Gender Identity and Transition in the Workplace

Gender Identity and Transition Guidelines at Berkeley Lab

At Berkeley Lab, we are committed to conducting great science,fostering technological advancement to solve the world’s most challenging problems, and answering its most elusive questions. Just as science reveals nature’s diversity, science organizations reveal their own nature by the diversity and inclusion they foster. Diversity of people and thought is part of our unique social fabric and a key to our research success. It is also a daily and personal commitment — and an expectation. Each employee has a role to play. Every employee has a responsibility to act. We believe in Berkeley Lab’s mission to share the benefits of scientific discovery with the world. We also respect the differences in our workplace community.

PURPOSE FOR GUIDELINES

This document is intended to delineate guidelines for addressing the needs and issues that may arise in the workplace for any employee seeking to affirm their gender identity and/or planning to initiate or continue their gender transition while working at Berkeley Lab. Employees who are undergoing or plan to undergo some form of gender transition may at some point want or need to involve their supervisor for support and advocacy. Supervisors need to be adequately prepared to assist a transitioning employee at any time.

These guidelines support Berkeley Lab’s Nondiscrimination Policy, which includes gender identity and expression. This document is intended for use by supervisors and employees. If any assistance understanding something in this document is needed, contact the IDEA Office at idea@lbl.gov. As with all change, gender transition affects many people – the person transitioning, supervisors, peers, and users. However, it is the responsibility of the employee initiating or continuing their gender transition as well as all supervisors and HR representatives to become and remain informed of these guidelines. These guidelines provide a starting point for building awareness, and are intended to guide and support all parties involved.

POLICY STATEMENT

Berkeley Lab has been and continues to be an advocate for diversity and equal employment opportunities. Every person makes a unique contribution toward establishing Berkeley Lab as a place where people can grow and succeed. We enable these contributions by maintaining a workplace environment that embraces diversity and fosters creativity and innovation. Accordingly, fairness and equity must be defining characteristics of our workplace environment.

Per Berkeley Lab’s Nondiscrimination Policy: “Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) is committed to nondiscrimination in employment. The Laboratory does not engage in discrimination against or harassment of any person employed by or seeking employment with the Laboratory on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender, gender expression, gender identity, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, medical condition (cancer-related or genetic characteristics), genetic information (including family medical history), ancestry, marital status, age, sexual orientation, citizenship, or service in the uniformed services (as defined by the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-employment Rights Act of 1994). This policy is intended to be consistent with the provisions of applicable state and federal laws and Laboratory policies. This applies to all personnel actions, including hiring, transfer, training, promotion, termination, and other terms and conditions of employment.”

By providing a work environment of respect, trust, collaboration and cooperation, Berkeley Lab can fulfill its mission of conducting great science and fostering technological advancement. Lab employees who can bring their whole selves to work can thrive in their careers.

GUIDELINES

EXTERNAL RESOURCES

The following resources have been compiled for additional information. It should be noted that these resources are not controlled by the Berkeley Lab and may be out of date.

California Transgender Law 101: This reference guide is designed to provide a broad overview of California laws affecting transgender people. If you have a question about these laws or other issues your clients are facing, contact the Transgender Law Center.
ID Please: This comprehensive publication is a guide for navigating processes of updating California and federal identity documents to reflect accurate gender markers. This timely release coincides with the recent change in California law, which simplifies the requirements for a name change.
State-by-State Overview: Changing Gender Markers on Birth Certificates: Resources for changing gender markers on legal documents.
Name Changes Laws by State: Resources for changing legal name.
National Center for Transgender Equality: The National Center for Transgender Equality is the nation’s leading social justice advocacy organization winning life-saving change for transgender people.
Tips for Allies of Transgender People (compiled by GLAAD): The following are tips that can be used as you move toward becoming a better ally to transgender people. Of course, this list is not exhaustive and cannot include all the “right” things to do or say – because often there is no one “right” answer to every situation you might encounter. When you become an ally of transgender people, your actions will help change the culture, making society a better, safer place for transgender people – and for all people who do not conform to gender expectations (regardless of gender identity).
Transgender Law Center: Transgender Law Center works to change law, policy, and attitudes so that all people can live safely, authentically, and free from discrimination regardless of their gender identity or expression. We envision a future where gender self-determination and authentic expression are seen as basic rights and matters of common human dignity.
Glossary of Terms: A list of terms compiled by the Human Rights Campaign.
World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH): WPATH’s mission is to promote evidence based care, education, research, advocacy, public policy, and respect in transgender health. WPATH’s vision is to bring together diverse professionals dedicated to developing best practices and supportive policies worldwide that promote health, research, education, respect, dignity, and equality for transgender, transsexual, and gender-variant people in all cultural settings.