To think that non-binary candidates are more unlikely to be offered a job?

[GinnyPiggie]

I have a non-binary child in their twenties and they are really struggling to secure work.

It might be unfair of me, but I really think that in presenting themselves as non-binary, they are going to struggle to be offered a job with the vast majority of employers. Yes this might be pure discrimination but personally I'd be worried about HR issues and getting sued for saying the wrong thing.

AIBU to think that if you have a range of good candidates, you are going to be reluctant to hire a non-binary candidate because of the potential for issues in the office?

Why would potential employers even be aware?

The fact that they're aware...well it's suggestive that your child is focusing on the wrong thing in their application and/or interview. So hardly surprising really.

I won’t entertain anyone who could be divisive or polarising in their opinions or appearance. We’re a medium sized firm. We are just too small to deal with any drama that may occur as a result of someone being upset about being misgendered.

This also extends to anyone who appears to have participated in left wing political activism. We just cannot accommodate the constantly offended.

Depends how they present it at interview I reckon. Androgynous appearance makes no odds at my place of work, but wanging on about yourself and your requirements would be a no-no.

I work in a large corporate environment and we are ALL about diversity and have trans and NB employees. It wouldn’t be any barrier to recruitment in itself.

If someone spent time in an interview talking about gender identity rather than the skills and experience required, they wouldn’t get the job. But if they were professional and just included NB pronouns on their personal information as appropriate and dressed an appropriate way, then it would have no bearing on the decision.

Literally everyone has a pronoun preference attached to them, they are a basic function of grammar

No, the basic function of pronouns in grammar is as a convenient shorthand to be used instead of repetition of the proper noun. As soon as they're a 'preference' which everyone has to remember rather than using automatically they're no longer properly serving their grammatical purpose.

They present as non-binary by saying "Hello my name is <male name> and my pronouns are 'they/them'" (They are a natal female.)

If they’ve made being non binary their personality then it’s not just a job they’ll struggle with, it’s all walks of life where people refuse to be bullied into pretending someone doesn’t have a sex.

So in reality, as this thread shows, there are people with open biases (and unconscious biases) who are in charge of hiring people. It is very sad but true. However, if they decide not to hire on the basis of being non-binary, then they would probably be a terrible employer to work for anyway.

I have a number of non-binary friends, they are all employed. It may be the type of role they are applying for, or how they interview. But any decent employer will not care.

And they’ll definitely have a hard time with life if they’re going about stating their pronouns. Nobody needs to hear them, they have no relevance or space in the workplace.

Does that apply to all minorities, or just transgender people?

In that scenario I don't understand a need to state pronouns. The interviewers will be talking to them, not about them, in the interview so no pronouns needed. It just comes across as a bit attention seeking/unnecessary to me

My DD has a non binary friend who is openly so. She has been offered good jobs at major public institutions. It may be different in the private sector.

I find most non binary people I have met to be major narcissists.

I knew I would immediately hate this thread. It literally costs you nothing to be polite. If you can remember someone's name, you can deal with their pronouns. Otherwise you are purposefully being an arse. If it hurts your psyche so much, just use their name.

@GinnyPiggie so your child is getting to the interview, face to face stage with no issues but then not getting anywhere after that? What sort of roles is your child applying for?

What is a non-binary child OP?

Is it what we’d have called gender non-conforming or rather not have needed to notice or point out any difference back in the day? People just being themselves.

Obviously if you’re a self-obsessed irritating individual then you’re not as likely to be selected for interview.

Honestly yes. People are scared of 'getting it wrong' and being sued - ie misgendering. Trans people are also, rightly or wrongly, seen as easily offended and awkward by a lot of people.

I think this video generally explains the employer view (unless it’s a very left leaning employer): https://youtube.com/shorts/RDoylng7vgU?si=ZT2e6xziuBosUVdOthat

Why do they need to introduce their pronouns at an interview? The interviewers aren’t going to be using the pronouns in the interview. I think they need to focus on talking about the job. I do think that’s an odd opening line.

This.

Yeah, I'm in charge of hiring at my place and really avoid these types. Nothing but trouble imo

Anyone with pronouns also gets binned.

I think you have to bear in mind that so many young people are struggling to get jobs. Have a look at the boards on here - there are constantly posts about it.

But yes, I’m sure there are employers who would put them in the “too hard/too likely to cause issues” pile. Which isn’t to say that’s right, its just answering your question. Having a really strong story to tell about working in a team, supporting others, etc, might be a good way to counter that.

They present as non-binary by saying "Hello my name is <male name> and my pronouns are 'they/them'" (They are a natal female.)

I'd just say 'Hi, I'm Bob, I'm here for the interview'.

Yes, they are discriminated against. Good employers are trans-friendly, and they are the best companies to apply for if you are transgender / non-binary.

That's the issue.
Just say 'My name is'

No-one cares about their pronouns and that introduction would really put me off.

If they are announcing their pronouns on meeting potential employers, then yes, it will affect job prospects. I wouldn’t hire anyone who insisted I deny the truth right before my eyes.