Belonging at Diversity Richmond

When I was about 6 years old, I knew I was different, just didn’t understand why and I carried that with my all the way into my adult life. As puberty came along, I really got thrown for a loop because I was trying to understand why my body was developing so much more different than the other boys in the neighborhood. Later on, I got on hormones to become more myself and allow the exterior to form and fit the interior. However, there was always this challenge everywhere I went of being misgendered, not being accepted, being victim of hate crimes, told I'm not a “real man”, I could go on and on. Finding a job was just as difficult for the same reasons.

I began to cope with drugs and alcohol because it made it much easier to be me and not worry about the “why?”. That led to nothing but destruction and now not only was I trans, but I was a drug addict felon who couldn’t hold a job and was in and out of prison. I got out from doing my last bid and was dreading the process of having to find a job because I was not looking forward to rejection after rejection.

Diversity Richmond was the ONE place I came to and not only welcomed

me fresh out of prison, but is the only place I have encountered to allow me

and embrace me as my authentic self. That has proven to be one of the most liberating feelings I have ever felt. To know that I can show up to my workplace and they are able to meet me wherever I am at is something that every workplace should be able to give their employees. Diversity Richmond helped give me my confidence back, reminding me that I am still human and worthy.

Jesse Hall (he/him)

Event Coordinator and Space Rentals