Being a visible trans person will hurt my professional career
That was the feedback I received from my first job interview as a trans person.
I shared this story with a number of 2SLBGTQ+ youth, to finish my stand-up set for the Q+ Works Employment Program with the Douglas College-Training Group, and I wanted to share it today to show how visibility is a two-edged sword.
I was a 2nd year university student, who had just began openly identifying as non-binary, and I was in a career fundamentals course. The final assessment was a mock interview, but we were assured that the interviews would be as "realistic" as possible, since the school was bringing in real hiring professionals to conduct them.
I was excited. I was prepared. I went in with enthusiasm and authenticity. My answers felt great and the conversation was natural. I came out with the confidence of a job well done.
I found out a week later that I almost failed.
The feedback was very short, saying that though I was enthusiastic and well-presented, "In future interviews, I should spend less time talking about my identity".
Despite the obvious fact that he was the one choosing the interview questions, the experience was my first reminder that the "visibility" we are applauded for as marginalized peoples, so often comes as detrimental to our real material conditions.
That's why my most consistent piece of advice to queer and trans youth, is to remember that your authenticity is a gift and that, as with all gifts, not everyone deserves it.
Visibility is a constant compromise between yourself and world around you. Recognizing that has been my most valuable lesson in knowing how to protect myself when the compromise stops being worth it.
There's a quote from Jackee Kasandy from the Black Entrepreneurs & Businesses of Canada Society (BEBC) that has stayed with me from the AFIA launch event with The Forum about her experience walking into a bank as a Black woman. "First you must defend your humanity. Then you must defend your intelligence. And only then can you defend your ideas"
(My sincere apologies for incorrectly attributing this quote in the video)
I spent so much time in that job interview fighting to defend my humanity, that any space to demonstrate the quality of my character was stolen away.
The increasing rise of anti-trans violence and legislation has left this last year feeling much the same way.
So if you're looking for something to do this #transdayofvisibility, considering donating your time, money, or effort to organizations like QMUNITY or directly paying trans folks for the immense amounts of labor we undertake to educate for own survival.
Most of all, ask yourself: How do you contribute to ensuring your community is one that makes being visible worth it?
#dei #visibility #edi #equityandinclusion #transgender #transrights #2slgbtq #hiring
Senior Manager @ Davis Wright Tremaine LLP | Talent Acquisition, Outreach
1moLooking forward to seeing my old friends and making many new ones at this event!