Can you name transpeople who have been really successful despite people knowing they are trans? Are there any politicians or leaders who are trans? I only know actors, actresses, models and artists actually. Few athletes too. I am not saying that they aren't succesfull and inspirational (feel free to name them as well). You can mention people from any country. You can also talk about yourself and about your success. Do you feel you would have been more succesfull if you weren't trans and why?
I just started studying. It's a pretty harsh world in this field to be honest. I don't tell people I am trans but sometimes I get asked about it. I don't get misgendered anymore but some people notice that I am trans for some reason. I am really worried about my career. I think am already less respected because I am short and have a baby face even if people don't realize I am trans (or maybe they all do. Who knows?). I could get a really good job after I graduate but I am afraid that something will ruin it all.
Yeah, I feel really insecure here.
It would be nice to have someone to look up to. Someone who made it to the top despite all the challenges.
Hello,
We set ourselves up for success. Being trans creates some barriers for sure, but ask yourself this - what is success? To me success comes down to simply being real every moment of your life regardless of what you 'achieve' or not. That being said I'm a special needs teacher and doing pretty well all things considered. I offer this -
Every day is a totally awesome day
Every day provides opportunities and challenges
Every challenge leads to an opportunity
Every fear faced leads to one more strength
Every strength leads to greater success
Success leads to self esteem
Self Esteem leads to happiness.
Cherish every day.
Just be you. :) Success will follow.
I have a friend Evie that owns a tech company. She makes millions. She is the one that gave a huge hug the first time I went to a support group. She is still in the process still needing GRS scheduled for next month. She has had FFS in Marbella Spain.
Tech is a good place to establish yourself as nobody cares what you look like as long as you can code. There are many free tutorials online. You can start with the basics at Kahn Academy. If you have never programmed this is a good place to start. After getting your feet under you the is a wealth of free training. The one place I suggest is presented by MIT and a consortium of major universities such as Harvard and Stanford. These online courses are the same courses taught onsite. Some of the languages presented are C##, Python, VB, VB.NET, Ruby, Ruby on rails, Java https://ocw.mit.edu/
They issue certifications for completion which you can use to validate your resume. MIT is one of the most prestigious institutions in the US.
Salaries are in the $80 k range.
I am aware of a transgender billionaire (her startup became Sirius XM satellite radio), a transgender state senator (Virginia USA), and others. Last year I briefly met an Olympic athlete who had transitioned, someone I previously saw as a spectator at the 1976 Olympics when I had no clue how much our futures can change.
There are many ways to measure success. I believe some of the most successful people are those who spend time here - asking good questions, sharing our own discoveries, helping others. This site impacts so many at a critical time in our journey through life.
Years ago I heard the expression: if you want a fulfilling life don't ever stop learning. I appreciate that even more now.
I'm 56, and after reading this, I find myself thinking:
"What can I tell this young person to make them understand that your pile of money is not your success."
And I can't say anything. We all need to learn the lesson on our own.
Hugs, Devlyn
Quote from: DawnOday on August 26, 2018, 02:28:32 PM
I have a friend Evie that owns a tech company. She makes millions. She is the one that gave a huge hug the first time I went to a support group. She is still in the process still needing GRS scheduled for next month. She has had FFS in Marbella Spain.
Tech is a good place to establish yourself as nobody cares what you look like as long as you can code. There are many free tutorials online. You can start with the basics at Kahn Academy. If you have never programmed this is a good place to start. After getting your feet under you the is a wealth of free training. The one place I suggest is presented by MIT and a consortium of major universities such as Harvard and Stanford. These online courses are the same courses taught onsite. Some of the languages presented are C##, Python, VB, VB.NET, Ruby, Ruby on rails, Java https://ocw.mit.edu/
They issue certifications for completion which you can use to validate your resume. MIT is one of the most prestigious institutions in the US.
Salaries are in the $80 k range.
Wov, that's good to know! I hope her surgery will go well. It's so nerve wrecking to have surgery and quite difficult afterwards for awhile.
I do study and will work with technology although it's not all programming. I have some family members in that business and I know that money really moves in there. I have family members working in a nuclear plant and in other industries in high positions. Nepotism is a horrible thing but I can see I could benefit from it. I am also very willing to learn new languages and move abroads (English isn't my first language either).
