View Full Version : Fallout
GypsyKaren
08-27-2006, 08:13 AM
When I came out at work a few months ago, it went so much better than I expected. Quite a few of my co-workers gave me their support, and my general foreman said I wouldn't have any problems, so I was very suprised and pleased with it all. And then reality set in...
In May I went out on sick leave with Hyper-Insomnia caused by Shift Worker Sleep Disorder, the neurologist I'm seeing banned me from work and driving because I kept nodding out at work and at the wheel, and I only sleep 2 hours a night. We've been trying different medications, but nothing's worked. He gave me a letter for the mill stating that my illness was work related and that I needed a straight shift job in order to be treated. They always hide people on the day shift when they don't know what else to do with them, and with my 33 years senority I figured there shouldn't be a problem. This is how they responded to me and showed their concern...
They had me come in a few weeks ago to see the mill doc, and I knew something was up because they had the case manager there taking notes of my answers. He said he didn't think it was work related, instead I was told I had to take a drug test, which I refused because they have to show cause. I left and called my griever, and he said I did the right thing, so all was cool. the next day Labor Relations called me and asked if I'd reconsider, and I refused again. Within 5 seconds of ending that call, my griever called me and said if I didn't take the test I'd be fired, so I went and took it. I now knew that my union wouldn't back me as I've always been rather good at seeing the writing on the wall, and I passed (damn it!) the test.
I figured getting off of shifts shouldn't be a problem because they use the day shift to hide people all the time, and with my 33 years senority it should be a gimme. They responded 2 weeks ago, they refuse to treat it as work related, and as far as putting me on days, they can't "accomodate" me. In other words they have day shifts for everyone but me, gee I wonder why? Before I see my rep about it, all of a sudden he somehow kept forgetting my calls, I got a letter from the mill stating that they cut off my sick benefits 2 weeks before, as I didn't meet their "criteria" for benefits. I talked to corporate a week before, instead of informing me of this she said that all was cool, she'd call me if there ever was a problem. Yeah right, I'd been cut off already when we talked but she must have "forgot" to tell me. So off to the union hall I went...
...where my griever and local vice president listened to my problem, and promptly sat on their hands. So sorry and such, yes you do have a problem there all right. Gee, I didn't know that, thanks for pointing it out to me. So I told them that the only reason they're screwing me around is because I'm TS, I know there's a copy of my coming out letter in my file, plus I knew already that the plant higher-ups wanted me out. "Well, you've got to understand there's a lot of prejudice out there in the ranks and in management", then they sat on their hands again. It was so nice to see all those years of paying union dues pay off, thank you very much, I'm on my own. As far as my "friends" at work, only one guy calls to see how I'm doing, no one else has bothered. Whenever someone's off sick after 6 weeks we always take up a collection for them, there's been nothing for me after almost 4 months...guess I know where I stand with them too.
So I decided to retire early, to hell with them all. They don't want me back, I don't want to go back, works for me. Monday I sign my papers, and Thursday I'm gone for good. It normally takes 30 days to put a retirement package together, lots of paperwork involved and such, but they somehow managed to do mine in one morning, ya think they want me gone? The only good thing is they can't mess with my pension, that's controlled by a separate foundation...oh well, the end of an era.
So the big question is, would I do it all over again knowing it would cost me my career? That's really easy for me to answer, IN A HEARTBEAT! I stood up for myself as myself, and I'm quite proud of myself for it. Sure I'm paying the price, but the currency I used was courage, and to me it's all worth it. Being able to live my life as myself is worth a hell of a lot more to me that any job, and being able to be me is better than any paycheck. So I'll be walking out that door with my head held high, my dignity intact, and yes, I will be wearing a skirt. Sorry for the long rant, I feel so much better now.
Karen
Katrina
08-27-2006, 08:34 AM
Karen,
Its disgusting that your union didn't stand up for you! Heck, someone I know (I only met him twice), allegedly took a picture of his privates and posted it on a bulletin board at work. He got fired for that, and rightfully so. His union is actually fighting for him to get his job back! That is unbelieveable. This guy basically sexually harasses everybody in his plant and they fight for him, and you keep your nose clean but come out as TS and they say "sorry". I'm appalled. Congratulations on standing up for yourself and congrats on the retirement, I guess.
