I'm a Black trans woman. Should I reveal my gender identity during interviews?

Last year, I worked with a trans woman who revealed to me they had recently transitioned their gender identity and was terrified how it would impact their ability to land a job. Particularly, she was afraid of updating her LinkedIn profile photo which would reveal her new identity. What would employers think? How would her former colleagues perceive her? Should they reveal their gender identity during the interview process? What is the protocol when it comes to navigating transness with future employers?

The experiences of Black trans women are not nearly highlighted enough in career equity and inclusion conversations. As an often overlooked group, there are not enough resources that speak to the experiences of one of our most vulnerable communities.

Recent analysis and surveys show that trans identities face widespread discrimination at the highest levels. Between anti transgender bias and structural racism, the experiences of this group are the most devastating. According to the National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE), reports show that Black transgender people had an extremely high unemployment rate at 26 percent, four times the rate of the general population. Catalyst details a report showing that Trans and queer women are more likely than cisgender heterosexual women to experience racism at work.

As a cisgendered queer Black woman, I will never know the experiences of anti Blackness in the trans community so I don’t speak for this group. However, as someone who has experienced racism in the workplace and as a practitioner of career and leadership development for marginalized identities, I have a lot to say on this topic. Nobody should ever be denied career opportunities on the basis of who they are, yet we live in a world where overt and covert discrimination still exists. If you’re a Black trans woman with questions on how to make a career change without minimizing your identity, I offer these strategies for you to consider.

Decide if you want to be out during the job search

You might not want to be public right now about being out and that’s ok. The decision whether to be out in the hiring process is a personal one. Heed your own comfort level on determining what’s best for you. That said, consider how you want to handle your social media accounts, particularly LinkedIn. One of the first things that employers will do is look you up on LinkedIn so having a plan to account for this if you’re not out is essential. Know that you can always set your social media accounts to private and only make certain information available to employers like your name, work experience and any relevant information that is necessary for the role you’re applying to. My client took this approach at the beginning of their job search until they were ready to be more public with their identity. By going to the settings & privacy option in LinkedIn under your profile, you will be able to adjust your preferences and control the information shared on your account. You may decide at any point, if you feel comfortable to make your profile public. Remember this is your decision and your own timing. Go at your own pace.

Using your name verses your legal name 

One of the most common questions I get is whether to use your legal name or preferred name on your resume, LinkedIn, or any job application materials. This one is tricky. At any point during the interview process, an employer can perform a background check. If the name that is attached to your social security number is different than your preferred name, this will require clarifying. Know your rights and trans gender employment laws within your state. You have the right to use your preferred name and pronouns that correspond to your gender on application materials. To get ahead of any confusion, ensure that your preferred name/pronouns are used consistently across the board including your resume, LinkedIn, website, email signature and even in your elevator pitch. This can help reinforce to employers how you identify. If at any point during the process you are misgendered, in most cases it is not intentional and is an opportunity to self advocate. Gently correct the person with kindness and move forward.

Ask questions during interviews and informational interviews that reveal a company’s stance on gender non conforming or trans identities

The interview process is one of the best ways to empower yourself to determine if an employer is worthy of hiring you. That’s right; you are interviewing them to assess if it’s a right fit as much as they are interviewing you. I encourage you to use this time to gather information about how the company affirms gender expansive identities in the workplace. You might ask about their policies on inclusion and overall commitment to cultivating a safe workplace. I shared this targeted question and a few others in a previous post to help assess company culture. Questions like, How does your company/management ensure its people feel a sense of safety, inclusion, equity and belonging within the workplace? What training do managers and senior leaders receive on supporting gender expansive teams. Write down and practice your questions before going into an interview. 

Be confident, you got this

Your self care is essential when making changes to your career. In an already stressful journey it can be easy to fall into self doubt when navigating emotional triggers from gender based discrimination and biases. Practice your confidence, surround yourself with cheerleaders and supporters that will champion you. Cultivate a set of tools that allow you to center your emotional needs and integrate mindful techniques like meditation and deep breathing to ground yourself. Keep going, you are worthy and deserving of everything you need to be resourced in your career.

There is much work we must continue to do in dismantling violent systemic oppression against our most vulnerable groups. Hopefully this advice can be a good starting point as you navigate your career and the hiring process overall. You can learn more by checking out NY Trans Guide and Trans Can Work for more career resources and community.

If you’re a Black trans woman, what has the hiring process been like for you? If you had a magic wand, what changes would you want to see from employers to create a more inclusive hiring process? Let us know in the comments! 

PS: This Thursday, on March 16th, join me live in conversation with Dr. Donna Oriowo as we discuss The Truth About the Sunday Scaries. We’ll be unpacking how toxic, oppressive work cultures add to our labor as Black women and how we can take steps to reclaim our power and protect our mental health.  To sit in on this conversation, consider becoming a Dreaming + Doing premium subscriber and you’ll be sent the link!