I think that defiance is something worth being proud of, as much for it’s own sake as for the hope that it encourages someone else to be themselves too.
Systems and Stories
Category: Personal
Largely discussions of transition and my experience of the tech industry as a trans lady.
Each year between November 13 – 19, people and organizations around the country participate in Transgender Awareness Week to help increase understanding about transgender people and the issues members of the community face. So, as your resident transgender person, I guess I have to do a thing. One can’t go…
I’m technically Dr. Jordan Thayer. I have a doctorate in the philosophy of computer science, focusing on AI. I have a weird relationship with my doctorate. Sometimes, it’s useful to credential myself: I know a lot about this, look at the letters! Other times, it gets in the way: I…
I didn’t celebrate pride the first few years after I realized I was queer. At first, it was because I was closeted, and well, that’d sort of ruin that wouldn’t it? After I came out though, I still struggled with pride. What would I be proud of, exactly? I’m proud…
I’d like to tell you that being a trans woman doesn’t impact my work. I’d like to tell you that it doesn’t impact my work, but I bump up against it every day. That might seem surprising. I’m a technical person. An Engineer! My whole value proposition is being a…
I love conferences. I love getting up and presenting. I love the chance to catch up with friends from different companies and different states. I love the opportunity to see new perspectives and learn new ideas. What I love most of all is how kind and respectful people are at…
Disclaimer Before I get too far, I should reiterate, this story is largely from my recollections. It was… a rough time in my life. I’m not big on diaries. Almost all of what I’m relating happened in a non-archival way. Other people who were there may feel it went down…
I really loved my undergraduate experience. I had supportive friends, engaging classes, and I finished it off by meeting the woman whom I’d later marry. All of that and the freedom to start figuring myself out. As I discussed previously, I wasn’t out yet. I didn’t even realize, that I…
It’s been a little over a year since I started hormone replacement therapy (HRT). I almost missed the anniversary of it. Several fires in my personal and professional life have been dominating my attention. I’m glad I caught it though, because it feels like a big deal to me, and…
March 8th was International Women’s Day. I don’t know what to think about holidays like this. One day isn’t going to move the needle on any matter of real importance. Important things are big, and change is slow. But, for me, a lot changed. I feel more comfortable where I work now, and that’s a big deal.