situation at work

[Mandy Salamander]

Hello girls, Am interested in opinions regarding a recent situation at work. First some background, though en femme probably near 90% time outside the office, if were outed at work would almost certainly be in more ways than one. Have already lost one job, when during heated debate I informed supv. that I wasn't the one with a gender "problem"(that set my hormone therapy back 3 years) and recently has been feeling like deja vu all over again. I am a free-lance artist but must keep a real job as well,(it isn't the starving I mind so much as the lack of shopping). Eventually this job will have to go obviously, but prefer to leave on my own terms, am already on thin ice with my long nails, girlish figure, my mannerisms and way I talk but also have some support because of quality of my work and reputation with clients. Anyhoots my situation is this: I work at a legal support firm, we design and produce trial exhibits, transcripts, video etc. Recently we were given a case involving the DEFENSE of one of two men accused (later convicted) of brutally assaulting a crossdresser(drag queen) in a fit of drunken bigotry,(there had never been any prior contact).An appeal is pending. I sidestepped the job as long as possible, but in the end, as I believe is my right to do in all good conscience, I politely declined to be involved in any way shape or form with this case, thus putting my job in serious jeopardy. Was I right? Any thoughts? Opinions? Thanks for giving me a forum to voice!

[Stephanie Brooks]

Recently we were given a case involving the DEFENSE of one of two men accused (later convicted) of brutally assaulting a crossdresser(drag queen) in a fit of drunken bigotry,(there had never been any prior contact).An appeal is pending. I sidestepped the job as long as possible, but in the end, as I believe is my right to do in all good conscience, I politely declined to be involved in any way shape or form with this case, thus putting my job in serious jeopardy. Was I right? Any thoughts? Opinions? Thanks for giving me a forum to voice!
From what you said, YES I believe you did the right thing! As you know with the legal system, there are multiple sides to any issue.

I disagree with moral relativism, saying there's no right or wrong. I think there is right and wrong.

That said, I think that if you have convictions on something, you must follow them. That's what makes each of us what we are. There's the old bromide that "talk is cheap". It is. It is our actions that define us. I'll make the assumption that defending these two men would go against your principles; to support their defense because of money is literally "selling out".

Do they deserve to be defended? Do they deserve to appeal their conviction? I'll say only that they deserve it if there is some new evidence that could reasonably show their innocence. I'm skeptical of its existence. Does that mean you need to support them? No.

Would I support their defense? Probably not. How can I say that?

I have been given jobs at my company a couple of times where I refused to do the work. To do the work would have gone against my principles. In both cases I faced the possibility of losing my job. I kept my job and I kept my honor. If faced with your situation, I would most likely refuse.

I think you did the right thing, Mandy. What you do today molds how you'll be tomorrow. You're an artist. Imagine a sculptor who begins a work of art by defacing the stone because it is easy and convenient. How will it look when it is finished?

[StephanieCD]

Wow.

Far be it for me to give advice in the legal arena. Were it me - keeping in mind that you don't want to be outed, I might create a lie and say that I felt uncomfortable defending these people because I felt my quality of work might be compromised as they attacked someone who is very much like someone I'm close to but I can't tell you who for personal reasons. That's what I'd say if it came down to the wire. As for avoiding it and getting away with it - you were right to do what your heart feels is right. You might get shitcanned but, in the end, it's a valid reason to go hungry for a little while. I'm a freelance with a fulltime gig, too - you'll find work when the cupboards get bare - and you can go to bed knowing you were a stand up person, even in your own way.

The, slightly less honorable choice would be to take the job and intentionally do shoddy work to get the guys thrown in jail if that's something within your power - if you're making presentations you could at least take artistic liberty and portray the assholes in pink or something ;)

I admire your faith to your own kind, even if we're all so secret that they may never know. You could always let them know in a secret way.

I don't know, hun - it's a perdicament. The truth will set you free, even if free does mean unemployed. You did the right thing - how you carry yourself afterward is what will matter in the end.

[Priscilla1018]

Mandy,

I have a reputation of defending people when I think they are being picked on here.In good consience I would not defend these scum after what they did,I could not.You are doing the right thing;sometimes doing what is right is very difficult and yes it could threaten your job.You also have to live with yourself.Personally I think these AHs punishment should fit the crime,they should be beaten to death.
The easiest way to get out of this with your job intact is to make up a story.Yeah it's a lie but you have to eat.What is the worst that could happen?They might suspect but will have no proof if you choose not to work on this case.
I hope things work out for you.Keep us informed.

Love and Hugs,
Priscilla

[Stephanie Brooks]

The easiest way to get out of this with your job intact is to make up a story.Yeah it's a lie but you have to eat.What is the worst that could happen?They might suspect but will have no proof if you choose not to work on this case.
I've got to disagree with you on this Priscilla.

Mandy works with/for lawyers. They hear lies all of the time and can have pretty good BS sensors. If she lies, they'll know and they could make her work situation worse. They could even twist her lie around so that she either gets caught in her lie or is shamed into supporting the case. These are lawyers; I doubt she'd want to be cross examined on why she doesn't want to support the case if she's lying.

