Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Hey ladies,

So this is another one of my big fears about transitions, and I'm wondering if anyone else is in a similar situation.

I am in school to become a welder. A highly male dominated field where it's implied that you have to be "manly". I like what I'm doing, and I'm good at it. I'm wondering how some of you other ladies dealt with the struggles of being trans and a woman on a male dominated field?

Loves 💋❤️💋

Alora

You really need to watch the movie Flashdance (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0085549/?ref_=nv_sr_1). In any case, CiS women can be found in most any profession you can think of. The drive huge mining trucks, fly 747s, repairing cars, work in business and even running countries. If you have a profession you enjoy and do well, you may find it a bit harder to prove yourself but it's still difficult to find skilled help so once you prove yourself, you will be treasured.

Quote from: Dena on November 20, 2016, 11:29:29 AM
You really need to watch the movie Flashdance (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0085549/?ref_=nv_sr_1). In any case, CiS women can be found in most any profession you can think of. The drive huge mining trucks, fly 747s, repairing cars, work in business and even running countries. If you have a profession you enjoy and do well, you may find it a bit harder to prove yourself but it's still difficult to find skilled help so once you prove yourself, you will be treasured.

OMG I totally forgot she was a welder. I'm watching right now. Thank you so much Dena!

Loves 💋❤️💋

Attitude.. be polite... but hold your own... I am the the only female industrial tech working with 80 male mechanics.. I have had to stand my ground a few times.. but overall, it has worked out well..

The biggest problem with getting into such a field is that it provides very little opportunity for female socialization.

Quote from: Sophia Sage on November 20, 2016, 03:10:12 PM
The biggest problem with getting into such a field is that it provides very little opportunity for female socialization.

Yea that is another concern that I have. It's a good thing I like to entertain. I'll just play hostess and invite the girlfriends over for game nights and movie nights.

Quote from: Alora on November 20, 2016, 10:11:26 AM
I'm wondering how some of you other ladies dealt with the struggles of being trans and a woman on a male dominated field?

This was a good older topic found and question posed.

background - I transitioned on the job 6 years ago, I worked in a male dominated field (IT/Networking). I work for a global multinational company, with inclusive policies (HRC equality index 100 company). I did not encounter any problems transitioning on the job. I've been in this field for over 40 years, transitioning later in my career, was a breath of fresh air. I did not have to change careers, only build upon it.

One thing I encountered fairly quickly was running into "Mansplainers", you know the "know it alls" that need to impart their supreme knowledge upon you. I learned to listen more and be polite, even when facing a know it all. I also ask more questions today. I am already successful, so I don't have the personal pressure to "be all", I can actually take a step back and be deferential. I think I collaborate better today, when asked to perform team work. Being female in a my field, I've cultivated friendships with other women, that would otherwise not have happened, I value those relationships, I like to mentor other girls in my work areas and gain a personal satisfaction in helping them. I work with lot's of vendors, it's fun to get them to do all the work for you, and make them feel good about it.

C -

As for being trans that's between me and my doctor only, so no one has any insight in to my medical history. As for being a woman in tech/academia we have great support at work and the company I'm  doing my thesis at organize seminars to heighten awareness and have a active drive to get a more equal employment rate for men and woman. I guess I'm lucky to have ended up in a great company. At my Uni there is a lot of prominent woman figures and I have never even thought of being a woman at Uni. However there was one situation where I was overlooked and did not realise it before it was over, that was with fellow students and I have never had that happen again so I don't think of it as indicative of the school.

I might not be a good example of what to do but rather an example that it doesn't have to be that you face adversity in the right company regardless of gender gap.

For clarification my background is in machine learning at a tech company my department at Uni is applied Physics/mathematics and I live in Sweden

Quote from: Alora on November 20, 2016, 10:11:26 AM
Hey ladies,

So this is another one of my big fears about transitions, and I'm wondering if anyone else is in a similar situation.

I am in school to become a welder. A highly male dominated field where it's implied that you have to be "manly". I like what I'm doing, and I'm good at it. I'm wondering how some of you other ladies dealt with the struggles of being trans and a woman on a male dominated field?

Loves 💋❤️💋

Alora

If you outperform them, nobody will challenge you whatever you look like or wear.

I teach in a university here, and there is no female faculty member at my college. Sometimes my colleagues jokingly comment that I am the only female one. A few students think there is one female professor in my college.

barbie~~

I thought about starting a thread on this topic.  This is just my take and experience on the subject.  Others may have very different opinions and experiences.

The reason I think this is a worthwhile topic is that career probably is a huge concern of many that are considering transition.

I have changed jobs twice since transition.  The first new job I was invited because the hiring manager knew me.  The second one - my current job I just started a few weeks ago is the first time I was hired only known as Kim.  I am openly trans however I read a comment that it is nobody's business regarding your medical history.  True.  However it is their business what names you have used previously.  For me it was not a secret.  I told them to check Kim and Michael I kept my last name.

My take is that the difficulty on changing jobs when trans depends on several factors.
1. Your job level.  Working at a fast food place is different than being a brain surgeon.

2. The type of field.  I was in Account Management / Sales.  No real hard skills I just know how to problem solve, negotiate and handle people.  A job that is not customer facing such as a IT code writer or something with little contact outside the company would most likely be an easier move.

3. Area of the country / world.  In the US San Francisco would be easier than Little Rock AR.  I am in Mpls which is relatively progressive.

4.  Sadly your appearance.  True for everyone - more so for trans people.

It is harder but IMO it can definitely be done.

Of the 20 or so transpeople I know 4 of us including me have changed jobs post transition.  Only one of us is nearly 100% passable.  Changing jobs or careers is somewhat harder but it definitely can be done.

Of course you can be like @AlaskanDanielle and run your own business.

In my experience most people stay in their pre-transition jobs - but not everyone.  Most companies are not going to fire someone due to transition.