Sharon
08-27-2006, 08:44 AM
The situation you find yourself in really sucks, Karen, and I understand the choices you have made regarding your impending retirement, even though I'm sure you realize that you have a legitimate claim against the company. It all comes down to whether it is in your best interests to sit and fight, for who knows how many years, or to move on with your life and embrace the future and bury the past.
So the big question is, would I do it all over again knowing it would cost me my career? That's really easy for me to answer, IN A HEARTBEAT! I stood up for myself as myself, and I'm quite proud of myself for it. Sure I'm paying the price, but the currency I used was courage, and to me it's all worth it. Being able to live my life as myself is worth a hell of a lot more to me that any job, and being able to be me is better than any paycheck. So I'll be walking out that door with my head held high, my dignity intact, and yes, I will be wearing a skirt. Sorry for the long rant, I feel so much better now.
This is what it is all about. I'm happy for you, Karen, and you make me proud to consider you a friend. :happy:
dancer1
08-27-2006, 08:45 AM
I knew a long ime ago that the work force in the USA was clickie, and when i was young they treated me as i were stupid for my southern accent.
So i had then tryed to curtail it and achavied my pluming Lis.Now i work for a private co but i have no fear that i can always work.
I make about 25% more than my fellow workers for that reason, and when i went for the interview i had my nail polished and accent gone, but i know how the union is worked for a union co six years and never once did a rep asked me to join, the co contract stated that they could have a non union worker on the job to over see the co intress. glad i never was asked or joined, but as far as union workers i built my house with union help they are by far the most talented worker and skillmens.:hugs: Nadeen
GypsyKaren
08-27-2006, 09:04 AM
One thing I forgot to add...I will be seeing a lawyer after my pension checks start rolling in to see if I have a civil rights case against them. I've never layed down in my life, I'm not going to start doing it now, especially for them.
Holly
08-27-2006, 09:34 AM
Karen, the way your were treated by the company and the union is despicable. I say this as a former president of a local. when you talk to your attorney, make sure you bring up the issue of discrimination with regards to the company and the duty of fair representation with regards to the union. Both organizations failed you most miserably. Congratulations, though on your retirement. I hope to be joining that club in the not to distant future.
Raychel
08-27-2006, 09:42 AM
Karen, You did the right thing. You have to do what is best for you. And going back to work there now would only be full of tension. Who needs that after 33 years. I can only hope that the lawyer can help you out even more. Without sucking up whatever money you may get from a settlement.
Good Luck to you. :hugs:
uknowhoo
08-27-2006, 09:45 AM
:hugs: I know what you've been going through, sweetie, and I'm so proud of how you've handled yourself. I was gratified to read your subsequent post about the lawyer - give 'em hell! xoxo
DanaJ
08-27-2006, 09:45 AM
Karen, we have been talking about this for a while, but this really sucks! I'm not going to turn this thread into an anti-union or company thread, but I work in a large uncaring company with a corrupt union also - so I understand completely what you are up against.
Good luck, I wish the absolute best for you :hugs:
CaptLex
08-27-2006, 09:46 AM
One thing I forgot to add...I will be seeing a lawyer after my pension checks start rolling in to see if I have a civil rights case against them. I've never layed down in my life, I'm not going to start doing it now, especially for them.
I was going to suggest this, so I'm glad you're doing it. I know you probably just want to forget the whole nightmare, and I don't blame you, but it burns me that these people can get away with it - and do it to someone else. I'm very proud of you for holding your head high. Enjoy your retirement. :thumbsup:
Ms. Donna
08-27-2006, 09:55 AM
Wow Karen...
I'm both surprised and not by this. Surprised because the climate is changing and we do have more on our side that before. You 'seemed' to have the support of coworkers and especially the union. By all accounts, you were in a pretty good place.
