How voice transition and gender identity disclosure shape perceptions of trans men in the hiring process

Abstract

Trans men often face discrimination in the hiring process. However, it remains unclear whether the disclosure of gender identity and perceived masculinity during transition play a role in first impressions and perceived job suitability of trans male applicants. Across two studies (N = 332), we examined how cisgender heterosexual participants perceived a transgender male candidate in terms of his masculinity and whether they judged him suitable for a stereotypically masculine job. Such judgments were first based on the candidate's voice at different stages of gender transition and, secondly, after disclosure of gender identity in the job application form. In Study 1, participants judged a trans man at the beginning of the voice transition (3 months on testosterone) or a trans man in advanced transitioning (1 year on testosterone). Study 2 involved the judgments of the same trans men at different times in the voice transition (1 week—beginning, 6 months—intermediate, and 1 year—advanced). Masculinity judgments were influenced by voice transitioning, but judgments were adjusted after his gender identity was disclosed. Disclosure created an advantage in perception of the trans man candidate as more suitable for the role, especially when he was at the beginning of the voice transition when his voice was not perceived as masculine. Findings are discussed in relation to trans men's employability and identity disclosure.