Fostering Inclusive Work Environments: Understanding the Obstacles for the Professional Integration of Trans People

Abstract

The necessity to understand the processes of integration of trans people into the labor market in Portugal is confirmed by the literature review that supports the scarcity of studies developed in the Portuguese context focused on their life experiences outside of pathological contexts or from perspectives of invisibility or violence (including in the professional dimension). The present study, using semi structured interviews with trans individuals (n=7), aims to understand how discrimination against trans people operates in the labor market, understanding the factors that block or impede their professional integration. The results underline the vulnerability of trans people, where two primary themes emerged concerning the obstacles impeding their integration into the Portuguese job market: (1) lack of information; and (2) prejudice/discrimination; along with three subthemes - (1) legislation; (2) closed-mindedness; and (3) diversity and inclusion. The impact of the study underscores the need for Human Resources Development Policies that embrace positive discrimination and/or promote the adoption of organizational affirmative actions to include trans people.