.gay Community Spotlight on: Trans Tech Social

As we honor Transgender Day of Visibility, it's crucial to acknowledge the challenges the Transgender community faces in education and the workplace.

Fortunately, TransTech is leading the charge in overcoming those obstacles by providing free access to tech education and scholarships while simultaneously striving to diminish any instances of discrimination.

Check out our enlightening interview with their Executive Director, E.C. Pizarro III, below for the latest installment of our .gay Community Spotlight series. 

How would you describe your organization’s mission?

Our mission is to help our community economically thrive through all transitions in life by aligning our partnerships and programming with their career goals while centering Transgender and gender-nonconforming people. By uplifting the most marginalized of our community, we can overcome barriers in education and the workplace while striving to reduce instances of discrimination felt by all.

Tell us about how that mission is brought to life through your work?

We can provide access to tech education and scholarships at no charge to our members. We are actively breaking down barriers in the tech industry for our community.

What would happen if your organization suddenly did not exist?

There wouldn’t be a place in tech that is led by and centers Transgender people. Transgender, gender nonconforming, and nonbinary people are often tokenized; here at TransTech, we are 100% Trans led, which provides us with a unique experience to be able to be aware of what our community needs to thrive.

What can people do to get involved and help make sure that never happens?

We are a grassroots organization. People see that our Founder is Angelica Ross and assume we have more than we do. Donate, volunteer, and amplify the work we are doing at TransTech. TransTech is for everyone that believes in our mission to center the most marginalized in our community, Black trans women.

Why does LGBTQ+ visibility matter to you?

Visibility is a privilege. For those that are able and willing, we thank you. It is not easy. Trans visibility matters because people are actively attacking our mere existence.

In your own words, what does “LGBTQ+ safety and support” mean specifically?

Being willing to make a mistake and learn. Support and safety don't mean you will always get it right. However, be willing to learn, do your research, and be held accountable when mistakes are made.

Who are some of your LGBTQ+ heroes?

Marquise Vilson, he was the first time I saw someone who I related to. My experience didn’t seem so isolating anymore after seeing his story in The Aggressives (2005).

If you could give LGBTQ+ youth one message, what would it be?

Congratulations on being able to express yourself in ways that some adults are still trying to figure out. Congratulations on being unapologetically you.

Tell us about a time when you felt like the work you do at your organization really mattered or made a difference for the communities you serve? 

There have been a few instances, the one that is common amongst all of them, we connected community members with equitable career opportunities, from Full-time employment to contracts. Working with Pride Live, we were able to connect one of our members with a videography contract with the Stonewall National Monument and Visitor Center. Our webmaster saw a job posting with us and now works for Q. Digital. Last but not least, working with Etsy on an apprenticeship, one of our members was selected even after the slots were reduced. These types of opportunities and access are vital to go from surviving to thriving.

Anything else you would like to share with the .gay audience?

Amplify Trans Voices. TransTech is a global network of over 3,000 members, 80% of which are Transgender, nonbinary, or gender non-conforming. Become a member of our network for free. This weekend we will be hosting our 5th TransTech Summit. An online event from March 31-April 3, and it’s  FREE.

CLICK HERE to lock in your ticket. See you at the summit.