Jennifer Michelle Chavez is an American transgender activist and certified master auto repair technician from Georgia. Her story brings together a lifelong passion for automobiles, the courage to begin living openly as a woman after decades of inner struggle, and a fight against workplace discrimination that would become significant in the history of transgender employment rights. Born in Texas, Chavez recalled knowing from the age of four that she was different, although it took many years before she could fully understand and express her identity. She attempted to transition as a teenager, moving to Los Angeles, but the obstacles she encountered prevented her from pursuing that path at the time. She eventually became a mother to her son, Cody, whom she described as the greatest gift of her life. At 51, after decades of concealing her feelings, she finally began her gender transition. She completed the process, including gender-affirming surgery, in just eleven months. Telling her son was the most difficult part of the journey, as they had always shared an exceptionally close relationship. Chavez had built a long and successful career as a certified master automotive technician, working in an industry traditionally dominated by men. In 2008, she joined Credit Nation Auto Sales in Austell, Georgia. When she informed her employer of her plans to transition in October 2009, her immediate supervisors initially appeared supportive.
However, she later described a deteriorating working environment, including objections to her discussions of transition and her feminine attire. In January 2010, she was dismissed after falling asleep in a car while waiting for delayed parts. Chavez believed that the hostility surrounding her transition had contributed to her dismissal and challenged the circumstances in which she had lost her job. The employment dispute had serious financial consequences. Chavez described difficulties obtaining unemployment benefits, being required to repay benefits she had received, and struggling to find another steady position in her profession. Her experience illustrates the vulnerability of transgender workers in the absence of clear and effective legal protections against discrimination. That is why she advocates changes to employment law, including the proposed Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA). She believes that legal reform and public education are essential to improving the lives of transgender people. Chavez also became an advocate for greater transgender visibility. She appeared with her son on The Dr. Oz Show in 2012, an experience she valued because other families subsequently told her that their appearance had helped them better understand and cope with gender transition.
Monika: Jennifer, welcome! It’s a pleasure to have you with us today.
Jennifer: Hello Monika, and thank you for the opportunity to speak with you!
Monika: To start, tell us a little about yourself.
Jennifer: I would be happy to! I am a 57-year-old woman who made the decision to transition 5 years ago! I finally found the courage to face my condition after 52 years and a whole lifetime of stress and turmoil! I knew I was different as early as 4 years of age, and as I grew, I learned more about it and what it was called. I tried to transition when I was a teenager and moved away to Los Angeles from my native Texas, but was thwarted by the many obstacles I encountered. My only regret at this point is that I wish I could have done it back then, but I would not have the greatest gift a person can have, and that is my son Cody!
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| Ready for a night out on the town! |
Monika: In 2011, you made headlines by claiming unemployment discrimination as a transsexual woman. What was your argument?
Jennifer: Well, the story is long and convoluted but I will try to shorten it up. It started with the employer who I was working for at the time. While they seemed supportive of my initial disclosure about wanting to transition, I quickly learned that the owner, who was not on site, did not like the prospect of me transitioning at work.
Monika: How did that situation lead to you losing your job?
Jennifer: They set me up for failure, and due to a very hostile work environment that had been created, I inadvertently fell asleep in a car while on the clock. I had not been sleeping and I failed. I was terminated the next day. I then went to the Georgia Dept. of Labor to apply for unemployment insurance, where I was initially denied. But after a hearing, they made the decision that I should not have been terminated for such a minor first offense, and I was granted unemployment.
Monika: Was that the end of the matter, or did the story take another turn?
Jennifer: During the subsequent 4 months, the company appealed the decision, and the Dept. of Labor without explanation reversed their decision and demanded repayment of 5k in the funds that had been paid to me. This began a long ordeal of communications where the DOL ignored my pleas, my evidence and even my name change until they realized they could not pursue me legally for repayment using my old name! I had legally changed it 9 months prior! To date, they have garnished over $3400 and are still trying to collect under threats of another $2600! This was the first story that was told on the local news here in Atlanta in 2011! Apparently, they got away with this behavior because I am Transsexual.
