I paused my transition to start a new job (UIX developer for a communications technology company) in October 2013. By July of this year I was reasonably confident that I would be accepted if I came out, so I did so, to my manager and HR. Both were extremely supportive, and both were candid about their lack of knowledge regarding trans issues, and their excitement to learn more and help me in any way they could. They asked if I would be willing to work with them to develop an announcement plan for my team members and for the company at large. They also hired an external HR / personnel organization to advise our company about best practices, and to help outline where workplace law is at regarding transgender people in British Columbia. When they learned theres no anti-discrimination laws regarding trans people in BC, they amended the corporate policy to include such discrimination as grounds for dismissal, the same as any other type of discrimination covered by law. They are also liaising with a local LGBTQ community resource centre to provide in-house education. My direct team members all know, as does senior management, and I just saw the draft of the company-wide announcement, which was sent to me for review and approval. That email will likely go out this week, according to a timeline I was asked to set, and to which the company has adhered. I have received unanimous support from those who already know, and some messages of relief from female coworkers who are glad therell be another woman on the team. I have been extraordinarily lucky in every aspect of my life – full support from my family, my friends and now two different workplaces over 7 years. I intend to continue trying to be worthy of this good fortune in the workplace by being open, friendly, approachable, and (hopefully) representative of the fact that employees do their best work when theyre free to be themselves. I wish for the same good luck and support for every trans person out there!
Posted on: Tue, 30 Sep 2014 16:55:08 +0000
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