Community Conversation => Transgender talk => Topic started by: ThePhoenix on April 06, 2015, 01:02:47 PM Return to Full Version
Title: Time to move on . . . .
Post by: ThePhoenix on April 06, 2015, 01:02:47 PM
Post by: ThePhoenix on April 06, 2015, 01:02:47 PM
As some will already know, I have been fighting one heck of a battle against unemployment. I lost my job as a lawyer for being trans* back in June 2012. I found that it was impossible for me to find other employment, at least in this part of the country, for the same reason. I've heard lots of bizarre excuses. I even had one LGBT focused employer tell me they needed someone who was more familiar than me with laws that I helped to write.
In March of last year, I received an offer for a job as a U.S. diplomat. Since then, I've been trying to get permission to actually start work. And last week, permission was granted. I start at the beginning of next month. I am fairly sure this marks the first time that the U.S. government has ever hired an openly trans* diplomat in any of its foreign affairs agencies. (There is one other one right now who came out after around ten years of service).
I plan on getting really, really quiet about trans* issues and going to ground as much as I can to protect myself. Many parts of the world are much more dangerous for trans* people than the U.S. And there are other obvious dangers as well. So I expect this marks the end of my trans* advocacy career as well. I will be turning over the reins of my current groups, Maryland Trans*Unity and Montgomery County's working group, at the end of the month.
That's bittersweet. Much of the work I've done has been among the best work of my life. And things like the meetings I've had with foreign delegations, the work on federal employee health benefits, state level lobbying, and especially the support work may never come around again. And many other things besides.
Anyway, I'm not leaving here, although you may notice that I'm not around as much because my mind has shifted its attention to getting ready. But I did want to share the news that my life is moving on. I have worked incredibly hard for this. Now my next mission is trying not to screw it up. :)
Angie
In March of last year, I received an offer for a job as a U.S. diplomat. Since then, I've been trying to get permission to actually start work. And last week, permission was granted. I start at the beginning of next month. I am fairly sure this marks the first time that the U.S. government has ever hired an openly trans* diplomat in any of its foreign affairs agencies. (There is one other one right now who came out after around ten years of service).
I plan on getting really, really quiet about trans* issues and going to ground as much as I can to protect myself. Many parts of the world are much more dangerous for trans* people than the U.S. And there are other obvious dangers as well. So I expect this marks the end of my trans* advocacy career as well. I will be turning over the reins of my current groups, Maryland Trans*Unity and Montgomery County's working group, at the end of the month.
That's bittersweet. Much of the work I've done has been among the best work of my life. And things like the meetings I've had with foreign delegations, the work on federal employee health benefits, state level lobbying, and especially the support work may never come around again. And many other things besides.
Anyway, I'm not leaving here, although you may notice that I'm not around as much because my mind has shifted its attention to getting ready. But I did want to share the news that my life is moving on. I have worked incredibly hard for this. Now my next mission is trying not to screw it up. :)
Angie
Title: Re: Time to move on . . . .
Post by: Laura_7 on April 06, 2015, 01:23:19 PM
Post by: Laura_7 on April 06, 2015, 01:23:19 PM
Congrats.
Trans people have often been intermediaries in other cultures due to many of them having the abilities to understand different viewpoints.
hugs
Trans people have often been intermediaries in other cultures due to many of them having the abilities to understand different viewpoints.
hugs
Title: Re: Time to move on . . . .
Post by: Ms Grace on April 06, 2015, 01:34:04 PM
Post by: Ms Grace on April 06, 2015, 01:34:04 PM
Good luck in your new job. I hope your activism can continue in other more subtle and diplomatic ways!
Title: Re: Time to move on . . . .
Post by: Mariah on April 06, 2015, 02:46:52 PM
Post by: Mariah on April 06, 2015, 02:46:52 PM
Congrats and good luck with the new job.
Mariah
Mariah
Title: Re: Time to move on . . . .
Post by: gennee on April 06, 2015, 02:50:17 PM
Post by: gennee on April 06, 2015, 02:50:17 PM
The best to you on your new venture, Angie. You never know but maybe opportunities to be an advocate for trans rights may come up, you never know.
:)
:)
Title: Re: Time to move on . . . .
Post by: Rachel on April 06, 2015, 03:15:25 PM
Post by: Rachel on April 06, 2015, 03:15:25 PM
Congratulations, I am very happy for you.
Thank you for your service for out country and the trans community.
Thank you for your service for out country and the trans community.
Title: Re: Time to move on . . . .
Post by: LoriLorenz on April 06, 2015, 06:00:02 PM
Post by: LoriLorenz on April 06, 2015, 06:00:02 PM
Best of luck on your new endeavour.
Title: Re: Time to move on . . . .
Post by: suzifrommd on April 06, 2015, 07:38:58 PM
Post by: suzifrommd on April 06, 2015, 07:38:58 PM
Do us proud!
Title: Re: Time to move on . . . .
Post by: marsh monster on April 06, 2015, 08:12:47 PM
Post by: marsh monster on April 06, 2015, 08:12:47 PM
Congrats again! :)
Title: Re: Time to move on . . . .
Post by: ImagineKate on April 06, 2015, 08:13:30 PM
Post by: ImagineKate on April 06, 2015, 08:13:30 PM
Congrats Angie! You are the most important thing in your life. I hope you are successful.
Title: Re: Time to move on . . . .
Post by: JLT1 on April 06, 2015, 09:01:16 PM
Post by: JLT1 on April 06, 2015, 09:01:16 PM
There is a time for everything. This is a time for you. This is a good thing.
Love and Hugs,
Jen
Love and Hugs,
Jen
Title: Re: Time to move on . . . .
Post by: stephaniec on April 06, 2015, 09:47:03 PM
Post by: stephaniec on April 06, 2015, 09:47:03 PM
congrats and good luck and say hi to President Obama for me and Hillary