It Ain't Easy....

Kermit said it best! 

Note:  This is old - Not sure why it never got posted.  A little house cleaning.  

Being different carries a set of challenges that must be overcome - internally and then externally. Self acceptance and admitting that you comfortable in your own skin takes effort, that in my case, came later in life. Then the realization that although you accept yourself, there are those not willing to accept you. The reason; ignorance or a mean disposition.  

I have outline my initial job search in an article "Going Through The glass Ceiling - The opposite way".  There I detail my search, noting both gender disparagement and outright discrimination based on presentation. I did prevail through determination and a positive attitude; not willing to give up. 

After one get over the most obvious obstacles, there are still other difficulties. In this last round of job searching (I like working), I am hitting governmental limitations. "I-9" is a US Government form every prospective employee must provide to formally state that they are eligible to work under current immigration laws. Typically this form is provided/signed on your first day of employment. The employer verified the information you provide (Column A or Column B and C) and the form is filed in your personnel folder.  

Beto O'Rourke: "Can't sacrifice humanity for security"
Video

Not being content that employers were doing their duty, a new intrusive database is in place. First instigated under the Obama administration as voluntary it is deepening it reach and now is mandatory in some cases. Some employers, although not required, are using the database. Here is how the E-Verify describes it self at e-verify.gov:

E-Verify is a web-based system that allows enrolled employers to confirm the eligibility of their employees to work in the United States. E-Verify employers verify the identity and employment eligibility of newly hired employees by electronically matching information provided by employees on the Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, against records available to the Social Security Administration (SSA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

E-Verify is a voluntary program. However, employers with federal contracts or subcontracts that contain the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) E-Verify clause are required to enroll in E-Verify as a condition of federal contracting. Employers may also be required to participate in E-Verify if their states have legislation mandating the use of E-Verify, such as a condition of business licensing. Finally, in some instances employers may be required to participate in E-Verify as a result of a legal ruling.

According to the "Workers Voice" site, Immigrant workers have not been alone in being targeted by, the E-Verify program. Many citizens have faced firings over discrepancies in their own records. And the transgender community – people who’s gender identity is different than their sex at birth, including transsexuals and other gender non-conforming people – has also been deeply affected...

Workers Voice continues: "The process of having all your legal documentation changed to reflect your chosen name or your gender identity is extremely difficult and often expensive. Sometimes, it is impossible. For the Social Security Administration to change one’s recorded gender, they require medical proof that the person has completed Gender Reassignment Surgery. This means that most transfolk will never qualify – thus, their records will be permanently red-flagged as suspicious." 

"It ain't easy" as Kermit stated.  I am in limbo at this time being requested to provide additional documentation; of which I cannot provide. I will post more information later on how this proceeds. Stay tuned... 

Unless we speak up and have unified voices, we are susceptible to the ill-informed and those who wish to do us harm.