Trans Equity

by Elizabeth Riley

(The Gender Centre advise that this article may not be current and as such certain content, including but not limited to persons, contact details and dates may not apply. Where legal authority or medical related matters are cited, responsibility lies with the reader to obtain the most current relevant legal authority and/or medical publication.)

Just a reminder to readers that I am now employed as Education and Resources Coordinator at the Centre. In brief, the role involves the upgrading of all our resources to a professional standard with a comprehensive, ongoing coverage of all the issues that affect our community. It also involves providing training to a variety of organisations on issues facing transgender people. Particularly exciting is the increasing level of access to employer organisations.

I have been networking with a range of influential contacts and I am enormously optimistic that the future will see much greater equity in employment for transgenders. Responses continue to be highly positive, with many of these contacts adopting a proactive attitude towards assisting us in this case. I must confess that the genuine enthusiasm and commitment these people continue to express towards us sometimes even takes me by surprise.

Two organisations that have been highly supportive of transgender rights, O.D.E.O.P.E. and the A.B.B., have introduced me to a range of E.E.O. practitioners and Human Resources Managers in both the Public and Private Sectors. Following initial training, these people have generally been receptive to transgender employment and I am confident that as awareness is raised, more and more opportunities will emerge for this community.

However, it is also important to point out that employment opportunities will not be realised for individuals who are lacking in necessary skills. Anyone who is seriously seeking employment should make every effort to acquire those skills if they do not possess them. Consider the type of employment that interests you and enquire through T.A.F.E. or other educational institutions about courses that will appropriately upgrade your skills. It is of major importance that you make a commitment to your own future and do what is necessary to make yourself employable. If you are not competitive in the market place the job will go to someone-who is.

It is also important to note that, rightly or wrongly, any transgender who gains employment will be in the role of ambassador for all transgenders. If you are a good, committed worker then you will open the door for other transgender people. If you are not, then it is likely that the organisation employing you will close those doors.

I am seeking resumes from people committed to moving into the work force. These I will keep on a registered file with the view that when suitable positions arise you can be connected to the relevant employer. Please send professionally prepared resumes with a covering letter indicating areas of work that interest you. I will be conducting occasional workshops for those registered, looking at such areas as interview skills and presentation skills. If you have questions about this please contact me at the centre.

I believe we are entering an exciting and positive time for our community. What gains we make as a result of this lies very much in our own hands. We have been victims for a long, long time. We will stop being victims when we stand up and show the world just how capable we are. This may well be the time for a community of strong and united transgenders with attitude.

Polare is published in Australia by The Gender Centre Inc. which is funded by the Department of Community Services under the S.A.A.P. Program and supported by the N.S.W. Health Department through the AIDS and Infectious Diseases Branch. Polare provides a forum for discussion and debate on gender issues. Advertisers are advised that all advertising is their responsibility under the Trade Practices Act. Unsolicited contributions are welcome, though no guarantee is made by the Editor that they will be published, nor any discussion entered into. The editor reserves the right to edit such contributions without notification. Any submission which appears in Polare may be published on our internet site. Opinions expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect those of the Editor, The Gender Centre Inc.I, the Department of Community Services or the N.S.W. Department of Health.