Workplace discrimination of transgender youth during gender transition
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Abstract
Those categorised in the transgender group are more likely to experience discrimination at workplace due to their opposing gender identity from the norms and cultures practised in Malaysia. This marginal group has often been forced to quit their jobs when their employers become aware of the sexually expressions and gender identity displayed by the transgender community, which have been perceived to affect the good reputation and image of the workplace organisation. As such, this study assessed the effects of psychosocial discrimination on this marginal population at workplace when their physical transition appearance took place. The study outcomes indicated that most of the respondents experienced discrimination even prior to employment during job interview. Several incidences of bullying behaviours were exerted on the respondents by other staff members as a consequence of rejection towards the gender identity held by the respondents. Hence, this study suggests that both government and non-governmental organisations to take the initiative to provide employment opportunities to the transgender population in Malaysia, so as to hinder this marginal population from succumbing to the sex industry.
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