On National Coming Out Day (October 11), I had the honor of moderating a panel discussion about dismantling workplace barriers for transgender and non-binary (TNB) people at Portland State University’s School of Business. The event was organized for participants interested in learning more about the workplace barriers TNB people in the Portland Metropolitan Area endure, and how community members can help dismantle them. Students, business leaders, elected officials, and government executives all showed up to the event to gain new knowledge, skills, and support in being a part of a community effort to expand economic opportunities for TNB people.

This Saturday, Rhodes Perry Consulting collaborates with the Portland Area Business Association (aka the City’s LGBTQ Chamber) and NedSpace to host a community listening session focused on dismantling workplace barriers organized by and for transgender and non-binary Portland residents. Community leaders seek community-informed recommendations as to how to dismantle these barriers with the goal of educating local businesses, government officials, nonprofit organizations, and funders. There’s still a few free tickets available to participate, and local transgender and non-binary folks along with allies can secure seats here.

In celebration of the International Transgender Day of Visibility, I find myself reflecting on my own transgender journey; specifically those first few years of my social transition. My intention of sharing my personal experiences are twofold; 1) to cultivate more trans allies who are entrepreneurs, and; 2) to inspire more transgender people to apply the skills they have gained through their transition and realize their own dreams. If you’re skeptical as to how transitioning relates to entrepreneurship, check out this post.