Quote from: krobinson103 on August 26, 2018, 02:27:39 PM
Hello,
We set ourselves up for success. Being trans creates some barriers for sure, but ask yourself this - what is success? To me success comes down to simply being real every moment of your life regardless of what you 'achieve' or not. That being said I'm a special needs teacher and doing pretty well all things considered. I offer this -
Every day is a totally awesome day
Every day provides opportunities and challenges
Every challenge leads to an opportunity
Every fear faced leads to one more strength
Every strength leads to greater success
Success leads to self esteem
Self Esteem leads to happiness.
Cherish every day.
Just be you. :) Success will follow.
I might have shed few tears when I read what you wrote about fear. I always feel like everybody looks down on me and thinks I am ridiculous and basically someone nobody wants around. I don't have a single person I trust. It's scary to be honest.
I have two different wievs on success. The first one is that you feel like you did pretty ok when you die and get to go peacefully. The other one is that you make a difference in this world and made others' lives better. Some people who acchieved that never get to feel satisfied. Some died horribly and only got the gredit later although some have acchieved both of those things.
I have never appreciated money much but I have a change to get a job that pays really well in the future. I could help my family a lot and do stuff to help others. I got this change because somebody thought I got potential. It feels strange because I am used to basically just being ridiculed. I really don't want to mess this up but I admit I am so afraid it's hard to go outside and live my life.
I admire courage in people. Some of the bravest people I know live in poverty. Most of the outwards success seem to be luck. It was pure luck that I got this chance.
Quote"What can I tell this young person to make them understand that your pile of money is not your success."
And I can't say anything. We all need to learn the lesson on our own.
Well Devlyn this pile of money can be great tool that can solve few issues haha :D It isn't success but it definitely helps a lot :D
Quote from: Vesh on August 26, 2018, 03:27:47 PM
Well Devlyn this pile of money can be great tool that can solve few issues haha :D It isn't success but it definitely helps a lot :D
At your age, I still thought that, too. You'll learn there are much more important things than money. Try spending your way out of cancer.
Hugs, Devlyn
Money does not equal success.
Quote from: Devlyn on August 26, 2018, 03:23:28 PM
I'm 56, and after reading this, I find myself thinking:
"What can I tell this young person to make them understand that your pile of money is not your success."
And I can't say anything. We all need to learn the lesson on our own.
Hugs, Devlyn
Aww, I would never judge anyones success based on how much they made money. Except for myself I guess. I am really afraid of what will happen to social security in my country. Old people aren't treated well here quite often and I am afraid it will happen to my parents unless I have money to take care of them. And I have more than two because I also consider my step dad as my parent and to be honest I am so soft I wouldn't deny any support from my evil step mother if she came to me and asked for help. My siblings can't provide that to them. I also take care of my sister. I might have to take care of all my siblings some day.
I am afraid of the future. I don't trust the politicians and I think I should graduate as fast as I can and practically make money so I can keep my family safe.
Money just brings security. Being poor is tough. I have been there. I am still here. It sucks. I wish I can make a difference for my family.
Hi Pogotractor,
Have you had a look through Llyn Conway's website.? I think the heading is Transsexual Successes. There are many successful transwomen and transmen there. I found it a good place to pick up threads to follow through.
Hoping you become successful by the way,
Kirsten.
Sent from my SM-G930F using T
My modest contribution is my version of success. No, I don't have a pile of money but I own my home and I have provided for my retirement. After my transition I was about $10,000 in debt and I was able to dig my self out of the hole, paying off all I owed. As long as your needs are cared for, is it really necessary to have more?
I consider myself pretty successful. It all depends on how you measure success.
I wanted to fly airplanes, so I joined the Air Force, learned, and got good at it. Then I wanted a civilian career, so I got into IT and got good at that. I wanted to semi-retire at age 45, so I did, and continued in IT part-time to keep body and soul together. I wanted to live in a hippie paradise, and I did. I wanted to marry an intelligent woman with strong moral character, and I did. I wanted to serve my community, so I became a volunteer firefighter.
When I realized that what I had really wanted all along was to transition, I did that too. I wanted to be my real self, without having to hide, and now I am doing that every day.
When I was a little kid, I wanted to be three things: a pilot, a firefighter, and a girl. I got to do all three in one lifetime.
I have never been rich, and I never will be, but that's not what success is about. Success is about being the best you can be: setting goals and meeting them; being real. Being real is the most difficult, but the most rewarding measure of success.
@Pogotractor I am in agreement with many of the other comments on this thread from other members.
