Chances are, if you're visiting this page, you've recently been made aware of transgender people, perhaps unexpectedly. And chances are (unless you've experienced some of gender dysphoria for yourself) this conjures a wide number of confusing images, and a lot of emotions.

But for the transgender person that you know and work with, this is something that is very serious, and very real -- and chances are, if you've taken the time to follow this link, then you at least want to try to understand what this is all about. So it's best to take a deep breath, and put aside those images and emotions for at least a few moments.

Transgender People in the Workplace: An Introduction for Employers and Co-Workers

When someone changes gender in the workplace, things may seem awkward, strange, even funny at times, particularily in the beginning. But when you remember that the person risks their friendships, family, homes, careers and reputation to do so, one realizes that it is not a decision that they would have made unless they felt that they absolutely had to.

When you work with a person in gender transition, you usually also find that there is also a personal transition that takes place in how you interact with them.

What Is It That's Changing?

When a person changes gender, it's often said that only the outside appearance changes. This is only partly true. Voice may change, body language may seem different, but there is more. People who are "gender dysphoric" have usually spent years hiding much about themselves and trying to act a certain way to fit a stereotype of who they're supposed to be. Often, this means that after an initial nervous and awkward point during their gender change, the person eventually becomes more open and able to relate who they really are.

The dynamic between people also changes somewhat, especially when treating someone in a "buddy" manner no longer seems appropriate. But usually, a person who is making a transition from male-to-female or female-to-male will realize this, and understand. They tend to not be offended by honest questions, and to understand if a person who is making a sincere attempt to accept their change slips up and says the wrong pronoun or use the old name by accident on occasion. Some dynamics do change, but the mutual respect does not have to.

"Is She (or He) Checking Me Out?"

With this dynamic change, people also sometimes wonder about the transgendered person's orientation, and specifically whether they should worry about now being a romantic interest of the person. Gender identity and sexual orientation are not the same thing, and one does not dictate the other. And even if the transgendered person is attracted to the same gender type as you, they also usually respect the fact that most people who know about them will not be comfortable with being thought of in this way. It is far more likely that the transgendered person is looking for acceptance, rather than a relationship, during this time.

Other Myths

There is sometimes an assumption that transgendered people have a sexual fetish that drives them to transition. Despite the term used, this is actually not the case with "transsexuals," and in the case of male-to-female transition, the hormone therapy would actually be self-defeating, if this were the case.

So Why Change?

It is still not understood completely why a person is transgendered, although there have been several biological conditions linked to it, such as Klinefelter's Syndrome, Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome and other forms of Intersexuality (being born with gonadal or chromosomal physiology from both genders) and environmental conditions (including endocrine-disrupting chemicals, such as DES). Recent studies at UCLA have proposed genetic links in chromosomal and "brain gender" studies, but a definitive answer is still not known. All that is certain is that the transgendered person has often spent considerable effort (and sometimes years) unsuccessfully trying to make their mind conform to the body, only to realize that the only way to deal with their turmoil is to approach the process by a physical change.

Some Things To Consider

It is generally accepted that transgendered people should have the right to use a washroom appropriate to how they present, rather than based on genitalia. Alternately, a seperate non-gendered washroom may be provided. A transsexual's motivation for using a washroom is generally no different from anyone else's, and they should behave appropriately. In some cases, using a gender-appropriate washroom is necessary for their safety.

Transgender people are not looking for special privileges -- only equal rights -- although there may be times that policies may need to be reassessed to ensure fair treatment for all concerned.

There are sometimes people who have objections to transgendered people based on their personal beliefs. They are perfectly entitled to these beliefs, but in a workplace setting, lecturing, teasing, humiliation, sarcasm, refusal to accept new names and pronouns and other forms of harassment are not appropriate. If it is felt that a transgender person's process is somehow an affront to God or Nature, this conflict should be left between the transgender person and God or Nature.

With These Things In Mind

With these things in mind, policies of mutual respect and tolerance should ensure that a workplace is relatively unaffected by a person's transition, and after an initial adjustment period, things do return relatively to normal. It is important to put aside the myths that exist regarding transsexuals, and chances are, one will find getting to know the "new" person a worthwhile investment.