From Where I Sit
I am a very open person, yet most of my colleagues do not know who the real me is. I am academic staff and I work with LGBTIAQQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Intersex, Allies, Queer and Questioning) students as well as students with LGBTQ parents. This is half of my job although it could be full time. I love my job and I love working on queer issues. This is my passion. I am an advocate, a mover and a shaker, and I am “momma” to all my students.
What most people on my campus do not know is that I am dealing with my own gender identity issues. It is no secret that my gender expression is masculine. I wear shirts and ties almost every day. When I am in a shirt and tie I feel real, I feel sure of myself, and I feel whole. Most people assume or ignore who I am. What they do not know is that I am transgender/gender queer. I wear shirts and ties because I feel more masculine then feminine and the only way I feel comfortable in my own skin is by expressing my gender as male.
I am lucky to work in an environment that allows me to be my true self. That is not to say that I do not get odd looks, or that people do not whisper behind my back. They do, but I have made many allies on campus through my work and through my honest expression of who I am. Recently, the University Of Wisconsin Board Of Regents unanimously passed a resolution to add gender identity and expression to the system’s non-discrimination policy. I am protected here. I am free to explore my gender identity. I am lucky.
Katie Van Roosenbeek, Pride Center Director
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
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It has been a privilege to have known you for more than 15 years. I honor and respect your journey because you have listened to yourself, listened and shared with others, and have been willing to "walk the walk". I miss doing things together, the trips we took, the great fun we had with students. But I also am honored that you continue to do the work that needs to be done. That you can always be counted on to speak and act for justice. Thanks for sharing your story(s).
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