For many transgender men and women, coming out at work can be a nerve-racking experience. “I’ve been on the receiving end of stares and mumbles in the hallway. Complete strangers have yelled and called me names on my way to and from work,” says journalist Parker Marie Molloy.
For Tara Hewitt, coming out at work led to unwanted questions about her surgery and sexuality. “I can’t think of any other situation where it would be appropriate for someone to ask whether you have had a vasectomy or hysterectomy. Yet when someone realises you are trans, that automatically becomes part of the conversation.”
While Ashlee Kelly was working at a department store, one of her colleagues went even further, cornering her in the women’s toilets and trying to look up her skirt.
Despite these stories, coming out at work can be an uplifting experience. “I am so much happier these days than I’ve ever felt before. I’m not hiding anymore,” adds Molloy.
So, as cities around the world host LGBT pride events this summer, we want to hear your stories of being transgender at work. Whether you had a supportive employer or faced intrusive questions and prejudice – please share your coming out at work stories with us. How supportive were your employers? Did you face any obstacles? And what advice would you give to others looking to transition at work?
We will be bringing together the most insightful stories to be published on the Guardian careers site. You can either submit them anonymously or with your Guardian username. The stories we pick will also be shared across our social media channels.
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