Trans Woman Sues Over Photo Request

A Pennsylvania transgender woman has filed suit against her former employer, who she said requested a photograph of her genitalia as a condition of continued employment.

In 2007, Kate Lynn Blatt, 28, was employed by Manpower, Inc. a staffing services agency that placed Blatt at an aluminum products manufacturer for $10 per hour as a temporary factory worker. However, she was let go by the plant after a supervisor said she was not healthy enough to complete her job.

Shortly following her dismissal, Blatt returned to Manpower office so she could regain employment. It was at this time Irene Kudziela, a Manpower branch manager, said she needed to turn in a letter from her surgeon that documented her gender reassignment surgery along with a photograph of her genitalia, which she said will solve problems related to appropriate use of restrooms and locker rooms.