Transgender disclosure letter for conservative workplace |
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A reader notes:
I recently had That Talk with my HR person. While I was putting together my coming out letter that I addressed to my HR person, I found very few examples of what I imagined would be an appropriate letter. Of the few existing examples, I found them to be too personal or that they focused on details that I didn’t feel I needed to tell people.
The letter that I did produce was very well received by management. Please feel free to publish this anonymized version of my letter, as a resource for all the other trans folk that are looking for more reference material.
Bill,
I have recently come to terms with some personal issues that will affect the way in which I continue my work here at Initech. After much consideration and with the support of both my doctor and family, I must disclose that I am transsexual. That is to say that in every aspect of my personality I am a woman, and that having a male body causes me great distress in my day-to-day life. I am currently in the process of transition, after which I intend to live as a woman for the rest of my life. I will need the Initech to accommodate some of my basic needs during this period.
I would like to work with the company in order to devise a process in which I can easily make this transition with minimal discomfort to myself or my coworkers. I have included an information pamphlet produced by the Ontario Human Rights commission on the subject of gender identity, as well as a sample company policy for employees and managers regarding transition in the workplace published by the Chevron Corporation. I can also provide additional resources upon request.
I would suggest that we agree on a date within the near future, at which point I will begin working with a female gender presentation. In the time immediately preceding this date, the staff should be tactfully informed that I will be continuing my work here as a woman. Following this, I should return to work in a female role with all the rights and responsibilities of any other female employee. My personal preference would be to have the management organize a mandatory presentation by a speaker or consultant that specializes in explaining concepts of gender identity in a corporate environment.
I know that the Initech values diversity and our unique sense of community. These key aspects of our company have made this the most fantastic environment in which I have had the pleasure of working. And I am fully confident that my coworkers will have no trouble accepting me for who I am.
Sincerely,
Meagan
Further information:
http://www.tsroadmap.com/reality/jobtrans.html
