Transgender Diversity

What is “transgender”?

Transgender is a broad term that includes the whole spectrum of gender expression, gender identity or personal appearance.  It includes anyone who bends society's rules for dressing or gender makeup. That will include a transsexual and cross-dresser, for example.  Transsexuals commonly believe from childhood that they are trapped inside of the body of the wrong gender.  Given their persistent discomfort, many feel compelled to change their genitalia and other anatomic sexual characteristics.  A transsexual is not the same as a transvestite, in that transvestites – or cross-dressers – identify with their physical characteristics; they simply obtain pleasure from dressing as the opposite sex.

So why does your company need diversity training on the topic of transgender?

Nondiscrimination laws are expanding to include issues dealing with gender identity and gender expression.  Over one hundred cities, counties and states specifically recognize “gender identity” as a protected category, meaning that workers who have gender identity disorder cannot be discriminated against or harassed at work.  Other states, such as Massachusetts and New Hampshire, offer protection through their fair employment practices agencies to transsexual workers under the protected categories of “gender” and/or “disability.” 

In April 2007, a bill was introduced in Congress that makes it illegal to fire, refuse to hire or refuse to promote an employee based on the person’s sexual orientation or gender identity.  Employers need to understand the applicable laws and issues related to transgender employees so that all workers can be accepted and respected in the workplace.

People who feel the need to change their sex number in the thousands and, in today’s economy, many of them are opting to “transition” on the current job.  Handling transgender issues in the workplace is a complicated and sensitive issue.  At the end of 2006, 124 Fortune 500 companies had gender identity policies, according to the Human Rights Campaign, which is 10 times the number that had such policies in 2001. 

Knowing how to handle these delicate issues will accomplish a number of things for you and your organization:

• Ease the transition for your transgender employee, so that this individual can continue to contribute productively.
• Minimize the level of discomfort of all other employees.
• Implement a plan that is communicated throughout your staff, which keeps distractions and speculation to a minimum.
• Avoid the costly litigation that results when your transgendered employee – or any employee – feels that the workplace has become a hostile environment.

Training Objectives

Employment Practices Group will meet these objectives during our training session with your employees:

• Educate your employees on the issues related to transgendered employees.
• Identify the issues that commonly arise at the workplace.
• Discuss management strategies designed to plan for and resolve these issues.
• Review a variety of options for the transgendered employee on communicating during the transition, use of restroom facilities, and other sensitive issues.
• Provide information on legal issues.