Transgender Inclusion

Discover the realities for transgender people in the workplace and beyond as they move through any of the three recognized kinds of transition—and how to be an ally.

In Transgender Inclusion: All The Things You Want To Ask Your Transgender Coworker But Shouldn’t, clinical psychologist and trans inclusion specialist Dr. A.C. Fowlkes delivers an essential and remarkably honest discussion of the realities of the workplace for transgender people. In the book, you’ll explore the experiences that trans people have in the workplace as they move through none, one, or more of the three recognized kinds of transition—medical, social, and legal. You’ll learn answers to your questions about your transgender colleagues, so you can be respectful of your coworker’s feelings and work together comfortably. You’ll also find:

• Discussions of how and why transgender people often feel excluded from the workplace and by their colleagues
• Explorations of the unfortunately common reality of harassment and maltreatment of transgender workers
• How and why information about transgender experiences in the workplace is helpful to everyone

Approximately 1.3 million adults in the United States identify as transgender. If you don’t already have a transgender friend, neighbor, or co-worker, you might very well have one in the future. A practical, compassionate, and evidence-based discussion of the transgender experience, Transgender Inclusion is a must-read guide for managers, executives, professionals, and allies who want to learn more and do more about trans issues in the workplace.

With a foreword by Peggy Rajski, Founder of the Trevor Project.

Foreword ix

Introduction xi

Part I: Transgender Basics 1

1 Getting to Know the Transgender Community 3

2 Experiences in the Workplace 29

Part II: Core Questions About Transition 43

3 A Basic Understanding of Transition 45

4 Questions About Medical Transition 73

5 Questions About Legal Transition 89

6 Questions About Social Transition 101

Part III: Workplace Dos and Don’ts 109

7 Taking Initiative 111

8 Using Gender Pronouns and Chosen Names 121

9 Respecting a Person’s Individuality and Privacy 133

10 Establishing Policies, Practices, and Procedures 141

Part IV: Building on This Foundation 155

11 What If My Question Wasn’t Answered? 157

12 Conclusion 171

Appendix: 10 Things I’ve Learned During My Personal Journey of Transition 189

Acknowledgments 205

About the Author 207

Index 209

A.C. FOWLKES, PhD, is a clinical psychologist with a PhD in Health Psychology with a clinical specialization. He’s an expert in LGBTQ+ sensitivity and transgender inclusion and serves on the board of directors for The Trevor Project.

Approximately 1.3 million adults in the United States identify as transgender. Approximately 300,000 children between the ages of 13 and 17 in the United States identify as transgender. Additionally, the proportion of both adults and children who identify themselves in this way is increasing significantly. In other words, if you don’t already have a transgender friend, neighbor, or coworker, you soon might.

In Transgender Inclusion: All The Things You Want To Ask Your Transgender Coworker But Shouldn’t, clinical psychologist and LGBTQ+ sensitivity expert Dr. A.C. Fowlkes delivers an insightful and thought-provoking examination of the issues and obstacles most commonly faced by trans people and how those who work with them can best understand them.

Based heavily on the author’s extensive experience consulting with teams and companies on trans issues, the book answers questions you might have about the trans experience that would be too personal, too sensitive, too awkward, or simply too inappropriate to ask directly of your trans coworkers. It examines the three widely recognized aspects of transition—medical, legal, and social—and considers what impact each of these three kinds of transitions can have on the realities of work for trans people and their coworkers.

You’ll learn which questions are likely acceptable to ask in the workplace and which are not, as well as how you should go about asking questions in a way that’s most respectful of your transgender colleague’s feelings and comfort.

An essential and insightful discussion of a timely and sensitive topic, Transgender Inclusion is a must-read for executives, managers, employees, and professionals seeking to educate themselves about trans issues and contribute to mutually respectful and professional working relationships.

PRAISE FOR Transgender Inclusion

“Dr. A.C. has simplified the assumed complexities associated with creating equitable environments for the transgender community. In this book, you will experience his ability to decode misconceptions by bringing clarity through transparency, helping the reader pivot into action with practical and inclusive application.”
—Alaysia Black Hackett, JD, Global DEIA Leader

“A.C. Fowlkes’ book adds perspective to the understanding of gender transition. Told from lived experience, A.C. delivers information in a format that is easy to follow, unfiltered and factual. The book should be well accepted as a succinct reference for trans or gender diverse individuals seeking information on the details of transition but also adds considerably to the knowledge held by allies, employers or others who seek clear and heartfelt explanations for the hows and whys.”
—Marci L. Bowers, MD, World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) President, Trevor Project Board of Directors, First woman worldwide to hold a personal transgender history while performing transgender surgery

“This resource is a hands down HR requirement. Providing insight and actual hands-on guidance on creating safer spaces while allowing room for curiosity is exactly what this guide does. There’s a list of do’s and don’ts, a personal experience shared, and a host of other chapters that provide a broad scope and excellent foundational understanding of transgender needs in the workplace. This volume is the extended version of what to do after the DEI mandatory training. Dr. Fowlkes leads with the knowledge of a wise trainer and the humanness we rarely get to see in the corporate world.”
—Dr. Lexx Brown-James, LMFT, CSE, CSES, Founder, Institute for Sexuality & Intimacy, LLC; AASECT Certified Sexuality Educator; AASECT Certified Sexuality Supervisor