Not surprised, though, because of the reasons stated by your union reps, "... there's a lot of prejudice out there in the ranks and in management." It's a crap answer, but true nonetheless. As you surmised, they have been working on your 'exit' since day one and the sad reality is that they will do it again should someone else muster the courage to buck the system there. They are betting on 'people like us' not wanting to put up a fight.
It's good you left, because even if you fought and won, would you really want to stay there just to prove a point? True, it might be a good point to prove, but would it be worth the personal cost you and Kat? I suspect not. You have achieved something many never will and did it on your own terms. You have every right to be damn proud of that.
So, I'm sorry your employer and union turned out to be crap, but congrats on retirement. You may not have started there as Karen, but that's how you're finishing off. Very cool indeed.
:hugs:
Love Ya,
Donna
janelle
08-27-2006, 11:06 AM
Hi Karen, Very sorry to hear of your FORCED retirement. I believe unions(mine included) have lost alot in what they can do. Did you document any of what was said to you or anything in writing as to what you & the company agreed on? Hope so, try talking with some of those so called friends & see if they are still behind you & back you in court.
I have PMed you & asked about some of this 4 myself, & this is why i ? everything a company does now a days,its screw the worker all the time.
My thoughts & prayers are with you. I hope you can get the respect you deserve from after putting in 33 years of your life & i pray the court gives you a big settlement so our companies wake up as to how they treat people.
Sorry Dear but i am getting very pissed at unions for not standing up for you,
I'll go b4 i say something to make one of the other girls upset(not my intent).
GOOD LUCK sweetie & keep us informed.
:hugs: :love: Janelle
P.S. You can pm me if you wish.
admirerplus GG
08-27-2006, 11:51 AM
Karen,
I am sorry that things did not go as you had hoped at work. Life is unfair sometimes.
However, I am very impressed with your attitude and with your demonstration of self respect. I wish you success in your legal process. I hope that it will not cost you too much. I also hope that you will obtain a satisfactory outcome for yourself. Good luck!
Teresa Amina
08-27-2006, 12:05 PM
So sorry to read what a game those people have been playing with you! I don't think the unions in this country have had any guts since Reagans' canning of the air traffic controllers, they're now just another tool of management. Good luck with your lawsuit! You deserve far better than this.:(
AmberTG
08-27-2006, 12:30 PM
Yep, it sounds like a lawsuit waiting to happen. It's interesting that the company doctor always goes along with the company instead of with the patient's welfare. I saw that happen several times at the grocery store that I used to work at. It seems that the family doctor's accessment has no meaning, especially if it involves a workman's compensation claim. I know a person who's on disability because of the same shift work induced problems, but he's not TG so he was treated normally. As far as unions, all they want is your money for their mafia connections, don't get me started on that!
At least one good thing has come of this, you get to take your retirement, they can't take that away from you.
Amber
Shelly Preston
08-27-2006, 01:02 PM
Hi Karen
You already know my thoughts on this matter
I hope the lawyer does his job better than the union or the company
Now the good bit :D
I know that you can with Kat's help enjoy your retirement
It will take a while to adjust to the realisation thet you wont be going back.
After 33 years it wont be easy but it gets easier with time.
So now you have time to spoil the love of your life. :hugs:
Sandra
08-27-2006, 01:28 PM
Sorry to hear this Karen, but good for you for seeing if you can take them for "civil rights" is it the same as what we would call "discrimination" over here.?
GG Vanya
08-27-2006, 02:34 PM
So the big question is, would I do it all over again knowing it would cost me my career? That's really easy for me to answer, IN A HEARTBEAT! I stood up for myself as myself, and I'm quite proud of myself for it. Sure I'm paying the price, but the currency I used was courage, and to me it's all worth it
Karen, that one remark literally gave me chills! What a wonderful way of voicing your feelings.
As I was reading your post, I kept thinking: Lawsuit...grounds: disparity, failure to represent (union), sexual harassment, and discrimination.
Make them *prove* they had no position for you on the day shift, as I think I know the reason they didn't want you there. During day work shift, you are more visible to the public which you may encounter.
You're wise to bide your time until your pension checks begin, but then you're going to be a lawyer's dream.
