I’m hoping that Fran’s virtual tour begins to cure Aaron of his lack of empathy.
When I worked for a computer store, a mass email was sent out to all employees explaining that one of the managers was taking some time off and we were instructed to call her by her new name when she returned. The company delivery driver expressed his confusion (he also delivered to that manager’s store). I tried to explain the situation to him. I’m not sure he really understood, but his reaction wasn’t Transphobic, more puzzled.
Even in the SF Bay Area, I think there are people who are still adjusting to Lesbians and Gays. Transamerica, Transparent, and Orange is the New Black have helped to educate many people, but there is a huge segment of the population who remain uneducated on the topic.
Transwomen of Color continue to be murdered in the US, especially in certain parts of the country.
Transpeople have a very difficult time getting employment. In desperation, many turn to sex work to survive. Many health insurance plans do not cover gender confirmation surgery.
For many transpeople, passing is the ideal situation. There are more Transgender people than we realize because many try to blend in and disappear. This is not a new phenomenon. Long before gender confirmation surgery became a reality, some Transgender people’s biggest secret was only discovered after they died.
I hope Malcolm finds the courage to be herself at work. That would be a great F-U to those Malcolm feels would disrespect him. But it doesn’t sound like Malcolm s ready to do that yet.
Many companies have Progressive policies that would prevent harassment and discrimination against Transgender people. There is the suggestion that Malcolm and Aaron work for such a company. HR knew that Aaron is Gay and wondered why he hadn’t brought his partner.