Key Takeaways:
– The old way of doing business is over and it’s important to prepare for tomorrow’s opportunities
– Transgender Day of Remembrance is a day to honor and remember lives lost to anti-transgender violence and discrimination
– The author, Jamie Zapata, shares her own journey as a transgender woman and the challenges she has faced
– Fearlessness and embracing her true identity have led to her success as a real estate agent
– Transgender people should be treated with respect and understanding, just like everyone else
– The author advocates for better representation and support for transgender people in society.
inman:
The verdict is in — the old way of doing business is over. Join us at Inman Connect New York Jan. 23-25, when together we’ll conquer today’s market challenges and prepare for tomorrow’s opportunities. Defy the market and bet big on your future.
Today is Transgender Day of Remembrance — a day dedicated to honoring and remembering the lives lost to anti-transgender violence and discrimination. Transgender Day of Remembrance was created in 1999 by advocate Gwendolyn Ann Smith, in honor of Rita Hester, a trans woman who was killed in 1998.
Remembering fallen trans people is difficult for me, as it brings me back to the many friends I’ve lost due to the violence they’ve encountered just for being themselves. On the other hand, it makes me appreciate that I am still standing strong as a transgender woman, especially after going through so many hardships and abuse to get to where I am today, a successful and fearless real estate agent.
I can’t help but also remember my own journey during this day of remembrance. Being transgender was never a choice; I knew I was a girl from the time I was three years old. It wasn’t until I was constantly reminded I was a “boy” that I would start to notice I was different.
Growing up in the 1980s, there were no transgender icons or role models for me to look up to, so I truly felt alone in my journey. I would be bullied constantly, which would make me cry myself to sleep each night because people wouldn’t accept me for me. Once I hit 10 years old, I finally decided to embrace who I am. I was going to be a girl no matter what; no one could stop me.
Fearlessness is truly what brought me out of those dark times. The new attitude is what eventually made me decide to drop out of school when I was 14. I’d had enough of teachers and staff telling me that I couldn’t express myself with feminine clothing and makeup, so I simply set myself free of that environment. This was a big step in enforcing my identity as a woman.
I’ve been happy ever since I took that leap of faith, but I still faced instances of discrimination as I got older. After many years of struggling to find the right job that would accept me for being trans, I decided to take matters into my own hands and become a real estate agent. Now, I choose to ignore any negativity directed toward me and only focus on the positive. I will always choose my own happiness.
Despite a lack of transgender representation growing up, I always had great insight into what it means to be transgender. Being trans doesn’t just necessarily mean someone is born in the “wrong” body; it means so much more than that and can be a different experience for other trans people.
Being trans is no more of a choice than it is for anyone else to be who they are. Non-LGBTQ+ people get to decide who they are, and how they want to present themselves to the world, so trans people should be afforded that same luxury.
The first step to better understanding transgender people and being supportive is not to be afraid of us. Realize that trans people are just like everyone else. We are unapologetically ourselves. Recognizing us for who we are and not our appearance or sexuality can help trans people feel more comfortable when working with us as clients.
Thank you for allowing me to share my story and hopefully open everyone’s hearts to what transgender people want most: To be treated as a person first, just like everyone else.
Jamie Zapata is a Realtor and LGBTQ+ advocate based in San Antonio, Texas, where she specializes in serving the needs of a diverse client base. After experiencing a lifetime of challenges, Jamie found success as the first out and proud transgender Realtor in her local area. She often speaks publicly to raise awareness for trans and LGBT equality. Jamie has been awarded and recognized nationally for her work in the community. Connect with her on Facebook.
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Property Chomp's Take:
The Verdict is In: Embracing Transgender Identity in Real Estate
Today, on Transgender Day of Remembrance, we take a moment to honor and remember the lives lost to anti-transgender violence and discrimination. This day, created in 1999 by advocate Gwendolyn Ann Smith, serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by the transgender community. As we reflect on the significance of this day, it is important to acknowledge the experiences and resilience of transgender individuals in various fields, including the real estate industry.
For many transgender individuals, remembering fallen trans people is a deeply personal and emotional experience. It brings to mind the friends and loved ones lost to the violence they encountered simply for being themselves. However, it also serves as a reminder of the strength and determination that allows transgender individuals to thrive in the face of adversity.
As a transgender woman and successful real estate agent, I can attest to the hardships and abuse that often accompany the journey of embracing one's true identity. From a young age, I knew that I was a girl, but societal expectations and bullying made it difficult to express my true self. Growing up in the 1980s, there were no transgender icons or role models for me to look up to, which made me feel isolated and alone.
It was fearlessness that ultimately helped me navigate through those dark times. At the age of 14, I made the decision to drop out of school, choosing to set myself free from an environment that didn't allow me to express my femininity. This bold step was a turning point in asserting my identity as a woman.
Despite facing discrimination in my journey, I persevered and found my calling in real estate. After struggling to find acceptance in traditional workplaces, I decided to take matters into my own hands and become a real estate agent. Today, I am proud to be the first out and proud transgender Realtor in my local area. I choose to ignore any negativity directed towards me and focus on the positive, always prioritizing my own happiness.
Representation is crucial, especially for transgender individuals. Growing up, I lacked transgender role models and struggled to find a sense of belonging. It is essential to understand that being transgender is not limited to being born in the "wrong" body. Each transgender person has their own unique experience and journey. Just like cisgender individuals, transgender people deserve the freedom to define and present themselves authentically.
To better understand and support transgender individuals, it is important to approach them with an open mind and heart. Recognize that they are no different from anyone else and deserve to be treated with respect and dignity. By focusing on their needs as clients and acknowledging them for who they are, we can create a more inclusive and welcoming environment.
On this Transgender Day of Remembrance, let us strive for a world where transgender individuals are celebrated and accepted for who they are. By embracing diversity and fostering an inclusive real estate industry, we can create a brighter future for all.
About the author:
Jamie Zapata is a Realtor and LGBTQ+ advocate based in San Antonio, Texas. As the first out and proud transgender Realtor in her local area, Jamie specializes in serving the needs of a diverse client base. She actively speaks out to raise awareness about trans and LGBT equality and has been recognized nationally for her work in the community. Connect with Jamie on Facebook.
