As a follow-up to the post on 1/30/2013 about privacy and transgender customers, Transman is happy to report that city officials have been quick to respond and supportive in their conversations with him.
The mayor’s office got in touch via email to say the assistant city manager has been asked to look into the issue and provide appropriate training for staff. The city manager extended a personal apology and explained that she had referred the matter to some of the city’s policy directors for review and recommendation. And, one of the city commissioners gave him a call to talk about the issue.
All were glad that Transman offered to help with training or resources instead of just pointing to the problem. So, again, Transman encourages LGBT people to speak up with constructive criticism when they find a flaw in the system—and, whenever possible, come up with some suggestions for solving the problem you see because people will be more willing to listen and help if they see you are making an effort, too.
January 30th, 2013 at 7:58 pm
Yay! Way to go, and way to set an example for us all, Transman!
January 30th, 2013 at 10:28 pm
Thanks! I’m trying to ignore the cynic in me which is saying, “they just want your vote in the next election.” Well, even if that is the motivation, at least it might make them a little more aware of the LGBT issues when they create or amend policies.
January 30th, 2013 at 7:59 pm
So glad things worked out, and I hope the conversation with city officials regarding LGBTQ training continues! If you need more resources, let me know. Here are some that may be helpful: http://outandequal.org/training-programs and http://outandequal.org/workplace-resources
January 30th, 2013 at 10:13 pm
Thank you for the links and the encouragement!
January 31st, 2013 at 8:34 am
Great work. I commend you for choosing this spirit, rather than an “in your face” posture against a “straight” and largely “ignorant” population, that doesn’t know what it doesn’t know. My apologies for not connecting yet. I’ve been “up to my eyeballs” with my book’s release. Perhaps this weekend.
January 31st, 2013 at 10:12 pm
I do try to keep in mind that I’m often the first trans* person many of these people have met and want to give the best “first impression” I can.
I’ll be glad to hear from you when you have time; glad you’re cranking up the book release.
January 31st, 2013 at 8:39 am
Good work man. Your “spirit” in this is both admirable and wise. An “in your face” posture towards a “straight” community that doesn’t know what it doesn’t know, would do nothing but confirm the lies” they all already subscribe to. My apologies for not calling yet. I’ve been “up to my eyeballs” with the book’s release (hey – I’d love a review from you). Perhaps this weekend. Blessings to you my friend.
January 31st, 2013 at 9:05 am
Very happy to hear that this got sorted – and that all involved are willing to take a proactive effort at improving the process. This is good news for everyone.
January 31st, 2013 at 10:14 pm
I’m hoping they actually do revisit the policies … it could all be lip service, but most of the folks on the board really do care about the community as a whole and will try to make it better.
January 31st, 2013 at 10:39 am
That is fantastic. Well done on being proactive and making a change!
January 31st, 2013 at 10:15 pm
I think I’m growing up.
January 31st, 2013 at 11:48 am
Well done! I always tell my co-workers (when I actually have a job) to not come to me or others with problems, come with solutions. I am so glad you were heard. But its no surprise – it was a wonderful communication, effective with the true purpose of educating and making a difference.
January 31st, 2013 at 10:16 pm
I do the same. It seems to be a basic part of interpersonal relations–don’t just whine about stuff that bothers you; find a way to fix it.
January 31st, 2013 at 12:31 pm
The squeaky wheel does indeed get the oil. It’s so important to make sure public servants, customer service reps, retail employees, etc.–anyone who deals with the public, basically–be prepared to deal with almost any situation. I hope this brings positive change to your city’s policies.
January 31st, 2013 at 10:18 pm
Customer service jobs are hard; lots of people take their anger and frustrations out on the reps; however, it is a two-way street. Customer service workers do need to know how to deal with all sorts of people and all kinds of situations.
January 31st, 2013 at 1:34 pm
I was very impressed by the way you worded your letter and I’m glad you got a positive response.
As someone who is not a member of the LGBT community, I can understand where the person behind the counter was coming from. Not that I approve of their lack of discretion and refusal to let you see a supervisor! But some people might find themselves taken aback by a situation that is unfamiliar to them.
And even though you shouldn’t have to educate people, I think it’s great that you presented them with your viewpoint and a solution. If they can teach their employees how to react in these situations, chances are others after you will have a much better experience.
And I feel your pain! As a foreigner, I am confronted with similar issues a lot of the time and it gets frustrating quick!
January 31st, 2013 at 10:26 pm
I think at times it’s not so much my being trans* that is the issue, but more a person who isn’t in quite the right job–a certain amount of people skills and the ability to apply logic to situations that aren’t covered in the employee training manual are needed in customer service.
January 31st, 2013 at 10:28 pm
That is so true, a lot of people in those position seem to lack common sense… Sadly!
February 6th, 2013 at 7:45 pm
[...] Transman whinged to “City Hall” and the City actually listened. Several city officials have emailed or called Transman to talk about providing sensitivity [...]