Just be very careful with the terms you accept from the lawyer. They're slick as owl's nasal emissions. Most go for 33%, and THEN deduct expenses, which could mean they end up with more than you...grrrr. While I have no idea what you did for a living, it sounds as it it could be the UAW union, and if so, get a *very* sharp lawyer as you can rest assured they'll bring out the big guns.
In any event, congratulations on your retirement, and for being the TG's version of Rosa Parks.
Joy Carter
08-27-2006, 03:00 PM
It matters not what law would cover your situation because if they don't want you then your gone, they have to money to fight and you don't. I had the same thing happen to me two years ago, so I know a little about it. What I know about civil suits is that you may not be covered unless your gay. I don't think gender variance is covered or so I was told by a lawyer. Good luck Karen as far as I'm concerned good people are hard to find these days and you fit the bill.
kathy gg
08-27-2006, 03:27 PM
Karen this is very sad to read how unfairly you have been treated. Keep your chin up and by the sound of things you have a big road ahead of you if you decide to proceed to court.
I do hope the early retirement package is reasonable though.
GypsyKaren
08-27-2006, 04:01 PM
I want to thank all of you for your kind words and support, to me this is what family is all about. Even though I'm giving up a rather high paying job, I have no regrets about my leaving, in fact I feel pretty damn good about it.
I probably won't be going after the union (Vanya, it's the United Steelworkers Union), because if I do go after the company that will be battle enough for me. Plus all conversations with my reps were two of them against one of me being by myself, so they'll just lie. And Kathy, all I'm getting is my pension, and it is a pretty good one at that.
Another thing I'm going to do now is legally change my first and middle names, I'll either go with Gypsy Karen or Karen Gypsy, I haven't decided yet which way I want to go. I've been Karen for 40 years now, but I'm kinda getting used to Gypsy, so we shall see what the future brings for little old me.
Karen
Kimberley
08-27-2006, 04:35 PM
Karen, I'm not sure how much of a hit you took on pension or how much you have in writing; your own, from the union, and the company. If there is enough go see a lawyer, clean their pockets for the balance to mandatory retirement in cash not RSP plus penalties. Hit them with unfair dismissal, human rights discrimination plus a probably a dozen other things they have left themselves open for.
You arent going back to work, so go after them, with everything you have. You already have the basis for discrimination with the medical evaluations alone.
Give it some thought. The lawyers usually work for a percentage of the settlement so make sure you negotiate that as well.
:hugs:
Kimberley
GG Vanya
08-27-2006, 05:23 PM
I want to thank all of you for your kind words and support, to me this is what family is all about. Even though I'm giving up a rather high paying job, I have no regrets about my leaving, in fact I feel pretty damn good about it.
I probably won't be going after the union (Vanya, it's the United Steelworkers Union), because if I do go after the company that will be battle enough for me. Plus all conversations with my reps were two of them against one of me being by myself, so they'll just lie. And Kathy, all I'm getting is my pension, and it is a pretty good one at that.
Another thing I'm going to do now is legally change my first and middle names, I'll either go with Gypsy Karen or Karen Gypsy, I haven't decided yet which way I want to go. I've been Karen for 40 years now, but I'm kinda getting used to Gypsy, so we shall see what the future brings for little old me.
Karen
<grimace> I know all too well how union reps will lie about what was, or was not said. However, the disparity will stand on its own merit Karen, with no need for "he said she said" evidence.
A good lawyer can and will take on *both* the employer and the union, and both have deep pockets. Just from what you've told us, it seems plausible there was collusion between them~if proven, this is absolutely letigious. Taking on the union can insure those following behind you won't meet the same fate. Besides, you paid 33 years of dues for representation, and didn't get it.
Only you and Kat can know if litigation is a path you wish to take. It can be grueling and drag out for decades, especially when going up against the big dogs. It also can, and most probably will, drag you and those you love into the limelight.
If you choose to file suit, I pray for your victory. If not, then my wish is for you and Kat to enjoy the stress free years you have ahead of you.
