I am a recent grad currently evaluating my career options. I am very focussed upon becoming a management consultant but have a particular set of requirements to be applied to my search for a future employer.I am a transsexual; pre-op. I also fairly unique in as much as I am quite a large person - 6'6" and 18 stone. I am a very astute dresser and have received praise from the diversity committee within my current employer (I am undertaking an interim role with a charity in London.) for my trailblazing approach in championing diversity and inclusiveness.My question is, do consulting companies pay due attention and respect to diversity issues? Transgender-awareness is a serious issue and requires focus and commitment throughout any organisation - from the top down. I would expect my employer to run awareness training for all employees, clothing allowances and - naturally - a dedicated diversity officer/team. A diversity awareness and development policy/programme is an absolute must – and this really should be mandated by statue in my opinion (but that’s another discussion).My question is, which employer is the best suited? I am a very well qualified candidate and will be a true asset to the organisation I choose to join.

Clothing allowance? Find out who gives one and let us know, I'd love my employer to pay me a clothing allowance!

You don't ask for much do you mate/luv?

John,Keep supressing those urges. You're a man. All man. Idiot.

I assume this post is a joke; if so it's mildly funny. If not then I'm afraid, Bev, that your bombastic right-on views, while they might have gone down well in the student union, will do you no favours at all in consulting or other part of the private sector. None of the firms that I'm aware of would have all the silly policies etc. that you talk of: we're trying to make money you know... On the plus side a promising career as a PC Gauleiter in local government awaits you.

If this is a joke, then in what way is accommodating diversity a laughing matter? If it's not, then how can John even think to display such a comment? Since when is someone's gender preference an acceptable point of open mockery? If this is a joke, it only highlights the neanderthal thinking still pervasisive in a fairly homogenous culture that excludes marginalized groups that have immense amounts to contribute. It's like the dominant culture to exclude those with less social power and thus continually reassert their own. I assure you that there are many clients you meet on a daily basis that are one degree away from a gender based crisis either for themselves in their youth or within their extended family. The suicide rate for people conflicted with gender issues is excessively high, given the issues they face such as those displayed on this thread. Considerations of how to make a living, how to be socially connected and to have a viable career choice that they enjoy are not really any of your concern are they? ..as you enjoy your privileged entitlement to assume power within the dominant group you happen to be born a part of. This really highlights an opportunity for you to learn just what it's like for marginalized groups who are unable to enjoy the fruits of mass society. Oh, I remember people of colour, women, and other ethnic groups to also be marginalized groups that are managing over time to make strides to achieve community in the group. Some are not and face the very same issues as 'Bev'.

Bev, I would stick to the public sector if I were you. I don't see why a consultancy or any other business should have to run awareness training programmes to make you happy, nor do I see why they should provide you with a clothing allowance to suit your needs - nobody else get's it why should you be any different. I think maybe you should join a consultancy to consult and not to promote your own gender!

Bev, I would stick to the public sector if I were you. I don't see why a consultancy or any other business should have to run awareness training programmes to make you happy, nor do I see why they should provide you with a clothing allowance to suit your needs - nobody else get's it why should you be any different. I think maybe you should join a consultancy to consult and not to promote your own gender!

BevSo far these responses have been harsh but actually they are quite fair.Consultancies - like all private businesses - exist to make money.Their commitment to diversity extends only to:1) keep within the law2) avoid negative publicity3) remove the minimum barriers necessary to stop talented, marketable staff leaving the organisation.I've been involved in diversity work within the firm and the public sector before that for 5 years. Transgered awareness isn't one of the "mainstream" diversity strands, and although you may expect it to be included in a diversity policy I would be very surprsied if it was specifically trained.Bottom line - consultancy is a hard business where all the matters is earning fees. If you feel you can do this then everything else comes second.

Skipping all the bickering above, and answering a serious question. IBM seems to be a strong place for diversity related issues. When I worked there a couple of years ago it was trying really hard to employ more women, does part time working, had a strong gay/lesb/bi group and the thing I was most impressed with was the chap who used to commute from Clapham Junction through the crowds to Feltham, then wait for the shuttle tranfer to the Bedfont office. Why was I impressed? He was blind and his guide dog was fantastically calm through all these crowds. Also he had a cool brail screen.Whether IBM has a transgender support group I don't know - but it might be worth enquiring if that is important to you.I curently work at a smaller UK based management consultancy and whilst they are trying to become more diverse, they have a way to go yet.

IBM has a GLBT (gay,lesbian,bi,transexual) policy and support groups globally.Stonewall voted IBM the top gay-friendly company in Britain 2007.

jj, rollercoaster,i really appreciate your posts about IBM. I was full expecting a modicum of vitriol - and I'm thick-skinned enough to brush it off. Your informative posts however just may make a significant, positive contribution to my life. ThanksBev