Unmasking Resilience: Being Trans in Tech

Episode Description

In this episode of Bounce, hosts Molly Cox and Claire Flowers dive deep into the incredible journey of Erika Flowers, a renowned author, designer, and technologist currently working at NASA. Erika shares her inspiring story of resilience and transformation, from her early days as a web designer in the 90s to becoming a digital service expert. She opens up about her personal journey as a late-in-life transgender woman and the challenges she faced along the way. Join us for an insightful conversation about identity, growth, and the power of being true to yourself.

Show Notes

(00:37) - Introduction

(01:31) - Erika Flowers Career Overview

(07:56) - Journey of Self-Discovery and the Transgender Experience

(17:20) - Masking and Authenticity

(19:00) - Implications of Coming Out at Work

(22:33) - Transitioning and Personal Relationships and Transition

(24:27) - Coping with External Perceptions

(28:24) - Navigating Professional and Personal Identity

(35:28) - Positive Outcomes Post-Transition

(37:13) - Intersection of Identity and Workplace Treatment

(40:21) - Passing and Workplace Misogyny

(41:49) - Importance of Creating a Support Environment for Transgender Individuals

(51:02) - Empathy and Visibility

(53:23) - Being a Good Ally