Forum

Transitioning is hard, and knowing everything is harder. Feel free to use this space to ask any questions about socially or legally transitioning. Please do not post medical questions on this thread.

We can't all keep track of affirming businesses, but we can work together to compile a list of who is or is not affirming. Please use this area to let us know what experiences (good or bad) you've had at local businesses, so we know who we can, and shouldn't recommend.

A business or organization that includes “gender identity” in its non-discrimination policy should be prepared to manage a gender transition. ​ Institute protocols for gender transitions that clearly delineate responsibilities and expectations of transitioning employees, their supervisors, colleagues and other staff. Should an employee approach their manager or human resources with the intention to transition, be prepared by having gender transition guidelines on file. These guidelines can be in the form of an informal or formal document that is available to all human resources professionals as a resource to consistently and appropriately manage the situation and helps human resources feel adequately prepared. ​ Workplace transition guidelines should be flexible enough to tailor to specific needs of a transitioning employee, while specific enough to provide a consistent framework that eliminates confusion and potential mismanagement. For example, one employee may prefer a quick start in which all his/her co-workers and peers are informed about the transition at the end of the work week, and comes to work the following week presenting in the new/desired gender role. Another employee may prefer a more gradual transition, in which colleagues are notified of the transition plan, but the employee does not actually present in the new gender role for several weeks. However, in both cases, the same designated contact in human resources is responsible for helping each transitioning employee and the employee’s supervisor manage the workplace transition process. This Forum is to share stories, advice, and notes about transitioning within the workplace.