How Things Change

by Jodie

(The Gender Centre advise that this article may not be current and as such certain content, including but not limited to persons, contact details and dates may not apply. Where legal authority or medical related matters are cited, responsibility lies with the reader to obtain the most current relevant legal authority and/or medical publication.)

In July '97, there began whispers of redundancies at my workplace, which nobody took too seriously. It soon became a reality that they were to happen in September. This was postponed until "early in the New Year", a lovely prospect of "Merry Christmas, don't bother coming back next year." Some positions did go at this time, but had little impact except to make people more nervous. The date was again put off until March, only this time on the "hit list" were staff with more than ten years service. I had 11 years; 9 as male and 2 as female (this transition was interesting in itself).

February saw the reality hit home! What was I to do if my number comes up? My thoughts were doom and gloom. Let's fact it, age was against me for starters (45 and some), being in one job for 11 years, having no profession, no great education, few qualifications and restricted skills, hell, I didn't have much of an idea what a resume was, let alone have one. To top it all off, who employs tranys?

About this time, Polare 22 was delivered and low and behold, some employment opportunities were adver­tised. I phoned a very close friend to see if she had applied. I was convinced to apply as well. And just in case I was made redundant, the interview experience would be helpful if nothing else. Another good friend assisted in preparing a résumé at very short notice.

Several weeks and an interview later I found myself on the short list of a "Bank job", so to speak. I was also informed, that myself and 36 others were to be made redundant on April 14. The day I was told this, was the day after I'd come out of hospital following an operation. Feelings soon picked up somewhat a week later, when I was informed my job application was successful and could start on April 20.

At the time of writing this, it is four weeks into my new job and all is going extremely well. I am being treated as a person and as an equal, with no hint of discrimination or prejudice; certainly unlike some past experiences. How things have changed.

I am only one case and it's still early days, but it gives the hope that this understanding and tolerance will con­tinue. Attitudes appear to be slowly changing, thanks to the efforts of dedicated people such as those of the Gender Centre and companies and business that make the time and effort to help change those attitudes. I for one am most grateful.

Polare is published in Australia by The Gender Centre Inc. which is funded by the Department of Community Services under the S.A.A.P. Program and supported by the N.S.W. Health Department through the AIDS and Infectious Diseases Branch. Polare provides a forum for discussion and debate on gender issues. Advertisers are advised that all advertising is their responsibility under the Trade Practices Act. Unsolicited contributions are welcome, though no guarantee is made by the Editor that they will be published, nor any discussion entered into. The editor reserves the right to edit such contributions without notification. Any submission which appears in Polare may be published on our internet site. Opinions expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect those of the Editor, The Gender Centre Inc.I, the Department of Community Services or the N.S.W. Department of Health.