Unless you are seeking to follow the purported "success" of celebrities or famous rich people that are transgender, you really don't have to look very far to see success that can be found right here on the forums with transgender members that have been successful so far in their transition journey as the continue on toward their goals ... and many here have reached their goals... and living their lives as they are now, happy and contributing members of society, successful and inspirational in their own right.
Many members here are living successful transgender lives right now, not many of them here may be rich and famous but that does not define success... nor does it define happiness.
I hope that this helps to answer your inquiry.
Hugs,
Danielle
I think it depends on how one defines success; my definition of success is happiness, and being able to share time with the people I love. There are many people who have a great deal of material things, all the money they could ever hope for, etc., and they are still not happy. I listen to a podcast that is hosted by two trans women, and in one of the broadcasts I was listening to, one of the hosts mentioned that she met another trans woman at an airport while she was traveling, and the first thing her co-host asked was if she seemed successful? My personal thought would be to ask if she seemed happy?
If we choose to look at it from a different perspective, here's what people view as their failings in life.
https://www.thedailypositive.com/top-10-regrets-dying/
what do you mean by success?
for me it's as simple as being happy, I'm not successful yet, but I'm getting there.
I'm a trans man, and I'd say I'm successful. I am an NICU nurse. Witnessing brand new eyes open for the first time, and weary ones close for the last time. It means celebrating over-flowing joys, and soul-crushing sorrow. Holding tiny hands, and full-grown hands as well. It means becoming inextricably intertwined in babies' and families' lives, and there is no better profession.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Success for me is not related to money (although its nice).
It's knowing I'm loved. And that I can love in return.
Quote from: Devlyn on August 26, 2018, 03:23:28 PM
I'm 56, and after reading this, I find myself thinking:
"What can I tell this young person to make them understand that your pile of money is not your success."
And I can't say anything. We all need to learn the lesson on our own.
Hugs, Devlyn
The OP doesn't mention money, it talks about career success in fields other than entertainment. Having a successful career (or just having a job at all that so you can pay for your basic needs) is different than simply hoarding money.
In the OP's specific case, he seems to be worried more about being able to obtain fulfilling employment and earning the respect of his peers than making money.
Hi,
I know a few successful lawyers, scientists, programmers and engineers.(non-binary, MTF and FTM).
However, it's about being happy. I know many of those as well..
Hugs,
Jen
You mean besides me?
I haven't lost a single friend or client since coming out, I've made lots of new friends and seen a lot of existing friendships deepened and strengthened by my transitioning and coming out.
That is how I measure success. Take care of your relationships and all else will follow.
Hugs, Carly
Quote from: Pogotractor on August 26, 2018, 02:00:09 PM
Can you name transpeople who have been really successful despite people knowing they are trans? Are there any politicians or leaders who are trans? I only know actors, actresses, models and artists actually. Few athletes too. I am not saying that they aren't succesfull and inspirational (feel free to name them as well). You can mention people from any country. You can also talk about yourself and about your success. Do you feel you would have been more succesfull if you weren't trans and why?
I just started studying. It's a pretty harsh world in this field to be honest. I don't tell people I am trans but sometimes I get asked about it. I don't get misgendered anymore but some people notice that I am trans for some reason. I am really worried about my career. I think am already less respected because I am short and have a baby face even if people don't realize I am trans (or maybe they all do. Who knows?). I could get a really good job after I graduate but I am afraid that something will ruin it all.
Yeah, I feel really insecure here.
It would be nice to have someone to look up to. Someone who made it to the top despite all the challenges.
My performance at workplace and home did matter, and trans* issue was trivial. I teach in a university here in S. Korea with a tenure position.
Barbie~~
나의 SM-G950N 의 Tapatalk에서 보냄
I founded a tech company and employ about 10 full time people and growing. I've also been mulling over running for Congress in 2020. I live in a progressive state with anti discrimination laws I'd like to see implemented on a national level. I think it's time we get some representation in Congress. My district has a misogamist anti LGBT rep who needs to be unseated.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Quote from: Lucca on August 26, 2018, 10:34:27 PMQuote from: Devlyn on August 26, 2018, 03:23:28 PM
I'm 56, and after reading this, I find myself thinking:
"What can I tell this young person to make them understand that your pile of money is not your success."
And I can't say anything. We all need to learn the lesson on our own.
