I was just informed that I got the job I wanted with the US Forest Service!! I haven't accepted it yet.

Here's the issue. I started the excruciatingly slow hiring process about 8 months ago (aack, I know), so everything they know about me, including times they've met me in person, involve my 'former' female self. I just started T, so it's not like I can keep pretending I'm female for long, plus I'm working on my legal name change.

The USDA (org. that the forest service falls under) has a strict non-discrimination policy that includes gender identity, so I'm not worried about that aspect. Just, how can I inform them that 'oh by the way my name is now ___ and I'm transitioning to male!' Should I mention something when I email them to accept the job? Should I wait until my first day? Is there a non-awkward way to do this?

Any thoughts on how to deal with this much appreciated. I'm so psyched that I finally have a job, but I'm really really nervous about breaking this news to them.

i would think it would be the same for you as it was for someone i know who applied to and was hired at the department of energy. for her it was just extra paperwork and would this affect your job? when she said no it was just. OK. and everything was fine

Ford congrats!!! I am wicked exited for you!  i am thinking about applying at a government agency to and the application process is supposed to take 1-2 years. 

is there someone in HR you spoke with a lot while going through the application? i had a similar experience with changing my last name right after being accepted at s school and i just called the person I worked with the most and asked what documentation would be needed.

Quote from: LearnedHand on May 07, 2013, 04:19:31 PM
Ford congrats!!! I am wicked exited for you!  i am thinking about applying at a government agency to and the application process is supposed to take 1-2 years. 

is there someone in HR you spoke with a lot while going through the application? i had a similar experience with changing my last name right after being accepted at s school and i just called the person I worked with the most and asked what documentation would be needed.

Thanks!!

I actually have only been in contact with my to-be program manager and his supervisor, and the main hiring stuff was done online.

Any civil servants out there who can tell me how 'HR' works in a government office?

Personally, I would first accept the offer.  I think that gives you a foot in the door and prevents non obvious discrimination from taking place.  After accepting it, I would then talk to someone in hr.  But, that's just my opinion.

I think you should write it in your email. If you needed to tell them now, well, it's done. If not, well, they know in advance for when it's time.

Ok, figured I'd do an update on my hire, in case anyone else can benefit. For reference, the job is a salaried position with the US forest service.

I accepted my job offer, and then immediately emailed HR and told them I'm undergoing a gender transition (haha, supriiiiiise!). They in turn got in contact with our regional civil rights director.

The civil rights director discreetly informed my new supervisor/upper management and then called me to ask a few questions about my transition timeline, making sure they get my preferred name on things, etc. She was also super excited, because apparently management at my local office is scheduled for a training session about gender identity and transgender issues in a couple of weeks. This had nothing to do with me, it just happened to be on the schedule.

My new supervisor apparently took the news pretty well (although I bet he was pretty surprised lol, since he met me awhile back 'en femme'). I'll be working with only a handful of people, so he'll be making sure my work environment is accepting. They kept stressing over and over how they want to make sure my privacy is respected, and that I feel comfortable at work.

Phew...heart rate finally dropping below 90 bpm for the first time in 48 hours. Overall good news, but this stuff is stressful.

Awesome, I am glad it worked out so well for you, as I understand it OPM has set out some guidelines after that lawsuit with the TSA, but the federal government is a large entity and I always worry about how well the various HR departments actually listen to OPM. Congragulations, I hope this job works out well for you.

YAY Ford!!!! *High Fives*

Thanks 

Apparently I'm the first trans person our civil rights director has met in the region. So, whatever action they take with me (and how I present myself) will hopefully provide a positive experience for the office and a helpful example for future transitioners here.

Quote from: ford on May 22, 2013, 08:33:32 PM
Thanks 

Apparently I'm the first trans person our civil rights director has met in the region. So, whatever action they take with me (and how I present myself) will hopefully provide a positive experience for the office and a helpful example for future transitioners here.

Oh, you're officially the Ambassador now, you have a heavy burden but I think you're built for it!

Quote from: ford on May 07, 2013, 03:45:10 PM
I was just informed that I got the job I wanted with the US Forest Service!! I haven't accepted it yet.

Here's the issue. I started the excruciatingly slow hiring process about 8 months ago (aack, I know), so everything they know about me, including times they've met me in person, involve my 'former' female self. I just started T, so it's not like I can keep pretending I'm female for long, plus I'm working on my legal name change.

The USDA (org. that the forest service falls under) has a strict non-discrimination policy that includes gender identity, so I'm not worried about that aspect. Just, how can I inform them that 'oh by the way my name is now ___ and I'm transitioning to male!' Should I mention something when I email them to accept the job? Should I wait until my first day? Is there a non-awkward way to do this?

Any thoughts on how to deal with this much appreciated. I'm so psyched that I finally have a job, but I'm really really nervous about breaking this news to them.

First of all Ford, congratulations.  I worked for the Interior Department for over 20 years (USGS).

You were hired based on your qualifications.  Not your body.  Not to meet a quota.

You will be on a probation for the first year (as I recall) - meaning that you are not protected under civil service laws as you would be otherwise.  Of course,  you are probably considered part of a protected class, so that is a minor worry.

I suggest that you report in as you were hired, and keep it androgynous in terms of dress.  You did not say if you were in the field, or in an office.  If you are in the field, you will likely be wearing trousers or shorts anyway.

I worked most of my time out of an office, but did have field time as well.  It was great to be doing a job out of doors!  And at sea too!