender crap gets rediculous either you can do the job or can't do the job. Now if you are forty and have no other jobe references it may seem a little fishy but if you are in your late teens or early twenties with no references it's not that uncommon.
Title: Re: my dad keeps telling me that no one is going to hire me cause im transgendered.
Post by: Teela Renee on April 23, 2014, 04:58:18 PM
if you visually pass telling them your transgender is a bad idea.
Title: Re: my dad keeps telling me that no one is going to hire me cause im transgendered.
Post by: teeg on April 23, 2014, 07:32:38 PM
Quote from: Angélique LaCava on April 22, 2014, 06:05:53 PM
I included that I was a MTF transgender in the online application.
I don't see why it's necessary or appropriate to highlight that, "you're a MTF transgender" on your application. If you were gay or straight would you indicate that you're either gay or straight on your application for a job?

"Transgender" is not a gender. It's a term to describe those who are transitioning medically through hormone replacement and surgery from one gender to the other. You're either male or female.
Title: Re: my dad keeps telling me that no one is going to hire me cause im transgendered.
Post by: tgchar21 on April 23, 2014, 08:40:51 PM
Quote from: SammyRose on April 23, 2014, 03:36:46 AMSo they don't know, or rather didn't know, until the police check where former names are needed. The air did get a little crisp after that. I hope it doesn't come back to haunt me.

What you could've done there is put something down like "Will disclose to the bureau/agency doing the check" and see if you can give the sensitive info straight to the criminal records bureau and/or the agency doing the background check (it may delay the process a bit, but it would save you from being outed to whoever's making the hiring decision); a fellow MTF on here once did that successfully when applying for a security clearance (and is similar to the official procedure in places like the UK for criminal checks involving transpeople). If you had no criminal history (including no arrests ever) of any kind before your name change (or under any other aliases, which you'd need to mention too) you may have even been able to get away with saying something like "None that applicable records would be under*" (assuming it's not for something like a security clearance where they WILL want to know your full history, even from when you were a juvenile) and if they didn't inquire further you'd be in the clear.

*This also applies if they want to know what other names your work history/school records/references/other credentials are under, and is a good way to respond in a case where your employer doesn't need to know about your past to check those records (either because you transitioned and changed your name early enough, or you contacted EVERY applicable person/institution and they updated your records).
Title: Re: my dad keeps telling me that no one is going to hire me cause im transgendered.
Post by: liz on April 23, 2014, 09:02:27 PM
Depending on your country maybe you could try drugstores. Here in quebec(canada) all pharmacist had to attend a formation about transgenders. Most of them are open about it. If your never had a job and passed 20 yes it's harder to find a job as you don't have any experience to prove yourself. Always try to give your application on hands and not online if possible, this way even transgender the manager may want to give you your chance as he may see what you look like. For most peoples the word transgender mean a freak with many problems, by meeting the manager in person you may prove him/her who you really are.

Hold on!
Title: Re: my dad keeps telling me that no one is going to hire me cause im transgendered.
Post by: l0nghairdontcare on April 23, 2014, 09:13:00 PM
I am having a huge problem finding a job as well, I am being discriminated against.

I live in CT in the US.

We have the strictest laws against discrimination of transgender individuals in the whole entire country, even for our healthcare look up CT.

It has not helped me one bit, I have been looking for almost 2 years now. From everywhere from sex shops to mcdonalds.

I know I am being discriminated against, you most likely will be too.

I had an interview at walmart, I signed a seasonal worker contract and everything. One of my friends did the same thing within the same week. She received a schedule when she was leaving the interview, I was told to wait for a call after the computer "processed" my paperwork.

I called every day for almost 4 weeks straight. I literally missed calling one day when I was sick.

This was in december.

I never got a call back. When I went to the store the hiring manager was "busy". The 2nd time I went she "was on vacation for the rest of the week out of state". About an hour later I saw her walking from the customer service desk dressed in work attire. I walked up to her and she pretended she did not see me and she almost ran in the opposite direction back to her office in the back.

My friend has been given a permanent position since being hired in December and has told me they have hired and fired several people since then.

Tell me I am not being discriminated against for being transgender, I clearly am.

I have decided to turn to other ways to make money. Things that make me my own boss. I suggest you do the same.

You most likely at best are going to have a VERY hard time finding a job being trans, with no work history it is going to be near impossible. Unless you have a family member who is willing to help.

Maybe there are some trans groups in your area that you could go to? They may have some trans friendly employers.

Good luck, you will need it.

By the way in case you were wondering, even without electrolysis or makeup I usually pass 80% of the time. When I try 99%. It is not a passing issue.
Title: Re: my dad keeps telling me that no one is going to hire me cause im transgendered.
Post by: Polo on April 23, 2014, 09:19:01 PM
Quote from: Janae on April 23, 2014, 02:15:54 PM
Like others have said NEVER put on a app that you're trans. Your a young woman and that's it so check female and keep moving.

I would suggest you try to apply to as many places as you can. Even if you have to go to the mall and apply to every store or restaurant in the food court. When you get an interview sell yourself and let them know that even though you don't have prior job experiences that your a fast learner and a team player. Someone is going to give you a chance. Also try volunteering somewhere. That's a great way to gain experience and gain references. It shows that your serious about working.

Also, I'm not sure if you're into the medical field but they are very accepting of trans people. Try looking into medical assistance or nursing assistance. A lot of cities offer free nursing assistance training and it's good money.

I strongly agree with all of this. If you're read as female, mark it female and it shouldn't be an issue. 

BIG +1 on VOLUNTEERING, especially if you have no work experience, it will give you something to put on your resume.

I also would second the looking into the medical field.  I started socially transitioning on the job while working as an EMT (in the South, no less), and it was an absolute non-issue.