What should I ask a lawyer about transitioning?

[Zenith]

Hi all.

I have an appointment with an attorney. I wanted a legal opinion. The university I am at has an equal opportunity employment policy that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. I was going to ask if that covers transitioning. Any other questions I should ask?

THNX... :D

[Sharon]

The university I am at has an equal opportunity employment policy that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. I was going to ask if that covers transitioning.

Does their policy also state that they don't discriminate because of gender identification or expression, or words to that effect? If so, then it appears you should be okay, though it is usually difficult to prove discrimination.

[Zenith]

Thanks Sharon...I'll look for that wording...I know discrimination is tough to prove...but if the policy states then it might be cause for some pause before acting...

[MichelleOBrien]

Legally, there is no law against discriminating against transexuals or crossdressers for the simple fact that the courts will still look at the traditional sex definition of male or female. Check your state and local laws, as well as the wording of the universities anti discrimination policy. If they use the term "sex", then they are speaking of the traditional "boy/girl" anatomies. However, if they use the wor "gender", then gander can be argued to include transexuals. Transvestites are generally screwed, though.

Granted, pre-op you're still legally male and post-op you are legally female, so that's gonna be the main difference. Your male name would then become your previous alias... like a nickname!