What should I do? (transgender issue related question)?

Question

I have applied for a job, and I'm scheduled for an interview later today. They have had me sign twice to consent to a drug test. They want me to come back today, so that a male manager will be there, I'm guessing to "observe" the urine test (meaning he will probably be watching) Now..I have no qualms with taking the test, the problem I have is, if I'm "supervised" during it, that means that I have to out myself to a potential employer, something that I'm not really wanting to do, because I am female-to-male transsexual. I would like to go into the job just being known as male. Plus, if a manager or whoever "observes" that also runs me the risk of that person running their mouth, and before I know it, I'm outed to the entire job and all my co-workers.
If I refuse to take the drug test though, I'm automatically denied employment. What should I do? What's the best way to handle this situation without looking guilty or that I'm trying to hide something

Ok..did I mention that this is all gonna go down later TODAY??!! So..could we knock off the wise a** answers, and get serious for a minute?
I'm all about sarcasm, but there's a time and place for everything people..geez.

Answer 1

Tell them that you're not willing to have your private area observed by a total stranger. Take off whatever bulky clothes you may be wearing (like a hoodie) and allow them to pat you down. I had a drug test for my job (6 mos ago) and they just measured the temperature of the urine and that was satisfactory. If they insist on "seeing" you pee, don't take the job. Then write a letter telling the managers that you would be willing to take a drug test at a medical facility with medical staff observing you, but a "manager" is not sufficient.

Stand up for yourself!

By the way, at my last company, we hired M-F transexuals with no problem (computer company). Don't automatically think that everyone will deny you employment or make fun of you. :) Good luck! :)

Answer 2

first of all no one watches you in the bathroom the water is usually turned off and you are not allowed to flush the toilet and if they hear ANYTHING that sounds like the test is being messed with then he will walk in you got to leave the door unlocked and they stand outside the door ready to take your sample as far as them running their mouths to your employer that is illegal there is a confidentiality among the staff at the drug testing place the only thing they do is collect urine samples and pass the results on to the employer they can't make comments about your hormones or anything ONLY the results of the drugs found in your system if you took anything over the counter tylenol dexatrim slacker ANY of that tell them because they can affect the test results well good luck and if they out you guess what you are an instant millioniare can anyone say law suit well SMILE

Answer 3

Man, I'd go find another job. That's some strange request.

Tell them you can go with you watching if it comes down to it. I wouldn't have someone watch me take a leak for a job. You could offer to take it at a doctors office, that way no co-workers or bosses will be watching. Explain that you feel this an invasion of privacy and that you'll be unconfortable working with someone who watched you do this.

I wouldn't consider you to look guilty for asking this, and as for hiding, well nuts to that too. I don't wave my private bits about for a boss either and I'm a happy individual.

Good luck, and maybe they'll just wait on the outside of a stall?

Answer 4

I've never heard of a drug test being given at a job site, it's usually done at a testing or medical facility.
They can NOT directly observe you peeing. They can stand outside a stall to listen, they will measure the temperature of the urine to see if it's your 'fresh' sample and not a clean sample you carried in with you. They'll make sure you're not using a sink to re-constitute a sample out of the freeze-dried, clean urine that can be purchased over the web.
If they want to observe you directly, complain of shyness like many others have said. But as far as I know, that's illegal.

Answer 5

I'll try to help out the best I can, so here we go. Just take the test. It's better to tell them that you are transgendered before hand. Have you had the surgery yet? If so, you are in the clear. But if you have not had the surgery yet, and I bet that this is the case, ask for a female observer. You may have no choice in this matter, but it's all you can do. You will still be known as a male, but if they do say something, then it would be time to call a lawyer due to discrimination. Hope I helped out. You never know, they may not observe you.

Answer 6

It sounds like you're in an awful situation. But perhaps your anxiety may be getting the better of you. I doubt that the level of supervision will extend to them actually watching you "do the deed" up close! I used to get supervised urine tests all the time (ex-train driver) but I was always allowed to conceal my modesty, they just wanted to check that I didn't have a little bottle of pee hidden on my person. Whatever happens, I hope it goes okay. And good luck with the job.

Answer 7

Hi there,

Take the test. I understand you not wanting to out yourself. I am an HIV+ man working in a Catholic school system; not the friendliest environment to out myself either. Not because I am embarrassed by my status but I don't want all the potential bullshit that could follow. You could try to say that you are pee shy. I know a few men who are very pee shy, to the point that they can not go to the bathroom in public at all unless it is a private, one toilet, room. If someone needs to "supervise" you that does not mean that they have any right to "watch" you urinate. Use a stall; they can hear what you are doing.

Cheers.

Answer 8

That is an invasion of privacy for someone to watch you passing urine. That is just so gross babe. Surely they can tell it is urine when they test it without someone watching you. I can only presume you are in the USA because that would never be allowed in England. It doesn't matter what sex the manager is you need your own space to go to the toilet babe. Good luck anyway with it and let us know what happens.

Answer 9

If you don't have an STP device that looks like a phallus (maybe you can even get away with it if you're using another device that doesn't look like one) then I would just use the stall...he can't go in there and plenty of men sit down to urinate. Good luck to you! I've never found myself in that position, but if I did I would do either of those two.

Answer 10

1. Take the test.
2. They can't deny you the job because you are transgender
3. Contact an attorney for advice beforehand.