I was wondering if anyone had experience transitioning while working for the (US) Fed gov't. I know some agencies have anti discrimination policies that include GI, but are they effective IRL? Did you receive much support or bad vibes in your workplace during transition?

Hi!

I transitioned while working for the US Forest Service. I was hired as female and now work full time as male. I announced my intention to transition a few days after I was officially hired.

Bottom line: everyone was GREAT

As soon as I notified my supervisor what I intended to do, the regional civil rights director was on the phone with me, making sure things were ok and opening up a line of communication should I have any issues.

My immediate coworkers and higher ups were notified (I didn't have to do any of that) and from there on out it was "he-" and "him-" across the board. Bathrooms at my workplace are single occupancy, so that was never an issue. I used the men's rooms from day one. Once I had my legal name/gender change, the office administrators were thorough and discrete about getting all my official paperwork updated.

These days, 99% of my fellow employees think I'm just another male. Even my cis male office mate (who I know knows) could fool me with how readily he engages me in 'guy talk'. No weird vibes, even once people found out I'm gay (and a lot of my coworkers are grizzly adams forester/trapper types, ha).

It's really been a great experience, and it gives me hope for all future transitioners in US fed. service. Just remember your rights! Most likely try very hard to accommodate you, because no gov organization wants negative press regarding LGBT folks these days...

Good luck!

Thanks for the info, that's encouraging! I know what you mean by grizzly Adams types, although where I'm at its more Zane grey rancher types. You aren't r3 or r2 by chance?

We have a few feds who have transitioned on the job.  I'll see if I can't shake a few branches for you, and get some stories posted.

Thanks!

OPM has a short guide. I've heard of one locally, though she transferred out of state (I don't know the details). My transition is a ways off and I think people are already suspecting I've changed in some way... Not sure what I do when I haven't started HRT and maybe get questioned as being gay!? Lol...

http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/diversity-and-inclusion/reference-materials/gender-identity-guidance/

Anti-discrimination laws are not in our favor yet (nor insurance), but that will change and policies look good as long as you're still a good employee.

Good luck!

Ande,

I work for the Veterans Administration and I know of several people who have transitioned on the job.
The VA is an equal opportunity employer and discrimination of any sort is prohibited.

Keep in mind, what the administration guidelines say and what your co-workers say may be two different things.
Most all VA employees accept transitioners as people who just want to be happy. There are exceptions.

The VA has recently published guidelines for veterans seeking to transition. Basically, the VA will provide counseling, lab tests and medication. No surgeries of any kind at this time. One exception is veterans who were wounded in combat in the genital area may get surgery, but there are very few of these veterans.

Oh yes and as for me, I am still in stealth mode.

https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,116521.msg895266.html#msg895266

https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php?action=profile;u=22135

Quote from: Ande on September 11, 2013, 12:52:17 AM
You aren't r3 or r2 by chance?

Afraid I'm not!