| HR Director: ‘Center Allows Me to Blossom’ |
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the Center |
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“Before transitioning, I led a double life,” says Sharon May Reese, the Center’s director of human resources.
“During my years as an HR consultant, I traveled often. I’d pack two bags—one for male stuff, one for female stuff. One day, waiting for my plane to take off, I yelled, ‘I can’t do this anymore!’
With support from my partner, Annie, and my son, I transitioned from male to female.
Recently, it was time for another transition—from consulting to full-time work.
I knew transgender people often face discrimination—which is why the Center has a Transgender Job Placement Program—but during my job search, I experienced it firsthand, not just as something on a spreadsheet.
Then I saw this position on a national HR job board. Awed by |
Sharon Reese, the Center's director of human resources, says she feels "refreshed and energized" working at the Center.
the Center’s work, I was eager to take on a role where I could make a measurable difference.
Now that I’m here, I’m refreshed, empowered and energized.
My partner says I’m blossoming, and that’s exactly how I feel.” |
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With legally recognized marriage now a reality, many gay and lesbian couples must consider whether the time is right for them to tie the knot. Part of that decision-making process is looking at what marriage means from a legal standpoint.
“I’m heartened our community |
wants to learn before jumping in,” says attorney Chris Wilson, one of the instructors of the Learning Curve class “I Do, Don’t I?”
The class scope has expanded now that marriage and domestic partnerships are both options for California’s same-sex couples.
Wilson notes that it’s important to know the legal consequences of marriage before exchanging rings.
If you’re considering marriage or want to learn about how marriage and domestic partnerships differ, “I Do, Don’t I?” can help you educate yourself before you get hitched.
Click here for information about the session on Wednesday, July 16. |
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Anyone questioning their “female” identity needs information, and reliable sources are hard to find. Many transgender men feel isolated and alone.
The Center’s FT? Coming Out Support Group helps those on the female-to-male transgender continuum, who are questioning gender or starting to transition, gather information and meet others like them.
Topics of discussion may include: coming out; relationships with family, friends and partners; decisions regarding hormone therapy or surgery; workplace concerns; name changes and the use of pronouns; and accessing support within the transgender community. |
“We explore various facets of transitioning and coming out
social, psychological, physical, emotional and spiritual,” says co-facilitator Alexander Yoo, President of GenderQueer Revloution and Vice President of FTM International.
Yoo facilitates with Klara Firestone; both are Marriage and Family Therapy Interns. Firestone also contributes to FTM International and serves on the board of GenderQueer Revolution.
The group runs in 12-week cycles; a new session will begin soon.
For more information, click here to send an e-mail. |
