Transgender Inclusion: All the Things You Want to Ask Your Transgender Coworker but Shouldn't

by A. C. Fowlkes

Discover the realities for transgender people in the workplace and beyond as they as they move through any of the three recognized kinds of transition―and how to be an ally. In Transgender All The Things You Want To Ask Your Transgender Coworker But Shouldn’t , clinical psychologist and trans inclusion specialist Dr. A.C. Fowlkes delivers an essential and remarkably honest discussion of the realities of the workplace for transgender people. In the book, you’ll explore the experiences that trans people have in the workplace as they move through none, one, or more of the three recognized kinds of transition―medical, social, and legal. You’ll learn answers to your questions about your transgender colleagues, so you can be respectful of your coworker’s feelings and work together comfortably. You’ll also Approximately 1.3 million adults in the United States identify as transgender. If you don’t already have a transgender friend, neighbor, or co-worker, you might very well have one in the future. A practical, compassionate, and evidence-based discussion of the transgender experience, Transgender Inclusion is a must-read guide for managers, executives, professionals, and allies who want to learn more and do more about trans issues in the workplace.

Genres: Nonfiction, LGBT, Queer, Transgender

240 pages, Hardcover

Published January 11, 2024

Reviews

[Tina Panik · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five stars for the straightforward, direct, easy-to-access approach of this book. Full of honest answers, solid advice (Chapter 11 is essential reading), and clear definitions, this book is full of key information for every member of a workplace, from the front lines to the board room.

[William Watts · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book to see if it would be a good resource to recommend to my coworkers to read, and honestly I don't think so. This book is definitely more geared towards upper management and HR departments. It's a lot of recommending policy and whatnot.

It's also very repetitive. Most of the info is in the book at least four times. I'd recommend just jumping around to whichever sections you are particularly interested in instead of reading everything cover to cover, otherwise you'll be reading the same stuff multiple times just in different contexts.

I'm glad this resource exists. I won't be recommending it for my coworkers but it's definitely something someone who oversees a bunch of workers and deals with workplace policy should read.

[Danika · Rating 5 out of 5]

I saw this title and returned to the library to ask for it because I wanted to do better.

"Being a member of a historically marginalized group does not in and of itself make you immune to harboring bigoted views."
This has been a confronting and educational read.

[alexander shay · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you are someone who has never been exposed to the trans community, this is a book for you. Or if you're a naturally nosy person but are polite enough not to want to offend anyone and want your information from a reputable source, this book is for you. It's written by a trans person, which is a nice change, as often resources like this are written by "advocates" or "allies". It details a little bit about what being trans is like in terms of surgeries, hormones, gender expression, sexuality, pronouns, as well as common issues faced like misgendering and gendered bathrooms, and even why hounding your trans coworker isn't acceptable.

But:
1) I would caution readers to read this book knowing it mainly focuses on binary trans folks, meaning those who transition from male to female or vice versa. There is only a couple brief mentions of non-binary people, and no talk about how some things that affect trans folks do affect non-binary folks but in a different way. So don't read this book assuming you'll be learning anything about non-binary folks.
2) If you are trans or have even a small exposure to trans people, this book might not be that informative. It's relatively surface level, which makes it easier to communicate what Fowlkes is discussing, but doesn't generate many spots of deep thinking. It perhaps answers the most asked questions people might have when they encounter a trans coworker, but not much more than that.

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great introductory resource, giving straightforward advice and guidance. However, beware that it is heavily based on US statistics and the American medical system. A Canadian version would be an interesting comparison, especially when discussing the Canadian universal healthcare system.

[Liam Arne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid info for folks trying to learn more about trans people and their experiences with no prior knowledge. I liked the specific focus on the workplace and its dynamics, but I found it rather repetitive.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is aimed at HR, so didn't always rope me in. But it was a lot of good info and framing!

[Amelious Whyte · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative, particularly for those who work with trans colleagues or who seek to create environments that are supportive of them.