Frequently Asked Questions - Jobs & Employment


Questions about Employment issues

Where can I find the text of the Washington State laws protecting Trans and LGB people and information explaining what it means in everyday language?

You can find the text of the Washington State law protecting Freedom from Discrimination (RCW 49.60.30)  here. Transgender people are protected by virtue of inclusion in the definition of "Sexual Orientation" including "Gender Identity and Expression".  Find the details in RCW 49.60.040 (15) here. Use of the terms "Gender Identity and Expression" to cover all transgender, transsexual and gender variant people is a well established legal approach and provides excellent protection and has been tested in legal precident.  The strategy of including it under the definition of sexual orientation may seem a bit odd but is pragmatic and effective. Excellent materials relevant to Washington State law and implementation can be found here.I brief, Washington State law protects individuals from discrimination based on Gender Identity and Expression along with Sexual Orientation (being Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual by identity or practice) in these areas:

  • Employment (hiring, firing promotion)
  • Accomodations (service in hotels, motels, restaurants open to the public)
  • Insurance (health, homeowners...)
  • housing (ability to rent, lease or own a residence)

These are the same areas protected for all "suspect classes" - Sex, race, religion, ability etc.. 

Where can I get job training?

It depends to some degree on what your intended job or career is and what level of education or training you may already have.

WorkSource of King County can be a great help in employment counsling however.

Be sure to check out or Empower NorthWest section for information about Ingersoll's Trans employment and Jobs programming.

Is it OK for my company to fire me because I'm transitioning?

No! It's never acceptable to fire, harass, fail to promote or otherwise discriminate against anyone due to their gender identity and/or expression.

In Washington State it's illegal to discriminate based on Gender Identity and Expression in Employment (Hiring, promotion or wages), accomodations, insurance or housing. If you have any problems in these areas. Contact the Washington State Equal Rights Commission .