Manageri-Ally Handled

I’m trans, and while I’m still early in my transition, it’s obvious something’s going on. While I still have a relatively feminine facial shape, I have facial hair and a deep voice. My manager and coworkers are super supportive of me, so I’m not too worried. A customer comes up and gives me a weird look. I’m used to this, so I don’t think much about it until I start talking.

Me: “Did you find—”

Customer: “—You’re a f****** [slur for trans people]!”

My manager IMMEDIATELY comes over, puts his purchases in the go-backs, and clears the register of everything I’ve scanned. The man looks shocked.

Customer: “Hey! I’m a paying customer!”

Manager: “You’re a bigot, that’s what you are. He’s one of my best workers, regardless of what names you call him. If you can’t give him basic respect, you can shop somewhere else.”

Customer: “Well, I’ll tell my friends to shop elsewhere, then!”

Manager: “If they’re bigots like you? I can afford that loss.”

The customer left. My manager made sure I was okay before reassuring me she’d deal with any potential complaint to corporate. This is why I love my job.