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About Just out. (Portland, OR) 1983-2013 | View Entire Issue (March 2, 2007)
northwest Building a History Transgender conference takes on the work force by West Duncan T ransitioning to a new job is difficult enough without any other complications involved. With the pressure of a new livelihood on the line, this gets even harder when also making another life transition—that of gender identity. To help with this compounded problem, the Portland Human Rights Campaign’s Emerging Communities committee is holding the first-ever Trans Employment Conference on March 10 at Q Center. With panel discussions and workshops, the forum will create dialogue about issues facing the transgender community—and what to tell employers when they say, “Huh?” One of transgender people’s biggest enemies in their present lives and new jobs can be their past. Coming back to haunt them in the form of differ ent pronouns on a resume or some confusion when talking to a reference, history can sometimes be best left alone. “If you want to keep your transition quiet, it’s really hard to do (in the workplace],” said Brenda Smith, co-chairwoman for HRC’s Emerging Communities committee. “We sat down last July and decided that we needed to address a trans town hall. Instead, it steered in this direction because this just seemed more pressing.” Linda Brown, 55, knows all about moving through jobs while keeping her transition quiet. > Identifying as a heterosexual cross-dresser, she I accommodate. It is through remained in the closet for 45 years. She now has conferences like the Trans the support it takes to walk among the work force Employment Conference with confidence. that the discussions of how Not only is Brown the owner of a business and to manage even the simple happily married, she also acts as the public relations question of bathroom director for Northwest Gender Alliance and a per etiquette can occur. sonal advocate for making the workplace a comfort The group also hopes to able environment for gender-variant people. A social dispel myths that identify support network for transsexual and transgender ing as transgender or trans people, the alliance provides many resources for an sexual equates to “gender underrepresented community. dysphoria." With this being “I’m kind of a success story,” she said. “When a commonly held belief I was coming out, I met people who transitioned among many in positions of Linda Brown (right) and Sheryl Weiller helped organize a conference and lost everything. You basically become reborn power, the glass ceiling gets to make the work force more comfortable for transgender people. and therefore have no history.” a little thicker for those Building group discussions around common fears trying to break through it. Through the efforts of people lil^e Smith and and concerns, Brown and the HRC committee are “Sometimes people say you’re crazy if you want Brown, Portland continues to earn its reputation helping make it easier to face a new challenge head to transition. You’re not crazy—you’re a totally for being a friendly place for those exploring the on. Covering tips for résumé writing, dress codes and viable, skilled human being,” said Brown. city and themselves. helpful people to know, the group will frankly This conference is hopefully one of many to Q Center hosts the T rans EMPLOYMENT address what is typically a closed-door topic. come for Portland communities that embraces the CONFERENCE from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 10 “1 think that there needs to be more communica struggle of progress. One discussion at a time, tion between the trans community and businesses. Brown knows that a shift of consciousness among at 69 S.E. Taylor St. The event includes panel discussions and lunch. Call 503-381 -9478 to register We really need to create more understanding through employers will come with a shift in legislation. education,” said Smith. “Sometimes it’s hard to get people to advocate for or for more information. As with many alternative lifestyles, the experi their own self-interests,” she said. “What people don’t Portland freelance writer WEST DUNCAN can be ence of the trans community still has yet to become realize is that Oregon legislation is so important reached at WestofAMinorQyahoo.com. something all business owners and leaders can because it directly includes transgender equality.” StejratOiUiS <& Oceaitlh (Ca&es Wrongful Death • Medical Malpractice • Serious Accidents • Brain Injuries Trucking Accidents • Spinal Cord Injuries • Nursing Home Abuse • Therapist Malpractice % Over 17 Years Experience • Top “AV” Rating Proudly serving our community since 1989 Free Consultation 503-295-1940 *800-795-8945 www.goreslaw.com Hala J. Gores, Attorney Holding Insurance Companies Accountable > I
