Government Sued by Transsexual Worker

[SPOKANE, WA] - A transgender government employee is suing U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft and others for job discrimination.

Tracy Nichole Sturchio, who works as a Border Patrol specialist, said she is not permitted to wear a dress to work, is denied the use of the women's bathroom and has been subjected to continual sexual harassment and workplace discrimination.

Sturchio has filed a discrimination suit in U.S. District Court in Spokane, Wash.

She names Ashcroft, Border Patrol Chief Gustavo De LaVina and Michael Garcia, commissioner of the Immigration and Naturalization Service.

Sturchio has been employed by the Border Patrol since 1991and has worked at the Spokane office as a telecommunications specialist since July 1998.

She has undergone sex reassignment surgery but her suit does not say at what point during her employment that occurred.

The lawsuit seeks $500,000 for compensatory and punitive damages, along with an unspecified amount for mental anguish and emotional distress.