1 in 3 trans people have quit their job because of discrimination
The statistics were released to mark International Trans Day of Visibility.
A new study has found that 60% of transgender people have experienced discrimination at work.
The UK survey questioned 435 people who identified as trans.
For the purposes of the study, this was taken as an umbrella term to describe anyone who feels that the sex assigned to them at birth incompletely describes or fails to describe them.
The results showed that 60% of trans people have experienced trans discrimination at work – 38% from colleagues, 25% from management and 29% during job interview.
53% also felt the need to hide their trans status from colleagues.
In contrast, 51% believe acceptance and understanding of trans employees has improved in the workplace due to increased media focus on trans issues.
A further 50% received positive reactions from colleagues when they transitioned, while 29% reported not experiencing discrimination at work.
However, a shocking 36% of trans people surveyed said they had left a job because the atmosphere at work was unwelcoming to them, while 21% said they received no support from HR while transitioning.
Commenting on the results, actress Rebecca Root said: “Even with the advances made in recent years in changing societal perceptions of the trans community, these figures clearly indicate there is still a way to go in diminishing transphobia in the workplace.
“The quest for making such spaces safe for trans people must continue.”
Fox Fisher, filmmaker and trans activist, said: “Staying in or seeking employment can be a potential nightmare when you’re trans.
“Many employers are unaware of our rights and we are often at a vulnerable stage of our transition. The irony is that so many trans people I know are extremely clever and willing to work.
“I was lucky that my employer was very supportive, although there was an adjustment phase which was difficult for everyone, including my new name, pronouns and getting used to my changes.”
The results were released to mark International Transgender Day of Visibility (March 31).
