Washington, D.C. – Today, on International Transgender Day of Visibility, the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) released Guidance Regarding Gender Identity and Inclusion in the Federal Workplace, an update to existing guidance originally released in 2015. The new guidance reflects several major changes in law and executive policy that have occurred since this guidance was first written in 2015 and updated in 2017, expands the guidance beyond workplace transition, and ensures the guidance language is inclusive of all gender identities. 

The updated guidance helps agencies create a gender inclusive environment in a number of areas, including workplace transition, confidentiality and privacy, dress and appearance standards, names and pronouns, sanitary and related facilities, and legal name changes. By providing a baseline of gender identity inclusion practices, OPM seeks to support agency compliance with non-discrimination laws and executive policies and to foster a welcoming and supportive workplace for all applicants and employees across the Federal government. 

 “As an employer, the Federal government must strive to maintain standards of equity and value the diversity of employees’ backgrounds, identities, and experiences,” said OPM Director Kiran Ahuja. “This updated guidance is aimed at achieving this goal and ensuring that Federal workplaces are safe, respectful, and productive work environments.” 

 “This updated guidance helps to foster an inclusive workplace, where Federal agencies can recruit and retain top talent that effectively delivers for the American people,” said Government-wide Chief Diversity Officer Dr. Janice Underwood. “As the nation’s largest employer, these gender inclusion practices will help us on our journey to become a model employer.” 

 Agencies are encouraged to create or update their agency-level policies on gender identity inclusion, consistent with this guidance. 

 View the updated guidance here.