Tim, a Trans Woman, a Trade Show
Can parental love trump transphobia?
My business partner Tim and I went to a trade show in New Orleans and met a transgender woman. A teachable moment?
Deal making, horse trading, and card swapping were the highlights of the show. Nobody actually goes for the cheesy display booths. We had deals to make, business to conduct, and the place of business, traditionally called “the snake pit,” was a plush hotel bar right outside the main display hall.
One day, a sharply dressed, tall woman I hadn’t seen before set up and opened the bar after lunch. Fast and efficient, she did a hell of a good job slinging beers and booze to a dense, demanding crowd.
It didn’t take long for the whispers to start:
“Look at those hands, why don’t you!”
“Can’t you see that adam’s apple?”
“Holy fuck, I think it’s got five o’clock shadow!”
(She didn’t.)
The comments were vicious and cruel, many of them uttered in mock whispers loud enough that she must have been able to hear.
The bartender was a transgender woman.
