• One of the most important things to be aware of as you enter the workforce is the fact that you have rights, and it’s crucial that you understand if and how you’re protected as a trans person in the workforce on a federal, state, and local level. On that note, it’s also suggested that you take the time to research what protections your state offers when it comes to things like break policies, overtime and on-call scheduling, safety on the job site, hour and labor restrictions for minors, health codes, reporting wage theft or unsafe conditions, and the freedom to discuss or join a union. An informed workforce that knows how to advocate for itself is harder to abuse, discriminate against, or exploit.

• The decision to be out at work is a very personal one, and is one that should be made after careful consideration.There is no definitive “best time” to come out. If you do decide to come out at work, it’s a good idea to speak to your HR representative to ask if they have any policies around transition in the workplace (like how to update your personnel file, filing complaints about transphobic harassment, and using your chosen name on your name badge) and nondiscrimination policies.

• The Michigan Department of Civil Rights
• The Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration
• The Michigan Bureau of Employment Relations
• The U.S. Department of Labor
• The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
• The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration
• Michigan–Employing Minors In Michigan

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