Stories from Transgender Tradespeople in the Yukon

Julaine

Carpentry
Level 2

Why did you choose to work in the trades? What brings you joy in your line of work?

I was a grubby little kid who grew up in a junk yard, as one of eleven kids in a blue-collar family. Though I looked up to the men in my family who worked in the trades and even imagined myself following in their footsteps as a young person, those paths narrowed as I got older and I found myself drawn to study in humanities and build on my people skills and emotional intelligence.

I didn’t find my way into the trades until my late 20s. It was the first year of COVID; I had gotten a taste of working in a woodshop as a part of my foundation year of visual arts school in Dawson City, and it was an area I was curious to explore further. I hadn’t considered what would be next for me, and it just so happened that when I reached out to Yukon University in Whitehorse, they were planning a free carpentry pre-apprenticeship for women and gender-diverse students the following winter.

I chose to explore carpentry because I wanted to gain practical skills that would allow me to look at a problem and have the confidence to say, “Yeah, I can figure out how to build or fix that.” I wanted to work with my hands, build troubleshooting skills, and feel self-sufficient. What I learned was that when learning these skills later in life, you have to work really hard to quiet your inner critic, and understand that anyone who is good at their trade had to screw up a lot before they got there.

My experience in the trades has been a lot different than I imagined, due to working in the non-profit sector. Because of this, I get to exchange knowledge with more women and gender-diverse trades people than probably anyone that I know. This is a true privilege. I get a lot of joy from learning new skills from the trades people in our YWITT network, working with them to apply those skills, passing those skills on to other people and seeing a project to completion.

What do you want people to know about Two-Spirit, trans, and/or gender diverse folks who work in the trades?

Like anyone else, we simply want to show up and do our jobs well. The challenge emerges when colleagues lack professional filters, forcing us to listen to opinions or language that directly mocks our identities or those of the people we care about. I believe that the trades industries would retain significantly more skilled workers of all gender identities if the standard was that leadership actively cultivated and modeled a respectful, accountable culture.

What is your advice to other Two-Spirit, trans, and/or gender diverse folks who are considering entering the trades? What do you wish you knew?

Advice that I have been given, and that I would pass on, is to follow your curiosity and don't get too hung up on earning a formal ticket. Looking only for ticketed mentors can limit your exposure to quality teaching. Seek out mentors who are patient with you, who invest in your skill-building, and who you feel comfortable with. You may find that you get the best learning environment from someone who isn't ticketed.

Find your peers and your community offsite, and (if possible) find someone you can be yourself around on-site. It can be really lonely and isolating working on-site as potentially one of the only non-male, non-cisgendered workers. Don't be too hard on yourself, and give yourself space to mess up and learn.

What is your dream future for Two-Spirit, trans, and/or gender diverse folks working in the trades?

I dream of a future of more trans-owned trades companies, leaders, and apprentices supported and thriving in the Yukon.

Read More Stories:

  • “Equality, respect, and inclusiveness can create a work environment that is more positive and enjoyable."

    Gabriel

  • “I want people to know that they have always been working alongside Two-spirit, trans, and gender diverse folks. We've always been here."

    Wynn

  • “Two-Spirit, trans, and gender diverse folks who work in the trades are no different than anyone else. We deserve just as much respect as others."

    Merrick
Make It

Navigating the Trades

Part of YWITT’s work includes equity-based programs, services & supports designed to build confidence and support women and gender diverse individuals as they navigate & build community.

Helpful Resources for Trans Tradespeople

We understand that working in the trades as a Two Spirit, trans, and/or gender diverse person can come with a range of challenges. Here are a few of our favourite resources that can provide support if/when needed:

ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT SHARING YOUR KNOWLEDGE?

Become a YWITT Instructor!

You are a good fit if:

  • You are looking for an opportunity to hone your teaching skills

  • You want to share your knowledge of a hobby, trade  or technology

  • You want to be a part of a friendly inclusive community

  • You identify as a woman, non-binary or gender diverse or are comfortable being an ally and centering the experiences of women

AT YWITT

We want to mobilize a strong, supportive trades community, and equip them with the skills & confidence they need to make positive change