7-11, Culture? That's the reason- REALLY?

If anyone noticed under FAQ I mention editorials/reviews would usually come out on Tuesday’s. There was a reason why I lumped those two together. At this point in my life I really don’t care about most of things that really “matter” on a national or global scale (stick with me a minute) Instead I care more about individuals, little things that can make our lives better and dancing.

Yes, I started with traffic in my local area but in most cases my editorials or reviews with have a little “T” slant to them. No I am not trying to remove the T from LGBT but sometimes I find that transgender concerns are just a little different than our (yes our) group.

First up, I have to admit, I have had only 3 problems since coming out and living publicly as a woman. This editorial/review will be a reflection of that fact.

Over the last year, living as a transgender woman in my area (College Park, Maryland) has been both a surprise and a wonderful experience. But let me say this upfront, I am not sure if it is like that for everyone. In a couple of instances I have realized that I have outed myself to unsuspecting people so it could be that the wonderful experience I am having leans toward some people just do not know.

So… Even after 14 months, I may not yet have the complete picture. With that said, I have come to one very conclusive conclusion; for transgender folks, that 7-11, if at all possible, is a place to avoid. Straight up, it is not because you might be harassed or your life might be in danger, nope, it’s simply because of my interaction with their corporate office.

My specific 7-11 (4921 Edgewood Rd, College Park, MD 20740 Phone # (301) 474-0380) is located just a couple of blocks from me and I have been going to that store for almost 15 years, well before I began to transition. So, those people knew me quite well. Yep, no amount of makeup, no amount of hormonal changes would ever convince those people I was anything other than (redacted-dead name).

My problem first began when I walked up to the counter to buy my usual diet soda. A very familiar face looked at me, smiled and said, “Can I help you sir?” It was not a normal, casual string of words thrown together in an attempt to help the next person in line, nope. It was 4 casual words plus one sarcastic sir placed strategically at the end.

Immediately I corrected her and moved on, I am really not the kind of person to make a big deal of things.

Same place, same employee, next encounter; yep same sarcastic, snide sir came rumbling out of her mouth, she looked so pleased that she had the inside line on me while others did not, so I answered in kind. “One second sir, I haven’t decided what I want.”

And for 2 months we exchanged those same comments until….Super Bowl Sunday. In line with umpteen million people crowding the store, with a much loader volume to her voice…You guessed it, “Can I help you SIR.”

So 2 months of this torture and I finally reached my breaking point. I emailed the corporate office, within 3 days I did get a response, “Your complaint was forward to the store manager.” Problem solved.

Oh how naïve the young Kendra was; “I was told that you had a problem with one of my employees.” The store manager said the moment he noticed I was back in his store. (Really pay attention to his non-apology) “My people, my employees are from a different culture that is the way they are. Thank you very much.” (Ok so I added the Apu sounding thank you, couldn't resist)

So, what do you think, was it an apology? Was he saying it would never happen again? Did he even fucking care?

Month three, depending on her mood and how many people were in line behind me, she would either leave off the sir or add it as if to say, “Ha, no one cares about your stupid complaint…” Fine enough. It was employee number two that really set me off, beginning to repeat what employee number one started. “Can I help you Sir?” completing it with a chuckle.

This time I pulled out my drivers license and shoved it in his face- yes all the way.

I emailed corporate again, no one cared, in a business sense I don’t blame them, and we are such a small portion of the population that my business means nothing to them

I know, I know, people will ask, why not go to a different 7-11? And I would answer “I do, most of the time but come on, its two blocks from my house.”

Some would even ask, “So do other 7-11’s treat you like that?” Nope just 4921 Edgewood Rd, College Park, MD 20740 Phone # (301) 474-0380 but that isn’t the point; it is the way their corporate office remained silent and the store manager’s non-apology that bothers me.

I offered up this review not from a customer service point of view but to inform our community (LGBTQ) how little 7-11’s corporate office cares about the small portion of the population that consider themselves transgender AND find reason to publish the telephone number of a business that thinks we are still a silent group.

So Mr. Manager of 7-11, 4921 Edgewood Rd, College Park, MD 20740 Phone # (301) 474-0380 if you get a telephone call saying “Kendra sent me…” You know why…

#711 #Review #Clock #Passing #Business