Weekend transgender employment event aims to break barriers and build community ⋆ The Palm Springs Post

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Representatives from the Transgender Health and Wellness Center staff a booth at a previous Trans Pride event. *(Photo: Aaron D. Marrero)*

Organizers of Saturday’s Trans Pride “Empower and Employ” event, now set to take place indoors at Palm Springs Pavilion due to expected rain, are hoping for more than just a gathering. They hope to provide a lifeline for the transgender community – a community celebration that goes beyond the confines of a typical job fair, embodying the spirit of inclusion and opportunity.

Renae Punzalan, outreach director of the Transgender Health and Wellness Center, which is orchestrating the event, shares a vision that transcends the commercialization often seen in large-scale Pride events.

“Because Pride Day has become so corporate and commercial, we wanted to make this about employment opportunities, connecting folks to vital resources, and spread awareness about the disparity of trans life that is happening all over the country,” Punzalan said, highlighting the event’s focus on tangible support and awareness.

The stakes for employment within the transgender community are particularly high. It’s not just about finding a good fit; it’s about discovering spaces that are genuinely inclusive, where healthcare needs are met, and a sense of community is palpable. Last year’s event saw participation from big names like Amazon as well as the city of Palm Springs, signaling a shift towards more inclusive employment practices.

Recognition is growing for not only Amazon, but companies like Netflix, Starbucks, and others that have taken significant strides to create environments where transgender employees are not just accepted but can thrive.

Amidst this backdrop, the stark reality remains that transgender adults face double the unemployment rates of their cisgender counterparts, with a 32% lower annual income, even with comparable or higher education levels, as reported by a McKinsey survey.

Kazumi Yamaguchi, director of trans health and support services at St. Johns Community Health, speaks to the heart of the initiative, saying, “I always like to uplift the trans community not just socially but economically. The trans community has so much talent and passion that I would like to tap into it.”

The narrative of Esther Swartz, a local artist, serves as a poignant testament to the challenges and triumphs within the transgender community.

Swartz’s journey from being marginalized and bullied at her workplace in Texas to finding a renewed sense of purpose and acceptance underscores the transformative power of supportive spaces.

“I became a joke at work; they didn’t respect me, they shouted slurs like ‘fa**ot,’” Swartz recalled, shedding light on the harrowing experiences that led to her departure.

Yet, Swartz’s story is one of resilience and recovery, embodying the essence of “Empower and Employ.”

“It’s important to get affirmation that we’re wanted,” Swartz said.

More information: The event runs from from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Palm Springs Pavilion, 403 S. Pavilion Way, and is free and open to all. It will include live performances, speakers, a sound bath, and more. To learn more, visit www.trans.health or contact 760-202-4308.