Employment of Transgender Individuals

Department cable put out last week:

SUBJECT: Employment of Transgender Individuals

1. The Department remains committed to a diverse workforce and to creating a workplace free of discrimination and harassment. To ensure that we fulfill our obligations and responsibilities, and create a productive work environment, we are sharing guidelines published on May 27 by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) on the employment of transgender individuals in the federal workplace (http://www.opm.gov/diversity/T​ransgender/Guidance.asp). All managers and supervisors should review this guidance.

2. OPM's guidance reiterates the federal government's policy to treat all employees with dignity and respect and to provide a workplace that is free from discrimination whether based on race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity or pregnancy), national origin, disability, political affiliation, marital status, membership in an employee organization, age, sexual orientation, or other
non-merit factors. The Department's policy on discrimination and harassment already prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender identity. Relevant FAM updates were in progress at the time OPM's guidelines were published and are forthcoming.

3. OPM developed its guidelines to address common Questions that agencies have raised regarding employment of transgender individuals. Managers and supervisors should be aware of Department resources available to them. Questions regarding the employment of transgender individuals should be addressed to the Chief of the Work Life Division in the Office of Employee Relations. The Department recognizes that bureaus and overseas posts may have specific questions and HR stands ready to provide necessary guidance. The Department will also develop general policy guidance beyond that set forth by OPM as needed.

CLINTON