I recorded and released this episode during Pride Month (June) 2021. Pride month is about LGBTIQ+ communities coming together and celebrating the freedom to be themselves. It seemed fitting that I am able to share the story of Jen, with her work colleague Simon Hauge. 

Jen identifies as being Transgender and Simon as Gay. Both live and work in Singapore where being transgender or gay is something that can be confronting and challenging. 

Singapore is a relatively conservative society where same-sex sexual activity between males is illegal, even if it is consensual and takes place in private. While the law is generally not well enforced there are many challenges in Singapore society for LGBTIQ+ people as you will hear from Jen’s experience.

For much of her life she has lived as her birth gender (male). Only more recently, with the help and support of Simon has she been able to “come out” in the workplace as a woman. This was after years and years of struggling with who she really wanted to be. 

Each person’s transition path is unique and this is just one story that I hope will help others. This is one of my longest podcasts episodes which illustrates the physical and mental health struggles that transgender people go through.

I think it’s fair to say that Jen is not fully free to be herself yet but has started the process through the support of her workplace…..

Towards the end of the episode we talk about the difference between gender, sex and sexuality....which can be confusing concepts. I found this fantastic resource to explain the difference using The Gender Unicorn.

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Combining a big picture, balanced approach with real-world experience, we help organisations understand their diversity and inclusion shortcomings – and identify practical, measurable actions to move them forward.

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