Cities, counties, and states throughout the U.S. are passing laws and ordinances that establish expectations of transgender inclusion for employers.

Today, nearly 100 cities and counties, 12 states, and the District of Columbia have laws and ordinances that prohibit discrimination based on gender identity, and public opinion continues to sway in favor of fairness for transgender people in employment.

But even with increasing protections and acceptance throughout the United States, surveys find that at least one of every five transgender people have experienced workplace discrimination and harassment. Such discrimination, and subsequent loss of talent, comes at a significant cost to employers, many of whom are expected to suffer from shortages of qualified workers.

Also, enforcing the new laws will not entirely be the same as enforcing the law protecting other characteristics. Generally, the same policies one uses to handle other concerns can be used, BUT there are some complexities with sexual orientation and gender expression and identity that HR needs to be prepared to deal with.

Learning Objectives:

• How to establish clear company guidelines
  
• The process of establishing gender transition guidelines
  
• The facility needs of transgender employees
  
• The importance of updating employee personnel records