Job Application Question and Gender Transition

[VanTG]

I need some help people.

I recently graduated from College with my BA. I have been applying for jobs and not sure if I should disclose about my gender transition on my cover letter. Or when filling out some forms, should I indicate I am apart of a visible minority?

I just started HRT and still present in the male attire, but this will only be for another 6 months or so.

So, what should I do? Disclose or Not?

[arbon]

Don't say a word about it.

[Jamie M]

Hi Van,

First off congratulations on your degree , that's brilliant ! I just want to be upfront so you know what value to place on my opinion, I've not had to apply for any job since transitioning , I've stayed in my previous employment so I don't have personal experience. I'm guessing it mainly depends on your current legal status, if you have not yet changed your name legally and your still presenting as male and intend to do so at any interview then my personal feeling is to not disclose it on your application but maybe discuss it in person at any interview you attend. whatever you choose to do , I wish you the very best, that's a lot of changes for you and my be a great feeling for a new start , good luck hunnie !

[Kaitlyn Michele]

Do not say anything.
What can you possibly tell them about this that will help you get a job? Be a positive strong candidate...end of story.

Whatever job you get will help you finance your transition. Even if you feel the need to disclose this because of gender dypshoria you must accept that having a good job and getting paid will help you transition.
and you must accept that bringing this up at the interview stage will almost certainly make them question your judgement.

You say male attire only for another 6 months....i say get a job, make some money, then start thinking about going full time.

[Jorja]

Once again I agree completely with Kaitlyn (is this is getting to be a habit?). Land the job, make some money, then pursue the rest of your transition. If you have changed you name legally then apply as female.

[PretzelGirl]

Third! I would add that if, once you have a job, and you have a probationary period, that might be a consideration in your long term plan. I don't know the legalities in Canada but in the states we have some that can dump you unceremoniously without reason and some with anti-discrimination protections. Get the job saying nothing. They don't need to know. Then assess things like probationary periods and law and then continue your plans with all of this in mind (you may choose to ignore them).

[Dawn cd]

When applying for a job, you need only demonstrate your ability and eagerness to do THE JOB. Nothing else matters. In fact the employer is not supposed to consider other factors--whether you are left-handed or right, tall or short, or your race, or your gender. A grave illness might be a factor, but gender transition does not rise to that level. On the other hand, if an interviewer suspects something and asks you a direct question, then you must tell the truth, but you are free to add: "...but that wouldn't prevent me from doing the job."

Good luck.

[Nigella]

I will agree with the majority here, your status on the transgender spectrum, at this moment in time, is not relative to applying for a job. There is a caveat to that and has already been muted, be honest if you are asked directly.

Most jobs come with a probationary period, until such a point as this has passed and you have been offered a permanent position, take care, don't give them any reason to doubt who they have employed. You can remain stealth for quiet a while, get settled then look forward to both a career and transition.

[BOBBI G.]

Dawn is right on. Employers can not require age, sexual orientation, gender, or any of a myriad of other things.

Bobbi

[Eryn]

Unless you fall into the rare case where your transition will have an impact on your job performance you should not mention it. It is unlikely to help you and the perceived complication will likely cause the person evaluating the resumes to find a reason to reject yours.

It's not fair, but that's the way it works.

[celeste26]

Well I've worked an entire tax season en femme. Went to the HR block classes and passed my state certification so my license is in my male name. But HR block has offered nothing but respect in my employment, the people even us my femme name and proper pronouns too. Couldn't ever dream up something better. There are only a few more days left until tax season is over so if you have yet to do your taxes, "get 'er done."

[Persephone]

I think you are asking if being TG is an asset or a liability. The answer is probably "It depends."

The laws in the geographic area you are applying in and the size of the company could make a difference. In a small company you could be considered a liability, perhaps in a larger one you could help make their "affirmative action" quotas.

The question of what their health insurance covers could also be important as some cover HRT, surgery, and the like and others don't. I think you have government health care in your area so if you are planning on staying there that might be a moot point.

In any event, I would not think it belongs on a cover letter nor on a form unless there is a direct question on the form. I suspect it would be an issue to bring up, if at all, in an interview with the HR person. But even before I did that I would check out the company. Have they a very declared transgender position?

Good luck in your job search!

Hugs,
Persephone.

[donnalee]

You've gotten some great advice here, all I can do is to try and codify it a bit. Whenever you have information that might affect your status (or potential status), the first question to ask yourself is "Is it pertinent?"; as far as your ability to do a job, it obviously is not. There's an old army saying; "Never volunteer." On the other hand, do not prevaricate if asked a direct question; own it. A good thing to learn is the fine art of taking a step backward when volunteers are asked to take one forward. Being proud of who and what you are is very important, but not borrowing trouble is equally so.