I’m a 249 shift supervisor and today (1/26/19) I was fired without warning. I walked into the store for my shift and was basically told by my SM to not clock in and to get out. She gave me the separation form and had me sign it. I got most of the stuff out of my locker, gave her my keys, and left.

I am ftm transgender and was scheduled for top surgery in late March, using sbux’s insurance. My SM and DM fired me because they did not want to give me medical leave. I have partners who have overheard their discussions saying as much, but that was not their direct reasoning to me, or on any forms, so I do not have concrete proof.

When my SM and I had a discussion about my medical leave before I officially requested it, she insisted that I had to be back within a week. I told her that, as per my doctor, it had to be three weeks. She then tried to tell me that I couldn’t request it, because I had to do so six months in advance and that it was too late. She got very upset when I corrected her.

Everything was fine until I scheduled the consultation for my surgery. As soon as I did so, my SM started giving me write-ups for things that were blatantly false. I signed them because I was told I had no choice but to do so. This includes stuff like not cleaning the floor drains on my closes, which I always do and have witnesses too; “creating a toxic workplace environment,” but not telling me how when I asked; working off the clock when I came to visit on one of my days off; etc. She also wrote me up for creating a toxic workplace after she learned I emailed my DM about her breaking company policy. They claim to have given me a final but I do not remember signing it or seeing it at all.

Two days ago, a guy tried to come in our store before we were open. He had sent is mobile order to the incorrect store. I told him if he gave me a few minutes, I would finish putting the espresso machines back together, let him in early, and make his drinks. He said no, he would wait until we opened. I told him to show me his phone when he got back and I would make his drinks, no problem. That is what occurred. He then wrote in a complaint that I “gave him attitude and rolled my eyes.” This is what my SM used as a final straw to fire me. I honestly do not know if I rolled my eyes or not, but I was very polite to this man.

My SM has exhibited transphobic behavior since she started in July. Her sister is trans, and transitioned almost 30 years ago. My SM has derailed entire manager meetings complaining about how she doesn’t like trans people. She has continued this behavior after I have asked her to stop. I know baristas have reported this behavior to ethics and nothing became of it. She has ridden my ass about everything little thing I’ve done, while letting huge things slide if done by the other shifts. It got so bad even customers would comment on it. I did my best to take it in stride and consider it constructive criticism, but there were admittedly a few times I got fed up.

This is the SECOND store manager I have worked under who has treated me poorly because I am trans.

I’m not bad at my job. I’m not perfect, but I don’t believe I’m bad enough to get fired. Our other partners liked working with me and don’t understand what happened. Our usually customers loved me. I always did my shit and kept everything clean and organized.

I don’t know what I’m doing for my surgery now. It’s supposed to be in 59 days. I’m hoping my secondary insurance will cover it. If not, I will be out of luck. I don’t know how I’m going to find another job when I will be there for two months and then need almost a month off.

Since there’s a paper trail with the write-ups, I’m not sure what PCC will be able to do. If I call, it’s going to be my word against my SM and DM’s and I don’t like those odds.

Thank you for listening to me vent. I really loved this job, and I had a wonderful time time with this company outside of this. I will miss it greatly. I appreciate all of you.