Introduction:

Most people never think much about their gender identity - having little or no understanding of what causes their sense of being male or female. That's because our sense of ourselves as men or as women - our gender identity - matches our anatomy.  If you are born male will are raised as a boy and grow into being a man. You never question whether your body is right for you. Ones gender identity is formed at birth through a complex relationship of genetic, biological, and neurological functions.

Transsexualism is a medical condition in which a person's sense of identity as a man or a woman does not match their anatomical sexual characteristics.  Transgender individuals can come from any racial, economic or religious background. They work in many types of fields: there are transgender engineers, mechanics, physicians, truck drivers and teachers. Transgender persons also have families and many have children.

"Transition" is a stressful time for those wishing to live permanently in the opposite sex from their birth sex. During the initial stages of transition, a person changes so that their presentation (appearance, wardrobe, demeanor, legal name) matches their gender identity.

Like you, transgender people have a right to dignity, privacy, and protection from discrimination, harassment and violence. Transgender people are not looking for special privileges, only equal access to the same services and opportunities afforded others with no question. Sadly, because at times transgender people appear different than others, they experience prejudice and victimization. This can include employment, and housing discrimination, refusal of public services and medical care, harassment and violence.

Basic Definitions:

Gender

The role a person takes in social interactions, as in "man" or "woman", "masculine" or "feminine", "he" or "she". Gender involves a person's internal feelings of "gender identity" as well as external "gender role" or "gender expression".

Gender Expression

The external presentation or appearance of a person, as it relates to the traditional stereotypes of "man" and "woman".  A person's gender expression includes appearance, dress, mannerisms, speech patterns, hairstyle, and social interactions. Protection of gender expressions means that any gender expression that is acceptable for one sex is also acceptable for the other sex.

Gender Identity

The internal feeling that all of us have of being a man or a woman. In the case of transsexuals, the feeling of identity or belonging is not compatible with the sex assigned at birth. The gender identity of a crossdresser is somewhere between the end-points "man" and "woman", and may move back and forth.

Transgendered

An umbrella term used to refer to the entire community of individuals whose sex is not entirely congruent with their gender identity. This includes the entire range from the occasional, recreational crossdresser to the transsexual. This term is also used to describe non-operative transsexuals, intersexuals, feminine males, masculine females, or anyone who crosses the line outside the "man" or "woman" boxes expected by society.

Transsexual

A person whose gender identity does not match his or her biological sex. Transsexual individuals may use medical treatments to make their bodies more congruent with their internal self-image. These treatments may include hormone therapy, surgery and other social and legal changes.

Sexual Orientation

The primary romantic and/or sexual attractions of a person. Transgender people may identify as gay, lesbian or bisexual, just as non-transgender people do.

Good Manners/Show Respect:

v Showing support can be accomplished by using the correct new gender pronouns and correct new name.

v If you are uncertain which name, pronoun or title a person uses, simply ask. Your consideration will be appreciated. After all, if you changed your name and martial status, you would want others to use the correct titles whether or not they agreed with your choice.

v If you feel uncomfortable using a restroom at the same time as a transgender person, wait until he or she is finished and then take your turn.

v If you wish to ask a transgender individual a personal question about his or her transition, be polite and ask if they would consider such a question appropriate.

v If you feel uncomfortable around a transgender co-worker contact your site EAP Counselor.

Myth vs. Fact about Gender Stereotypes:

MYTH:

Gender stereotyping in the workplace is a woman's problem.

FACT:

According to the New York Times, almost one in seven new claims filed with the EEOC are male-on-male gender harassment, double only a decade ago. For example, Joseph Once, plaintiff in the Supreme Court case Oncale vs. Sundowner, was repeatedly menaced by oil-rig co-workers for being slender, blond, longhaired, and wearing an earring.

MYTH:

Only gay and transgender people are targeted for transcending gender stereotypes.

FACT:

Anyone who doesn't meet expectations for a "real man" or a "real woman" can become a target.  Anne Hopkins, a successful professional at Price Waterhouse, was fired for not being feminine enough and "too aggressive" (Hopkins v. Price Waterhouse) did not meet those expectations. African-American bus-driver Willie Houston, was killed while celebrating his engagement when a man became enraged at seeing him holding a blind friend on one arm and his fiancé's purse on the other, he too did not meet those expectations.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q. The workplace is no place to be experimenting with your gender, I don't see why he or she has to do this here?  

A. Living full-time in the new gender role tests the person's resolve, and his or her capacity to function on a social, economic and psychological level in the aspired to gender.  It assists both the patient and the mental health professional in their judgments on how to proceed with the transition process.

Q. Are transsexuals mentally ill? 

A. Though transsexuals may be diagnosed with gender identity disorder, it is not a mental illness in the sense that schizophrenia and depression are. The essence of the diagnosis is the persistent desire to change one's birth sex to the one in which they feel they truly are.

Q. Do all transsexuals have sex change surgery?

A. No. Because of expense, health issues or personal choice there are some transsexuals who live permanently in the other gender role without having any surgery. 

Q. Is the transgendered person going to be like the one I saw on Jerry Springer?

A. When male-to-female transgendered people are portrayed in the media, they often are shown flamboyantly dressed, big hairdos, miniskirts, and lots of makeup. Most often, these are female impersonators, drag queens or crossdressers, but many people associate this image with transsexuals.  Many transsexuals go through a period of experimentation but ultimately they adopt the same types of casual, professional, and formal wear that any other man or woman would wear.

Q. What is the difference between transsexuals and crossdressers?

A. A crossdresser enjoys wearing clothes worn only by the other sex. Crossdressing is usually done on a part-time basis, and for the most part they have no desire to change their sex. The majority of crossdressers are heterosexual men.

Q. This is awkward, I don't know how to act or what do I say to the transgendered person?

A. The transgendered person is the same person as before, treat them the same as before, but use the new name and correct pronouns.

Q. My religion teaches that God made us male or female, and He doesn't make mistakes. I think it's immoral for people to change their sex?

A. You are, of course, entitled to your own beliefs, but you do not have the right to impose those beliefs on others in the workplace.  You are not being asked to approve or endorse what he or she is doing. What you are being asked to do is, while in the workplace, that you treat a transsexual the same as you would any other co-worker.

Additional Resources:

Gender Public Advocacy Coalition, GenderPAC, works to end discrimination and violence caused by gender stereotypes. 1742 Conn. Ave., NW Fourth Floor, Washington, DC.

http://www.gpac.org/

The Transgender at Work (TAW) project is a focal point for addressing workplace issues for the transgendered. http://www.tgender.net/taw/

Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRC) is a bipartisan organization that works to advance equality based on sexual orientation and gender expression and identity.

http://www.hrc.org