Farewell and Welcome Home, Python in Two Genders by Naomi_Ceder

Transcript

1. Farewell and Welcome Home Python in Two Genders Naomi Ceder
2. Disclaimer: The opinions and life described are my own. I make no other warranties, either expressed or implied
3. It is revolutionary for any trans person to choose to be seen and visible in a world that tells us we should not exist. ~Laverne Cox
4. When I was born in a small town in Nebraska the doctor declared, “it’s a boy!” He was wrong.
5. I was transgender sometime before I was born my brain chemistry/structure had been set to female
6. I didn't really understand at first, but eventually I learned about transsexuals... I decided that I could not let this be me...
7. (we will never, ever speak of this image again) I struggled to fit in as boy, so I was a geeky kid I made telescopes that was very odd… but acceptable
8. Many years passed... I discovered Open Source Software I started a LUG I learned Python (we will never speak of this image again, either)
9. I became involved in the Python community teaching speaking writing organizing
10. Life was good... But I was still transgender
11. It was with me every hour of every day. I came to think that death was my only way out... but I wasn’t dying fast enough.
12. The only other option… was to embrace my truth and transition
13. But transition meant giving up the community, the talks, PyCon, and the rest that made me sad but I had to move forward
14. Then I started to think... how could I stay in the community? what if I transitioned openly?
15. There were codes of conduct people seemed supportive I decided to take the chance to transition as openly as possible
16. I spoke, I taught, I went to PyCon… and it was all good
17. the summit went well people were supportive the more open I was, the easier it was (for others as well as myself) The community’s commitment to diversity is real
18. So everything’s rainbows and unicorns, right?
19. Well... I don’t think we get a cookie...
20. I am (almost always) the only (openly) trans person in the room I am not “real” I have become a thing, a curiosity People are sometimes embarrassed to be seen with me I have lost friends, family, a career
21. My life, my experiences, my emotions are often the punchline of a joke Most states won’t protect my right to work, enter a store, go to the bathroom, or get medical care I’m much more likely to be beaten up… or worse
22. This is the price I pay to be who I am. I wouldn’t change if I could.
23. I have seen things others haven’t as both male and female, as both privileged and marginalized.
24. I’ve come to know other women in tech scary smart women women who aren't always recognized women who don't always feel welcome women who don't always feel safe I was a newcomer in a world I thought I knew
25. I am now often the only woman in the room I am now “invisible” I am now ALWAYS judged by my appearance I can no longer assume personal security Double standards are now the norm: as a woman I’m simultaneously “too nice” and “unapproachable”
26. I’ve learned what it means to be marginalized.
27. If you're marginalized... Accommodations for you are “special” and “extra” You're never quite sure you’re welcome
28. If you object to (or even just report) something, you are: “angry” and hurting “your own cause” “bullying” or starting a “witch hunt” “asking for it”
29. In the business world there is a “business case” for diversity: diverse groups solve problems better skilled team members are precious
30. In the open source (and Python) community shouldn’t the same business case hold? Doesn’t “Open” imply inclusion and diversity?
31. So what do “we” want/need? Understand that everyone’s different Listen Codes of Conduct matter Outreach matters Allies matter Safe spaces matter
32. “Open”, “Fair”, and “Inclusive” should be true for everyone
33. Thank you naomi.ceder@gmail.com @NaomiCeder http://learnpython.wordpress.com http://whataboutnaomi.blogspot.com (and please buy my book - http://manning.com/ceder)