Professionals and employability

This is quite possibly the dullest title for a post yet, but bare with me!

Today I heard a piece of advice that I have had many times. This time stemming from the existence of this very blog: "Employers may think twice if they know you are transgender/non-heteronormative persuasion. It might be something to keep to yourself."

It's something sagely offered to me by those older than me and with the best intentions, and it is not something given out of fear alone. Fact is that if you have two candidates with equal qualifications vying for the same job, then the deciding factor is no longer going to be about just the CV. I tried to find some numbers on this but resources are a bit thin. I guess I'll just have to rely on a general consensus that bigotry can effect professional opinion despite legal protection in place in the UK. Agreed? Shall we continue? Righty-ho.

Anyway this reminds me of the important decision I made way before I started this blog. Something that seems foolhardy, and possibly a ridiculous basis for an emotional rom-com where I am tested but ultimately resolve to keep my nerve.

"If an employer judges me for my gender issues, on a professional level, then I do not want to work for them."

Of course this is an easier statement to make when I am not looking for work. Work is not the place you usually make a valiant stand against society: it's the place you go to so you can afford to eat and have a roof over your head. Perhaps that is different if you absolutely love your job, but I'm a part-time shop keeper. My job is quite regularly "ok" and not a lot more (though I am perfectly grateful to have employment!)

Still, back on point, should I keep it to myself? My answer is both yes and no, frankly. I've been operating on a 'don't ask don't tell' philosophy and it's been a comfortable-enough ride so far. My gender does not effect my job in anyway except for pronoun usage. Being as I am, being referred to as male is not a problem. Those who do ask, I tell or at least give a condensed version just to explain the jist of it. I do imagine though that, should I start transitioning my physical gender via medical intervention that this might be a different case...

And it's at this point that I must end my post rather abruptly. I don't know the hypothetical hurdles of my situation in the future! All I do know, is that I am what I am (try not to sing) and that is what employers get. If nothing else I can hold onto my own personal belief that I have standards and I expect employers to meet them just as much as employers should have expectations of me. That seems right, and the day I give up on being me because of what other people want, is the day when getting a pay cheque is the least of my concerns.
xx