Transgenders win discrimination tiff with American Eagle Outfitters, AG Andrew Cuomo forces changes
BY ERICA PEARSON
NEW YORK DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITER
It just got a little easier for a transgender person to work at American Eagle Outfitters - at least on paper.
Attorney General Andrew Cuomo has forced the flannel and khaki outpost to make some changes, including nixing a rule about employee "personal appearance" that banned men from wearing women's clothing and ladies from dressing as guys.
"This shows me that there's faith and hope. There might be a domino effect, that's what I'm hoping for," said Joi-elle White, 35, a transgender member of Make the Road New York.
The community group complained to Cuomo's office about what it called a pattern of discrimination against transgender job hunters. A probe confirmed the complaints, officials said.
The retailer - which employs more than 2,000 people in its 61 New York stores - signed a settlement deal promising to change its policies and employee handbook."To avoid further expense and the distraction of a prolonged argument, [we have] agreed to a compromise settlement in this case, with the understanding that AEO is not admitting to the findings," a company spokeswoman said.
"We wholeheartedly believe that transgender individuals should be treated equally," she added in a statement.
The chain store also has agreed to train its staff on transgender issues - like which pronouns to use when referring to workers and customers.
(More...)
14 comments:
Both of these pictures are gag worthy. It is good to them handling the important issues.
well ... that's GREAT news. can't wait to let my sons, er, gender-neutral term inserted here, work at this fine establishment.
And the civilization continues to rot.
Okay, but AEO is going to loose business. If I go in there with one of my children and a man is dressed as a woman, I'll walk out. Many men who walk in there and have a sexually confused male try to assist, will walk out.
It's not normal for a man to wear a dress. End of story. It's creepy.
And one of my closest friends is a gay men. In fact, I have several gay male friends.
EEYUCK! The thought of a "shim" coming up in a dress and saying, "May I help you?" in a baritone voice creeps me out!
Is that Charlie the PW in that bottom photo?
Well played, DC. That was taken at the closing ceremonies of 2009's International Wankfest.
It seems, the only way to get ahead is be sick in the head.
And I thought protecting citizens safety was important. I guess I'm way behind the times. So, now what happens when a customer refuses to work around these people?
Odie, I guess the Congress and Nobama will have to pass a law forcing Americans to purchase clothing from transgender AEO employees or face threat of fine through the IRS.
Enforcement of that law sounds perfect for the "snooty" and "rude" census worker who showed up at my house last night as I was leaving. Imagine my audacity at not stopping my world, pulling back in, and being late to where I was going in order to give information about my family to a man who I've never met before in my LIFE ... especially since I filled out the census form to beging with!
Wouldn't it be better if the company just closed its doors as a matter of principle?
All of those out of work people would be learning how the business world really works.
"Sorry everyone, we have to shut down because someone doesn't feel comfortable working here. I'm closing up for good and moving to Dubai."
I don’t shop at AEO, but if I did walk into one of their stores (or any store) and was greeted by a man wearing a dress I would probably burst out laughing directly in his face. The first words out of mouth would most likely be, “Dude, grow a set. Honestly. A dress?” I supposed that makes me an intolerant, bigoted, racist homophobe (assuming he was a black man in a dress). I'm so glad that Andrew is looking out for our best interests.
Both of these pictures are gag worthy.
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"Both of these pictures are gag worthy."
Ok! Braaaak! Ooo....I feel better now!
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