Hi Karen
this is a story of courage and endurance. I am so proud of you. Doing what you did takes a lot of guts, a lot of integrity. Sad that corporate America is so conservative still, and the unions as well. Shame on them.
Thanks for sharing
Sejd
Enjoy your retirement...you deserve it......and I know exactly what you mean about corrupt unions only helping who they want I saw that happen alot you pay all the dues but when you need them...they turn your back on you.....Give em hell proud of you standing up to them :hugs:
ChristineRenee
08-27-2006, 05:52 PM
Totally sucks what they did to you Karen, and that your union wouldn't back you up. I would definitely look into this matter from a legal standpoint as you may have a valid discrimination case here. Good for you for standing up for yourself sis...and enjoy the retirement you so have earned.:hugs:
RenaCD
08-27-2006, 08:03 PM
Gk I'm so very proud of you for standing your ground Sis.
:hugs: :love:
Rena
lostmyhubby GG
08-27-2006, 09:16 PM
Karen,
I am so sorry for the way you were treated but I AM SO HAPPY THAT YOU ARE GOING TO KEEP GOING!!!!!!!! go for the civil rights all the way Karen you will be saying so much for the rest of your fellow cd'rs too who have been in this situation or will be in the same situation in the future.
And congratulations you are so lucky now to be free of work and now think of all the playing you and Kat can do!!!!!
lots of love
Diane
michelle19845
08-27-2006, 10:13 PM
i wish you the best of luck.they deserve to be sued as far as i see it.serves em right to lose money.it sounds so easy to "read" what they'redoin.good luck and i hope you enjoy!
KrazyKat
08-27-2006, 10:47 PM
Diane, I think you mean all the shopping Karen will do!!
Thank you all for your warmest thoughts.
We will do what we can, and I don't give up easily!! A little stubborn Iowa farm girl, I am!!
Kat
Sarahgurl371
08-28-2006, 05:38 PM
Karen I am sorry to read about what has happened to you at work. It really sucks. But I have to give you credit! You stood up for you and that is what it is all about. Whatever you choose to do about the legal aspects, I wish you well, and hope that you and Kat have a wonderful retirement!
Kimberley
08-28-2006, 06:47 PM
I wonder how the National Union would appreciate about 4000 or so letters of complaint and threats to go to the media?
20/20 or 60 minutes would drool over this one.
Hmmmm.
cindianna_jones
08-29-2006, 12:22 AM
I've worked two jobs where I faced serious descrimination. I did take notes of every incident I encountered. I had the who,what, where, and when. In both cases, my lawyer told me that I had solid evidence.
But he asked: Do you really want to drag yourself through this for two years or do you want to get on with your life?
I decided to let it go. I let my employers know of the problems and why I was leaving. I also gave them copies of my notes when I left. I hoped that would be their wake up call, that they should make sure these things should never happen again.
I'm glad that I just moved on. It will take a long time for society to adjust to these kinds of problems. I didn't need or want the publicity. I just wanted a normal life. And I have had a wonderful life for letting these things pass.
That's just how I handled it.
Cindi
Anima-87-388
08-29-2006, 04:26 AM
Way to stand up for yourself :happy: . It's sad to see someone get treated soo unfairly but it's great to hear that you're holding your head high and even better to hear that you're fighting back :Angry3: . Give 'em hell! (and I hope you get lots and lots of money too:D )
Marla S
08-29-2006, 05:12 AM
Double WOW on that Karen.
1st WOW
I don't realy wonder that they kicked you out. World is bigot and anti-discrimination by law is something different as tolerance in the minds.
They always find a way to make someone go if they have issues with you (you don't have to be a TG to learn this).
2nd WOW
Congrats for your courage and standing up for yourself (and us, thanks for that).
If you are able to be yourself, have loving SO, some friends and enough money to live, who gives a s*** on these bigotted ar******.
Clare
08-29-2006, 05:44 AM
Karen, that is a shocking attitude from both your employer and union reps! Sounds to me they both wanted to get rid of a potential problem (from there pov).
The manner in which they forced you to leave work is terrible. I thought today's laws protected workers better than that - anti discrimination etc...
