Currently, there is no federal law in the United States that protects trans people from work discrimination based on a person's gender identity and gender expression. Though, as of April 2008 there are 13 state laws (and DC), and 108 city and county laws, as well as many corporations, universities, and organizations that not only include gender identity and gender expression as part of their work place anti-discrimination policies, but actively recruit and hire trans people for their education, work experience, skills and diversity.

• U.S. State Anti-Discrimination Laws Map 7.2008 Link to PDF>
• U.S. State, City, and County Jurisdictions Fact Sheet 8.2008 Link to PDF>
• Corporations Banning Gender-Based Discrimination Link to Site>

• Guidelines for Transitioning and Gender Non-Conforming Employees by Gender Public Advocacy Coalition (GenderPAC) Link to PDF>

• Checklist for Transitioning in the Workplace by Transgender at Work Link to Site>

• Weiss, J. T. (2007). Transgender workplace diversity: Policy tools, training issues, and communication strategies for HR and legal professionals. North Charleston, South Carolina: BookSurge Publishing. [Check out your local library or purchase used or new online].

Opening the Door to the Inclusion of Transgender People: The Nine Keys to Making Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Organizations Fully Transgender-Inclusive

This resource, created by the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Policy Institute and the National Center for Transgender Equality, is specifically written for LGBT groups and organizations that want to be more inclusive of trans people. It offers practical ideas for how LGBT organizations can take concrete steps to provide a more welcoming environment for trans people.

Link to PDF>

National Gay and Lesbian Task Force’s Transgender Civil Rights Project, Washington, DC
(202) 393-5177
www.thetaskforce.org

San Francisco Human Rights Commission (HRC), San Francisco, CA
The Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender & HIV Division
(415) 252-2500; (800) 735-2922 (TTY/TDD)
www.sfgov.org/site/sfhumanrights_index.asp

Transgender Law Center (TLC), San Francisco, CA
(415) 865-0176
www.transgenderlawcenter.org

The Transgender Law and Policy Institute (TLPI), Brooklyn, NY
www.transgenderlaw.org

If you are applying for a specific position read the organization's website, make a great first impression with your cover letter and resume tailored to the position you are applying for (also check out cover letter and resume samples and get advice on-line or in-person from your current or past school, professional career counselor, or good friend who can help you emphasize your strengths), and be prepared for your interview (check out resources on interview tips for what to wear, potential interview questions, thank you notes, and salary and benefit negotiations).

For job searches check out internships, fellowships, and the employment section of organizations where you would like to work. There are also many job search engines like Cragslist, Careerbuilder, Monster, Simplyhired, and Yahoo Hot Jobs! If you are in school, check out your school resources, summer and abroad work listings, and sometimes you can receive school credit in exchange for your internship work.

If you have questions about being out in your application, interview, or on the job, please contact the trans specific organizations on this page for tips, strategies, and advice.

____________________________________________________________________

Transgender Economic Empowerment Project, Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles Gay & Lesbian Center  
(323) 860-7302
www.lagaycenter.org

tjobbank.com

TJobBank, created by Jillian Barfield, is the first and only employment site designed specifically to bring employers and transgender professionals together. Although the site is open to all job seekers and employers, the focus is on finding employment for transgender professionals. The site also provides resources and articles for trans people in the work place. It is a non profit, all volunteer organization promoting the idea that everyone deserves the opportunity to earn a living.

CareerBuilder.com

Over a million listings and many resources, articles, samples, and tips for users.

Monster.com

Over a million job listings and over 40 million resumes, and offers advice on resumes, interviewing and salary information.

SimplyHired.com

A job search site, aggregating results from major job websites, newspapers, company websites, associations and other online sources.

Yahoo! Hot Jobs

Many general resources including national job search, interview tips and prep questions, salary recommendations, and examples of and recommendations about resumes, cover letters, and thank you notes.

craigslist

Craigslist.org

Many jobs and “gigs” (part-time and short-term jobs) as well as links to networking events, classes, etc.  It is organized by location (city and state or country).

SnagAJob.com

Largest job site for part-time and full-time job openings with over 100,000 job listings. There are primarily job listings from major national employers, mostly retail stores and restaurants.