Trans people have a harder time getting jobs and often earn less than others, according to a new study.
It has been virtually impossible for me to get a job, says Lea Larsson.
According to a new study from Jönköping University, over 900 trans people in Sweden who changed their legal gender between 2013 and 2020 were studied in population register data. They were then compared to non-trans people with the same level of education.
And according to the study, three out of five trans people are unemployed. It is mainly trans women who have it harder, especially after they have changed their legal gender.
Lea Larsson has experienced major problems getting a job as a trans person.
Even if I apply for jobs where I have exactly the experiences required and am overqualified, it doesn't work.
So I'm really worried about my pension. I don't know how I'll survive, to be honest.
Got fired
Currently, she freelances as a musician and sound engineer, among other things. And is also a board member of RFSL. She believes it became harder to get a job – after she became more open about being a trans person.
Sometimes, employers have even said: We googled you and we don't think you'll fit in with the team here.
She has even considered changing her name to make it easier to get a job. In addition to difficulties in job hunting, she has also experienced harassment in the workplace.
I've been fired for completely unreasonable reasons several times. And I've also received derogatory comments about my appearance, continues Lea Larsson.
Trans men earn less
The study also shows that trans men earn less than others. They are estimated to have nearly 35 per cent lower work income.
But according to the study, trans women do not have the same problem.
Trans women have lower employment rates. But those who have a job tend to have higher work income, says Erwan Dujeancourt, researcher in economics at Jönköping University.
They could also see that the level of education differs between trans people and non-trans people.
Trans people have fewer upper secondary school diplomas, says Erwan Dujeancourt.
One reason why trans people have a harder time getting jobs, Lea Larsson believes, may be due to fear among employers.
Managers may know that I would do a top job. But they choose not to expose me to it, due to the work environment. So they may do it out of empathy and consideration, but it backfires.
