Moving on . . . .

[ThePhoenix]

Every year, in the late summer, Maryland Trans*Unity organizes the Trans*Unity picnic.  It has become the largest annual gathering of trans* people and allies in Maryland.  Last year, we had attendees from six states (DC, MD, VA, WV, PA, NY).  

Every year, I give what I call "The Birthday Speech" because the picnic serves as the birthday party for Maryland Trans*Unity. its sort of a review of major events affecting the trans* community, a welcome and thanks to our host who donates three acres of land, a barbeque, and a building for us to have the event, and a chance to explicitly honor our birthday.

Last year, in the birthday speech, I said that I thought my activism career was near an end because I was taking a job for the U.S. government that would involve spending most of my time in foreign countries.  

Then I ended up fighting a battle to be allowed to start working.  

And it it would appear that I've finally won.  Next month I go back to workafter nearly three years of unemployment due to being trans*.

Which means it is time for successors to take my place and me to finally get the chance to fade from view.  

Wish me luck!

[Ativan Prescribed]

Yes! All the luck in the world. It sounds like it could be a dream job for sure, getting to travel to other countries.
I'll hold back a little of that luck and hope that the forum will have it, so you can find time to stop in here every so often.
But indeed! Congratulations and of course wishing you luck, how exciting it must be for you!

[Deleted]

Wishing you multiple blessings. Please stay on forum when you can.

Quite a role model, a difference maker.

That takes something special. It's rare.

Godspeed.

Trin.

[Edge]

Good luck and congratulations!

[bhhfmm]

Congratulations on going back to work. Hopefully, it'll be smooth sailing for you.

[Deleted]

Congrats and best wishes always, don't be afraid to drop in we will miss you!

[ThePhoenix]

Not sure how often I will be able to visit, but I will definitely try to! And anyway, I have a little time yet. Work doesn't start until May, so I have the rest of this month to spend in getting ready!

[ThePhoenix]

Yes it is. I hope being in will not be as perilous as trying to get in.

[Sisyphus]

The Phoenix, I'm totally jealous in a positive way! I'm so glad you made it in. I've applied for so many federal gov jobs, and have the quals, but can't seem to get my foot in the door. I wish you the best of the experience!

[Sisyphus]

Its kind of complicated to explain, but I was exploring contracting as a way to get connected and then something pretty major interrupted my life recently. I was connected with a specialty agency who work on connecting underrepresented groups to government employment, but that ended recently. It will take me a few months to re-orient from the setback/loss, but I hope to get back on the horse again.

I can't tell you how many applications I've put in on USAJobs - multiple states, even for other countries. I got close once - I flew to DC to go through a clearance procedure. It was very intense, but then the funding for the program got pulled before my file was put through. I have to say though, they were put off the minute I came through the door. They tried not to show it, but I didn't feel good about the process. It was entirely different than the "public confidence" level for internships I worked at in the government for my degrees. For my other jobs that I've gotten, I get interviewed over the phone (they can't see me, but they can hear that I know my stuff), I get there, they're a little put off by my appearance (which I do my best to look as normal as possible), its too late, they've got me, they love my work, they keep me for the full term. For other positions (non-gov), I get hired when the process includes a show of what I can do rather than an interview.

But if I have to interview in person for a job, I can't seem to get through the door. I've really tamed down everything about my external appearance that I can; whats left can't be changed.

Thats why I am so excited for ThePhoenix. I can't know their exact story but, I very much can identify with being out of work for so long and then the battle to be allowed to work, and then the triumph of getting there.

[Deleted]

Keep striving! Just think if a small child learning to walk took a header into mom and dad's coffee table and refused to keep trying they'd never walk or run. So hang in there and keep pounding on the door, there will be setbacks but eventually it will open for you.