Attitude changed in interview

May 2017

Layal* is a transgender woman who applied for a job as a secretary.

At the interview, the hiring manager raised Layal’s comprehensive employment application.

The interview went well until Layal disclosed that she had had a sex change.

The hiring manager’s initial positive attitude changed, and he told Layal that the company’s clients would feel uncomfortable with a transgender employee.

After being told she was unsuccessful in getting the job, Layal lodged a complaint of transgender discrimination with ADNSW.

At conciliation, the employer apologised to her and agreed to provide staff with training on transgender discrimination.

*Name has been changed to protect the privacy of the individual.