“If you think that you will continue to be a cisgender company and all that stuff, you’re mistaken” Exploring the Impact of Employment Discrimination on Individuals with Trans-life Experiences: A Case Study of the GAAT Foundation in Colombia

Abstract: This study examines the employment discrimination faced by individuals with trans-life experiences in Colombia. It explores the structural factors that contribute to their marginalization and aims to understand the impact of employment discrimination on their well-being and agency. The theoretical framework of this study is grounded in the capability approach, which places a strong emphasis on understanding and promoting opportunities, freedoms, and diverse functionings that contribute to individuals’ overall capabilities. Additionally, this study acknowledges and embraces the framework of intersectionality, recognizing the diverse range of identities that can intersect and complicate the experience of discrimination. This study employs a case study design, centering around the GAAT foundation, and applies a qualitative methodology through semi-structured interviews to gather insights and perspectives from knowledgeable informants that work on the issue. The results identify a clear need to further understand structural exclusion, as well as the lack of effective policies and their implementation. While Colombian institutions have implemented certain measures to address this matter, additional action is still needed to achieve a better integration of individuals with trans-life experiences into formal employment. This study further underscores the importance of recognizing the complexity of barriers and the significance of gender expression in society. Lastly, it emphasizes the need for concrete measures to counteract employment discrimination, such as effectively implementing laws, promoting inclusivity, and prioritizing the hiring of individuals with trans-life experiences.