When Transgender Employees Come Out: Perceived Support and Cultural Change in the Transition Process

Abstract

Increased visibility of transgender people challenges employers to create inclusive workplaces for those who transition in the workplace. Previous studies and prescriptive works examined transitions with a focus on the transgender employees’ side of the transition and the workplace policies used to assist them in their transitions. While leading to greater job satisfaction, transitions do not necessarily lead to a better fit in the organization for transgender employees. This paper discusses workplace transitions of transgender employees with respect to their co-workers and organizational culture which may need change to create a supportive and inclusive workplace.