Date:         Sun, 23 Jul 2000 09:01:01 -0400
Reply-To:     Penni Ashe Matz penn45@ma.ultranet.com
Sender:       GLBT* Community Press Releases and Announcements              
From:         Penni Ashe Matz penn45@ma.ultranet.com
Subject:      [GLB-PRESS] Press Release - A Georgia Wal-Mart Compromises With
              Transsexual Employee
To:           GLB-PRESS@LISTSERV.AOL.COM

[Received from Monica F. Helms mhelms@webtv.net]

GEORGIA GENDER EDUCATION AND ADVOCACY PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

A Georgia Wal-Mart Compromises With Another Transsexual Employee

Contact: Monica F. Helms, mhelms@webtv.net

A Wal-Mart store near Marietta, GA recently agreed to a compromise which
allows Melissa White, a male-to-female Transsexual, the right to transition
on the job, without fear of being fired.  This follows on the heels of the
recent $2.1 million-dollar discrimination suit settlement in New Brunswick,
NJ.  There, Ricky Bourdouvales sued Wal-Mart, alleging it violated New
Jersey's anti-discrimination laws.  There are no such laws protecting
Transgender individuals in Georgia at this time.

In May, 2000, the original store manager hired White and agreed to allow
her to transition on the job,  She would also be addressed by her chosen
name by the other employees.  White felt it was proper to be honest with
her potential employer up front.  In the original agreement, she would
abide by the female dress code and be allowed to use the single-occupancy,
women's restroom in the employee's lounge.

Near the end of June, the store manager received a transfer, and the new
manager did not feel obligated to uphold the original agreement with White.

 Problems escalated, and in July, White contacted Georgia Gender Education
and Advocacy (GGEA) for help in her struggle.  Karen Collins, Executive
Director of GGEA, discussed White's situation with people she felt could
help, while Monica Helms talked with White on the various courses of action
that may needed to be brought into play.

It turned out that GGEA's assistance was not needed after all, since Ms.
White and Wal-Mart came to an agreement on their own, satisfying both
parties.  White discovered after the meeting with her bosses that the
majority of her fellow co-workers supported her in this struggle. Wal-Mart
may later agree to a little diversity training with members of GGEA, but
for now, Melissa White will continue with her transition, with only minor
changes in the original agreement.

        - 30 -

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