Hugs, Devlyn
The OP doesn't mention money, it talks about career success in fields other than entertainment. Having a successful career (or just having a job at all that so you can pay for your basic needs) is different than simply hoarding money.
In the OP's specific case, he seems to be worried more about being able to obtain fulfilling employment and earning the respect of his peers than making money.
And your advice to the OP is?
I hold to the idea that success is not measured by position, wealth, fame, number of goats or cattle that one has, etc...
As I have stated in some of my other posts on various threads here on the Forums,
I measure my own success by my personal and lasting HAPPINESS
and I am indeed a HAPPY CAMPER !!!!
There are lots of definitions of being a successful person...
....transgender or not, the definition is exactly the same.
Achievement of an action within a specified period of time or within a specified parameter.
Success can also mean completing an objective or reaching a goal.
Accomplishing a desired aim or result.
Someone who is successful achieves what they intended to achieve.
Now, about successful transgender persons.... the bottom line is did they achieve their successful transition and are they now living in their "new" true to themselves identify now. If they achieved that personal life goal they are indeed a successful transgender persons.
The above is just my opinion, based on my own experiences.... that is all.
Danielle
Tips for success...Setting and achieving goals, preparation, planning, education, research, determination, persistence, being a big picture thinker, learning and moving forward from failures (you have the attitude that nothing will stop you from bouncing back and achieving what you have envisioned for yourself, so you learn and grow), networking, keeping a positive can do attitude, enjoying what you do, taking calculated risks, etc. are some of the key attributes of successful people. Another thing that is helpful is to have positive role models to learn from.
@MissyMay2.0 Exactly correct, thank you for posting that list of success attributes.
Much of that can be found in one of my threads...
"
Positive Mindset... put away negativity" (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,238255.0.html)
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on all of this.
Hugs,
Danielle
Quote from: MissyMay2.0 on August 27, 2018, 12:34:03 PM
Tips for success...Setting and achieving goals, preparation, planning, education, research, determination, persistence, learning and moving forward from failures (you have the attitude that nothing will stop you from bouncing back and achieving what you have envisioned for yourself, so you learn and grow), networking, keeping a positive can do attitude, enjoying what you do, taking calculated risks, etc. are some of the key attributes of successful people. Another thing that is helpful is to have positive role models to learn from.
Quote from: Devlyn on August 27, 2018, 06:58:17 AM
And your advice to the OP is?
Hmm... Maybe that came out more more pointed than I wanted. My point is, I've lived in an economically depressed area before, and had a lot of friends whose ability to obtain happiness and success was hampered by the fact that they lived just above the poverty level. The best higher education they could afford was the worst community college in the state, they could barely afford the equipment they needed to participate in their classes, and they couldn't afford to move out of the surrounding area, where both healthcare and law enforcement were of poor quality.
As a result, I've come to view the old "money can't buy happiness" adage with a grain of salt. It's true that an excess of money doesn't make someone happy, but having a certain basic amount helps a lot. Given that a common problem that trans people have is difficulty finding or keeping a job due to discrimination, I don't think that the advice "success isn't measured by money" is all that useful in this context.
Quote from: Lucca on August 27, 2018, 01:03:39 PM
Hmm... Maybe that came out more more pointed than I wanted. My point is, I've lived in an economically depressed area before, and had a lot of friends whose ability to obtain happiness and success was hampered by the fact that they lived just above the poverty level. The best higher education they could afford was the worst community college in the state, they could barely afford the equipment they needed to participate in their classes, and they couldn't afford to move out of the surrounding area, where both healthcare and law enforcement were of poor quality.
As a result, I've come to view the old "money can't buy happiness" adage with a grain of salt. It's true that an excess of money doesn't make someone happy, but having a certain basic amount helps a lot. Given that a common problem that trans people have is difficulty finding or keeping a job due to discrimination, I don't think that the advice "success isn't measured by money" is all that useful in this context.
@Lucca So very true... money is essential to live in our society and it is important to realize that an
excess is not needed to enjoy life, be successful, and to be happy.
Just as long as we can pay our bills, put food on our table, have a roof over our head and perhaps enjoy just a few luxuries we can indeed live a happy life. What is more important in living successful lives is the
other lives that we touch with our kindness, friendship, encouragement, charity, and support as we are able to provide. The old biblical saying of
"It is more blessed to give that to receive" is the operative phrase for all of this.
Being successful means being HAPPY in our life.Just my opinion, that is all.
