Patricia Dawson, an employee at H & H Electric in Hot Springs, Arkansas, was fired shortly after coming out as transgender to her employer and coworkers. When Patricia Dawson, previously Steven Dawson, informed her employer of her transition, he immediately expressed his regret at losing Dawson as an employee. Dawson, shocked, stated that she had no intention of leaving her job and was then ordered to keep her transition a secret. Though Dawson didn’t disclose the details of her identity, her longer hair and the effects of hormone therapy made her transition obvious to her coworkers. While some regarded her positively, others taunted her, even risking a fatal explosion by “sabotag[ing]” her electrical work. Ultimately, Dawson’s boss fired her for being a distraction.

Within the LGBTQA+ community, transgender individuals are more likely to experience discrimination.  40% of transgender individuals report hearing transgender jokes at work, and almost 50% of transgender people say they were either terminated or denied employment owing to their gender identity. 90% of the transgender population has either dealt with “harassment or mistreatment on the job” or “[taken] steps to avoid it.” 40% of individuals report hearing transgender jokes.

Addressing the issue of sexuality/gender-based discrimination begins with acknowledging that the problem exists. Remaining aware of workplace discrimination, and acting out against it when it occurs, is the most effective way to promote equality on the job.