It sounds like you're content with your decision, so I hope you enjoy the future.
Robin Leigh
08-29-2006, 06:05 AM
Arrrgh! :Angry3: I knew this was a bad week to give up my anti-psychotic medication. :heehee:
Go get 'em, Gypsy Karen! You've got more courage than all those BS macho men combined.
When you think it's safe, please let us know the contact details for the mill. I think I might like to send them a few emails.... or maybe we could all apply to them for jobs. :)
Do they have a website? We have enough computer experts here to easily create a spoof site, with all the pictures of male personnel transformed, MTF. :devil:
<psychic mode> The real reason you were fired: there is someone in senior management who is deep in the closet (maybe not TG), and you make them paranoid. </psychic mode>
Prove me wrong. :D
Robin
Robin Leigh
08-29-2006, 06:20 AM
What I know about civil suits is that you may not be covered unless your gay. I don't think gender variance is covered or so I was told by a lawyer.
I guess it takes a smart lawyer. You just have to show that the discriminators are acting homophobically. Let's face it, most homophobes think we're all gay anyway, so why not use that to our advantage? They discriminated against Karen on the grounds that 'he' was behaving in a way that they consider inappropriate for his sex, therefore it's sexual discrimination.
This angle was discussed on the Usenet TG groups late last year, IIRC, but I can't seem to find a link to the thread. :(
I'm not a lawyer, and I'm in Australia, so YMMV.
Robin
GypsyKaren
08-29-2006, 07:24 AM
The big problem I face is that I live in Indiana, which is not a very labor friendly state. I've been doing some research on the net about transgender protection here, and so far it doesn't look good. While state workers are protected, there's nothing for the rest of us. I'll talk to a lawyer once the dust settles and see what she says, then I'll take it from there.
Cindi brought up a big point that I also have to decide on, do I want to get in the trenches and go to war with a multi-billion dollar corporation? While I could care less about having my name splashed about in the papers or on the news, I have to consider my family. I'm just afraid that my kids will get dragged into this with unwanted publicity and questions, and I don't want that. They're all busy starting out on their own lives and families, and I don't want them dragged into the muck with me. There are many times when a parent is called upon to sacrifice for their children, and this may be one of them.
And another point brought up by Cindi, maybe it's just time to move on instead of looking back. I feel like I have a new beginning now, and I'm looking at it with excitement instead of fear. One thing I've learned in life is to pick your battles, so this may be one better to take a pass on...we shall see.
Karen
CaptLex
08-29-2006, 09:27 AM
I wonder if this might be a good case for the ACLU - especially if they can help you without publicizing your name (I don't blame you for wanting to protect your family).
tori-e
08-29-2006, 09:43 AM
Hi Karen,
This whole situation is incredibly sad. You always think that our society is evolving and then this kind of stuff happens and it just makes you sick.
I wish you all the best in whatever path you choose to take. But, hey, if the pension pays the bills, I'd go for it.
I haven't read the whole thread so I don't know if anyone else has mentioned this, but you may consider contacting Mara Keisling. She is a trans-activist and one incredibly bright lady. I had the pleasure of seeing her at Esprit and was very impressed with her. She may be able to suggest a course of action for you that may have a more positive outcome. I've included a few links...
http://www.metroweekly.com/feature/?ak=1194
http://nctequality.org/NCTE_Calendar.asp
lots of love and all the best,
Victoria
Stlalice
08-29-2006, 11:01 AM
Karen,
The situation that you face is one with no easy answers. I've been following this thread and in some ways our individual situations are similar. We both work(ed) for large corporations that are not known for their LGBT friendly policies and have union representation that is at best ineffective and may itself be hostile. For myself, I have decided that a "formal" coming out is not in the cards - that is unless circumstances force the issue. I'm close enough to being able to retire that my inclination is to take the money (retirement) and run. Why? Because any victory would be one won at such a high cost as to leave the winner in as bad or worse shape than the loser. Only you can make the choice of what price you and by extension your family are willing to pay for that victory. Whatever you decide to do, you will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Priscilla1018
08-29-2006, 11:22 AM
Hi Karen,
I have to check in here more often.I am sorry I am two days late but,I am very proud of you girl for having the courage to come out and live your life with your head held high.:rose2:
Angie G
08-29-2006, 12:10 PM
hi Karen good for you. mose employers suck so enjoy your retirement :hugs:
Angie G.
