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Steps for Transitioning in the Workplace

Written by: ScribeAmerica Diversity and Inclusion Committee Last modified: Jun 23, 2025

Living your true, authentic self can be challenging in some professional settings. The cultural and societal rules are often different in an office, a place where business comes before personal expression. According to Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law, more than a third of transgender employees (36%) have not told their immediate supervisor that they are transgender. No one can tell you the right time or way to share your gender identity, but when you’re ready, here are some steps on how to get the support you need at work.

Find a friend - the first step in transitioning in the workplace

One of the first steps in your gender transition in the workplace is to identify someone you can trust and share your news with. Having a coworker by your side as an ally while you navigate paperwork will help you feel more confident and supported.

Make it official

When you feel comfortable, reach out to HR and let them know you have a confidential conversation to discuss. Having your information formally updated, like the name in your email address or the gender markers on your employee file, will help you share your news with the broader company because the organization has already supported the change. Your HR team can provide you with the steps you should take to update your information, or can work with you to create a list.

Correcting your coworkers professionally

When you feel comfortable, it is important to communicate to your manager the pronouns and name you wish to use. Your Manager can help educate others and lead appropriate communications by referring to you correctly.

When mistakes are made, you can gently and professionally correct others with some of the suggested phrases below:

Suggested phrases:

  • "It would really help me if you could use [preferred pronoun]."
  • "Could you try using [preferred pronoun] for me?"
  • "Just a reminder, I use [preferred pronoun]."
  • "Thanks for trying, but it's actually [preferred pronoun]."
  • “Please refer to me by [name].”

Setting boundaries - protecting yourself while transitioning in the workplace

Change takes time, and it's unlikely that you’ll be able to transition at work without ever being misgendered. While this is often an honest mistake, you should never have to suffer the indignity of repeated, intentional misgendering. If you have corrected the same person several times with no change, please reach out to HR.

Remember, You are never required to explain your transition, your gender identity, or your journey to anyone. It's always inappropriate for coworkers or business partners to ask personal questions, regardless of gender. 

At ScribeAmerica we strive to ensure everyone feels welcome and empowered. If you need more resources about transitioning at work or the transgender experience in the workplace, check out the following articles we referenced:

  1. Transitioning in the Workplace: A Guide for Trans Employees Human Rights Campaign
  2. Workplace Experiences of Transgender Employees Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law
  3. Data Reveals New Insights on Transgender Workplace Experiences Teacher’s College at Columbia University
  4. Creating an inclusive environment for transgender employees McKinsey & Company

You can read also: The Importance of Inclusion in Healthcare & Its Benefits

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