I think I am experienced dress code discrimination in my workplace
- i meant "experiencing" in the title, unfortunately I can't edit that
I just started my first job ever, receptionist at a hotel. It is a huge personal achievement for me because I'm suffering from intense chronic anxiety and having a job seemed impossible a few years back, but I managed to go for it thanks to the help of my amazing psychologist.
Now, at first I was excited for getting a job (as much as excitement can coexist with lingering anxiety) and I wanted this job primarily to challenge my anxiety and prove to myself that I can do it.
My employer is a very friendly and warm man and I felt comfortable in that environement in immediately.
That was until my first day of training, when I showed up in shorts and a t shirt. I didn't think anything of it, because my co worker, who is a man, dresses very casually, he wears t shirts and Bermuda shorts. Once my employer saw me, he told me that I should go home and change because my attire was inappropriate. (The shorts weren't even too short, they reached almost to my mid-thighs.)
I mean, I know my attire was kind of casual but my male coworker dresses up the same, so I thought there would be no issue.
My employer apparently thought otherwise. He told me "i know [male co worker's name] dresses casually but you're a girl and you need to wear long pants or long skirts."
I lost all the respect I had for him at that point. I am so disappointed. It is summer, it is hot, and my male coworker is allowed to walk around in Bermuda shorts while I'm required to wear long dresses or long pants.
I am angry and so so annoyed. The experience has soured now.
Tell me, am I overreacting? Am I in the wrong?
TLDR: My employer allows my male coworker to dress casually but told me I need to dress more formally because I'm a woman.