Siobhan Marie
08-29-2006, 12:25 PM
Hi Karen, you enjoy your retirement, you deserve it and make sure that you take your greedy and ungrateful scumbag employer for all you can get. If yours did that to you, I dread to think what mine would do to me.
:hugs: Anna x
:bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:
Yael
Stlalice
08-29-2006, 08:25 PM
As a side note - it has been said that the best revenge is to live well, enjoy life and prosper. Letting go may be hard but in the end fate will deal with those who have wronged you far better than any of us could imagine. Hang in there and don't let this bring you down. :hugs:
joanlynn28
08-29-2006, 11:37 PM
It's a crime when the union's and companies that we work for think so highly of us but when it comes down to really being in need of their help and compassion they take off in the opposite direction running. Yes your situation scares me cause I find myself being in the same position as you were. I hope you find a very compatent lawyer who will fight for you and does whatever is necessary to overcome this injustice by both your employer and your former union. I would get in touch with PRIDE at Work this is a organization that fights discrimination against LGBT persons weither by thier employer and or union. Keep it up, if not for yourself for the transgendered people that will be following you and I in the future.
Marlena Dahlstrom
08-31-2006, 02:05 AM
I'm so sorry to hear about your forced retirement, but so proud of your spirit.
I'd definitely recommend at least talking to the ACLU, or groups like National Center for Transgender Equity (http://nctequality.org/), Transgender Law Center (http://www.transgenderlawcenter.org/), Sylvia Rivera Law Project (http://www.srlp.org/) or Transgender Law and Policy Institute (http://www.transgenderlaw.org/).
Whether you decide to pursue the case is something only you and Kat can decide, but if nothing else, it will alert these organizations in case another case comes along. (Pattern of discriminatory behavior, etc.)
Incidentally, while Indiana may not offer TG-specific protections, there may be grounds to pursue the case just on "conventional" merits, i.e. they refused to accomodate a medical condition (they'd have to prove there were no day-shift position available -- so keep an eye on those want ads). Probably not the sort of thing the ACLU or these other groups take on, but they probably could give you an informed opinion about whether it might be worth talking to a private attorney.
Tracy Lynn
09-02-2006, 09:49 AM
I can't believe how you were treated. I'm glad you had the dignity to just move on. Why waste your life fighting these people? Our time here is short. Changes, thats what life is all about.
Caitlintgsd
09-05-2006, 02:53 PM
You have my condolences in regards to what occured. I was let go from my job last week as "I didn't fit in with the corporate image". Hmmm, I hadn't changed anything since I'd started the job except perhaps my shirts were getting a bit tighter. My manager told 4 other ex coworkers 3 different reasons why I was let loose. Other than not fitting in he didn't give me a specific reason why, nor do I really care. I didn't like that job. I had three phone interviews with other companies last week and I'm leaving for an interview in about 30 minutes. The interview today is with a company that called me out of the blue on Friday. The individual stated that somebody had told him I was looking for a position. We discussed my background and the company for which I'd be interviewing. Then he got real quiet and stated "I don't care that you're transgendered". I was left rather speechless on that one. So this may be an interesting interview. Who knows?
Clare
09-06-2006, 05:26 AM
The individual stated that somebody had told him I was looking for a position. We discussed my background and the company for which I'd be interviewing. Then he got real quiet and stated "I don't care that you're transgendered". I was left rather speechless on that one. So this may be an interesting interview. Who knows?Sounds intriguing! I'm keen to hear how you went with the interview!
julie w
09-12-2006, 09:53 PM
we are all proud of you karen , but thats the world we live in its difficult
to fight companys with deep pockets ,"( the color of justice is green ) quote
the late J C
Powered by vBulletin® Version 4.2.3 Copyright © 2025 vBulletin Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved.