First let me say that this isn’t about agreeing or disagreeing with the way someone lives, it’s about treating everyone like a human being. Everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.
My friend is a beautiful and kind trans-woman who’s struggled for years to find employment. She worked side jobs to save thousands for cosmetology school and graduated with near perfect scores. Not one damn salon would hire her. While searching for employment at salons, she was yelled at, some people laughed and others had the nerve to bluntly say “We don’t hire your type.“ You may be in shock but this is in Kansas where discrimination is more prevalent. After giving up on salons, she finally found employment at a restaurant and she was bursting with joy after years of pure hell.
She was doing great until a customer requested a different server because they’re “Christian and don’t support that lifestyle”. After this incident, the manager said she makes customers feel uncomfortable and for “business reasons” they’re going to have to let her go. She isn’t confrontational so she calmly said ok and left. That was it. These customers would rather see trans-women unemployed and on the streets than working a full time job.
I have no idea how to help so I thought I’d come to you guys for some advice. We live in an at will state and there are few protections for LGBTQ.
I also want to take the time to let people know just how difficult it is for the trans community to find gainful employment. Many are fearful to even apply because they’ve been treated so poorly by potential employers. They are often forced to work high risk jobs and many end up abused or even murdered. This is a crisis that’s happening right next to us and we should all recognize that there are people in this country who’re being robbed of their dignity and treated like second class citizens every single day. Again, it’s not about agreeing or disagreeing with how someone lives, it’s about treating everyone like a human.
Thanks guys