Danielle
While I can't name them without outing both myself and them, I know of two.
One (MtF) is very high up in a fortune 50 tech company, like 2 or 3 steps from the CEO and helping direct future R&D efforts in a "strategic planning" like role before they even finished college. They aren't out about being trans and actively try to hide/suppress it, though some people do kind-of figure it out on their own.
Another I worked with a while back at a different tech company (also fortune 50) (MtF as well) transitioned while in their role, it was in a manufacturing R&D job doing supply chain management (working with outside suppliers, so a public face). They had zero issues from transitioning in their job, married a cis-male co-worker they started dating post transition. They managed their group, and were an absolute pleasure to work with. While there was some chatter/gossip about it while I worked there (water-cooler talk) no one doubted their current gender and especially not their capability professionally.
Quote from: Devlyn on August 26, 2018, 03:23:28 PM
I'm 56, and after reading this, I find myself thinking:
"What can I tell this young person to make them understand that your pile of money is not your success."
And I can't say anything. We all need to learn the lesson on our own.
Hugs, Devlyn
THIS!!! I learned this and it was a hard lesson! Sure money can help sometimes but it can bring more problems than it solves. My boss for example is a very lonely socio-path who is a multi millionaire and very ruthless in business but lives alone in a huge mansion.
Having said that, the only other trans person I know of that's had more than a modicum of success in her career is Fay Presto (look her up on google). She's a friend of a good friend of mine in the entertainment industry. ;D
That's not to say I don't know many trans people that are successful, it's just that I don't know many trans people at all!! ;)
Quote from: MissyMay2.0 on August 27, 2018, 12:34:03 PM
Tips for success...Setting and achieving goals, preparation, planning, education, research, determination, persistence, being a big picture thinker, learning and moving forward from failures (you have the attitude that nothing will stop you from bouncing back and achieving what you have envisioned for yourself, so you learn and grow), networking, keeping a positive can do attitude, enjoying what you do, taking calculated risks, etc. are some of the key attributes of successful people. Another thing that is helpful is to have positive role models to learn from.
Indeed. You summarized so well. I add just one thing: regular exercise. Running outdoors has kept me in strong mentality and positive attitude to myself and other people. Sometimes hard and depressing moments come, but exercise helps me overcome them.
Recently I started biking, but I fell down while shifting to the sidewalk from the street, damaging a part of the bike. But I managed to finish riding around my hometown, an island. The bike is now under repair. I think I have overcome two things in this case.
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1899/44325931291_cdb16479ff_c.jpg)
barbie~~
I really don't think being trans (or being cis) decides if you can become successful or not. Becoming successful in life is difficult for anyone. But also, what constitutes as success is not the same for everyone. I'd consider any person who lives a happy life that they're satisfied with to be successful, whether they're a politician or a baker, married or single, have kids or no kids, live in an apartment or a big fancy house, etc. So yeah, I could list a lot of successful trans people.
Back in my transition I was the most inspired by Buck Angel, because that's the field of work that I personally want to succeed in, but that's not gonna be everyone's cup of tea. It's not his fame or his wallet size I strive for, but his passion for life and managing it well with that career. Luckily for me, that kind of field has a place for all sorts of body types, trans and cis, so why not also detrans. I can't see why not. But in no way do I expect it to be an easy road getting there.
I don't think I have much of an upper hand for being cis, considering my transition history and the detransition journey ahead of me. I'm an unconventional woman now. At this point I do not consider myself successful in any way. In fact I consider myself kinda exceptionally unlucky in life. It's been rough, and it continues to be. But I know I have the potential to succeed in life just like everyone else.
What success looks like for me I'm not sure yet, but I think it's something along the lines of finding love, becoming independent enough to feel "I got a good hang of things now", living in a decent place I don't hate (maybe suburbs of a big city), being able to make my own money even if it's not a lot, doing things I love doing, being inspirational to others, just enjoying life and feeling alright with myself. I do not want kids at any point, just a loving partner of unknown/either gender, and cats. My career of choice is really not about money, but about doing something I feel passionate about and that I think would be meaningful for me. That it comes with a huge amount of social stigma and legal complications doesn't and won't stop me. And that's how I know I can do it.
My advice to you (OP) is: stop comparing yourself to others, find your own strength and fire within yourself and don't stop trying. I know it's easier said than done, but absolutely possible. I know it's a cliché, but just believing it's possible will get you far.