Some days, life's pretty good. Some weeks, life sucks big.
I had one of those weeks a few weeks ago. (Read about it here.) Now comes the fun part: finding new work. And finding it as the woman I've become will be no
picnic.
Oh, I'll have to present myself as a man…sort of. I can already hear the howls, catcalls, and taunts of traitor, quitter, or wannabe. You just hold on, little missy--
remember, all I have anymore are women's blazers, blouses, slacks and hose and/or trouser socks. (I do have some ties, but only because I have to have them.)
In short…I will have a somewhat androgynous look. Some employers might be turned off by that look. (Well, okay. That and the fact my hair has a bit of gray in it.
I'm not vain enough to dye it…yet.) Plus, while I don't wear too obvious a makeup set, there is always mascara, at least clear or neutral nail polish, and lipgloss.
We won't even go into the fact I do have obvious cleavage, and thus will be wearing a bra. (Casual Fridays? Let's not go there right now.)
And if they can look past all that, they may also see issues they simply do not want to have. Since I am not willing to back down on who I am and what I look like,
it might present a problem. I know TG/TS's just don't find work that easy; even in San Francisco and New York City there is some resistance to having us in the office,
regardless of what skill sets we bring in. Discrimination is still alive and well here in the good `ol U.S. of A.
Let's be honest: TG/TS's can mean trouble for companies. Harassment lawsuits, workplace troubles, transitioning questions (even for those of us not seeking
“The Operation”), and so forth. We can be a Human Resources nightmare. Bosses don't always want the departmental boat rocked, and we can be the biggest
torpedo they've ever seen. We are often viewed as trouble with a capital “T.”
Lest you think I'm overstating this, put yourself in their shoes for a few minutes. Here comes a transsexual into your workplace, into your office. They certainly don't
fit the rest of the office décor; even if they pass totally there is always the chance that someone could get wind of “the truth.” That can lead to some ugly confrontations,
and so forth. Add to that the popular misconception that we are all booze filled, drug using, sex crazed neurotics…and it's no wonder we can't get a decent job these
days-or any other time, for all that.
Frankly, a TS in the office can potentially be crappy for morale. Plus, there will always be those that wonder: If she gets promoted, is it because she's TS? And if she
doesn't get promoted…is it discrimination?
Still…for any employer who's willing to take a chance on me, they'll get a good employee who isn't into causing trouble, but rather one who's willing to work hard and
get the job done right the first time. I believe in loyalty, and am willing to take a hit for the team as needed.
And I know many more just like me. All we want is a chance to show you that we are normal people-with a few spare parts. (Keep in mind I have never bought into
the “woman trapped in man's body” line of BS. I'm a woman with spare parts.)
All we want is a chance to earn our paychecks, fair and square. Goddess knows, that's what I want right now-a chance to earn my paycheck.