If she tells the truth, they still may not like it, but integrity still has value. She doesn't need to tell them everything, but she can say she doesn't want to work the case because of principles.

I still think truth works best.

[Holly]

Mandy, all I can say hon, is that you have class! I am so proud of what you have done. I know that doesn't put beans on the table, but if they should terminate you, you will be able to hold your head high. Being a woman of principals will take you far... and you will be able to live with yourself! Way to go, Mandy!

[AnnaMaria]

Mandy,

I really admire you for the way that you have delt with the situation thus far, and if given the same type of desicion to make I am sure that I would do the same. If I had to give a reason for not wanting to be involved with the case I would probably say that I didn't want to be involved due to personal convictions having to do with hate crimes in general and the fact that this type of behavior is playing a big part in the situation that the world is in right now as a result of this type of behavior.

I can only hope and pray that you don't e4xperience any avderse reaction from your employer as a result of your personal convictions.

huggs
anna

[Julie York]

I don't understand.


What do you do with your principles when you have to do work in defence of a burglar, rapist, or child molester? Do you refuse to do the work?

[Like2BAspen]

I agree with you one million percent. The only problem is you are dealing with the legal profession. Right and wrong have nothing to do with it. A lawyer that was raped would have to defend a rapist if she wanted to keep her job. A lawyer whos child was molested would have to defend a child molester if he wanted to keep his job. That profession is full of sleeze and money grubbers. My sister is a lawyer and finds it very difficult because she has a contience. The only way for you to say no is if you work for your self and answer only to yourself. You have enough issues in your life with out fighting another one. Life sucks its not fair but it is your life. Get away from the legal profession if you have these issues. Right and wrong have nothing to do with the law anyone that has been involved with the law knows that. Most individuals can't afford the fight. Worry about things that are in your power to change and you will be happier. Surround yourself with people that are not so negative where you can be happy. If you would like to chat about it privately send a pm to aspen

[DonnaT]

Look, it should be easy to get out of working on the case. Be honest and tell the defense team that you think he is guilty and do not think you could perform a non-biased job performance. There is no need to state that you are a CD, and that this is the reason.

A lawyer that was raped would have to defend a rapist if she wanted to keep her job. A lawyer whos child was molested would have to defend a child molester if he wanted to keep his job.
Not true. All defendents in the US have the right to non-biased representation. Such a lawyer's performance could hinder this right.

As for your rights, have you checked into your state's or city's anti-discrimination policies on gender with respect to employment?

[RachelDenise]

Stick to your guns. Keep your principles! But I don't think that revealing your gender issue is the way to go. Many of us are in the artistic fields so I believe there already are a number of people at your officewho think there are gender or sexual issues with you given your appearnace. Let them wonder...... I agree by using the blanket statement that you don't feel you could adequately provide the best of your talents in this case because of your opinion that he is guilty should allow you to get the "kitchen pass".

[Like2BAspen]

You can ask to be removed but if you have to do the job you are expected to do it to the best of your ability. In the legal profession you have to put your beleifs aside because you are innocent until proven guilty. If you cant you cant perform your duties and should not have your job. I have family members that are lawyers and have had this discussion several times. The only way around it is to be in private practice. If you work for someone and you have things that are part of your job you have to do it weather you like it or not. If there are to many things you don't like and they outway the good you have to leave and find another job. If you quit and have another job before you leave youll probably be making more money anyway. And with more money you can go shopping and youll feel better about it anyway so find another job and go shopping let the people here discuss it and get angry while your dressing and having fun don't worry be happy

[Like2BAspen]

Everyone here is telling you to stand by your guns. Only you can make that decision. All I can say is pick your battles. When it comes to a job all I can say is from my experience as a guy not a cd. What all the ridiculous sociollogy classes in college don't teach is how to get ahead in life and meet your needs. They can't figure out why men make more then women. Those professors are total boneheads. Men make more money by moving from one job getting experience and moing to another job each time you get a new job you usually get a raise. You don't get ahead by sticking with a job you don't like. Take what you can get as far as experience and move on. The more money you make the more you can shop and answers you shopping problem anyway and you will become more succesful at what you do. Excuse me if I seem forward but you seem to have a long range goal here 4 srs and that costs money

[Priscilla1018]

I've got to disagree with you on this Priscilla.

Mandy works with/for lawyers. They hear lies all of the time and can have pretty good BS sensors. If she lies, they'll know and they could make her work situation worse. They could even twist her lie around so that she either gets caught in her lie or is shamed into supporting the case. These are lawyers; I doubt she'd want to be cross examined on why she doesn't want to support the case if she's lying.

If she tells the truth, they still may not like it, but integrity still has value. She doesn't need to tell them everything, but she can say she doesn't want to work the case because of principles.

I still think truth works best.

Hi Stephanie,

Your right,I missed this one.Way to go sister.

Love and Hugs,
Priscilla