Hello all,

I'm currently an unemployed pre transition genderqueer. I'll be transitioning to a more male bodied individual, and hope to start T in January. 

I am so confused as to how to look for a job while being true to myself, and using my preferred name.

Currently I have my preferred name at the top of my resume, with a:

** my preferred name is_______, but my legal name is________ at the bottom. I'm not sure if this is the best way to go about this.

I'm looking for a retail job, so it's all online applications, many of which you have to sign with your legal name.

My previous jobs I went by my legal name.

I told my ex employer that I was applying to new jobs under Spencer, but she didn't respond, and I'm not sure if that was a good decision.

Additionally, I had a family illness, so I also have gaps in my employment, as well as a few jobs that were only held for a couple months. So my resume is kind of blah.

Lastly, I'm deeply concerned about safety. Since I will more or less be outing myself with this name. I'm hoping to land a grocery store position.

Any advice/suggestions is highly appreciated!

What country are you in and what are the discrimination law?

I am in the US.

Luckily, I live in Colorado.

"Colorado law prohibits discrimination in employment based on actual or perceived sexual orientation. By legal definition, sexual orientation means heterosexuality, homosexuality (lesbian or gay), bisexuality, and transgender status. Transgender status means a gender identity or gender expression that differs from societal expectations based on gender assigned at birth."

-Colorado's Division of Civil Rights

My understanding is legally I can put my preferred name on a resume.

That sounds right. I'm in Australia so I'm not up to speed with the USA.

As for gaps, tell the truth, looking after sick family members. Nothing wrong with that at all.

My personal advice, apply with the name you want to answer to.

Hey it depends on the work I suppose. If you are planning to work in retail, what's it even matter eh?

I mean, if you came to apply at my business, and you used a guy name and you want to be treated as a guy, I'd think it odd if you mentioned your parents originally gave you a female name.

I mean, think about it, unless you are in a business like fire fighter where needing to be able to change out of clothing and all might be problematic thanks to certain 'parts'

I don't think what's in your pants will mean much if you get hired to repair appliances or sell insurance or deliver furniture.

A legal name really only matters on legal documents eh, that's why it's called a legal name. And I don't call a resume a legal document so much. If they ask can you be bonded, the correct response there counts. Not whether you prefer Frank instead of Jane.