Monika: The case went to court next. Did you manage to win?
Jennifer: There are two court cases involved, a Federal one for the Civil Rights issues and a State of Georgia one for the issues regarding the DOL. The state issues are up in the air at this stage, and I am trying to avoid them since the state cannot be held accountable and all of the evidence will never be heard. I have been ruined financially and am barely surviving as it is. The last thing I need is to lose my home over this!
Monika: What is happening with the Federal case?
Jennifer: The Federal case has been going on for 2 years now. We recently lost a major decision called Summary Judgment due to politics and bias by the Republican judge who adjudicated the case. We are looking to appeal to a higher court, and my attorney is exploring the options and consulting with others to gauge the best way to pursue this appeal.
Monika: In your view, what should be done to prevent discrimination against transgender women at work?
Jennifer: The laws must be changed! That is my main objective and where I channel much of my energy along with many others who have the same goals! There are now many national organizations whose focus is directly related to lobbying Congress as well as local, state, and Federal governments, and they are doing everything they can to get the laws changed! There is progress, but it is at a snail’s pace!
Monika: How would you describe the present situation of transgender women in American society?
Jennifer: There is a huge call for education for American society, same as the rest of the world! “Fear is the mind-killer!” The fact that so much is unknown about our condition, along with religious views, are our main obstacles. Each of us can be an Ambassador for the community, and it behooves each and every one of us to present well, conduct ourselves appropriately and speak to as many individuals and groups as possible in an effort to spread our message! The more open minds that allow us to speak, the better for the community as a whole!
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| Her red sexy car! She loves fast cars! |
Monika: Tell me about your own transition. At what age did you begin, and was it a difficult process?
Jennifer: When I began my physical transformation, I was 51 years old. I was very fortunate to be able to complete the process from 0 to SRS in 11 months! When I made the decision I did not have any idea that it would work out like it did, but as I said, I was very blessed. The hardest part for me was telling my son. He and I had always been extraordinarily close, and I was terrified to tell him along with the rest of my family.
Monika: You and your son later appeared on national television. How did that come about?
Jennifer: As a matter of fact, the issues with my son were what led up to our appearance on the Dr. Oz show here in 2012! What a great experience and opportunity it was! Many families told me later that we helped them and their families cope with their transitions from what they saw on that episode! That made me very happy!
Monika: At the time of your transition, were there any transgender role models you followed?
Jennifer: Oh my gosh, yes! During the 51 years where I had never disclosed a single word to another human being on this planet, I was keeping up with the community! I devoured every morsel of information I could find, whether it was magazines, movies, TV appearances, you name it!
Monika: How did those women influence your decision to finally take that step?
Jennifer: There were so many idols that I could never create a list long enough! I was sooo envious! I wished, prayed, yelled, screamed, cried, begged, you name it, to God to please allow me to become the woman I knew I always was! But due to the inspiration of all of these women, I finally realized it was not going to happen until I stopped wishing and started doing! What is even beyond cool now is that I am friends on social media with many of these same idols and speak with them regularly!
Monika: Coming out is rarely easy. What was the hardest part for you?
Jennifer: Overcoming the guilt and the shame that I had. My first therapist’s greatest gift to me was getting me to understand that I had nothing to feel guilty or ashamed about! I had done nothing wrong! That single lesson did more to move me forward, and it gave me the strength to face the road ahead!
Monika: Transgender stories and characters have appeared in films, newspapers, and books. What do you think of how they have been portrayed so far?
Jennifer: Wonderful! For every bit of positive exposure in any media, it does a world of good for all of us! We are making advances across the board where we are portrayed in a positive light! What really helps is that the old exploitive methods that used to dominate in media are mostly gone! Now we have well-spoken, intelligent, compassionate and kind people speaking for us! Society can now see that in many ways we are just like them! They are understanding that this is just a medical condition and that those of us who suffer from this are good people at heart! Can’t ask for more than that!
Monika: The transgender cause is usually presented together with the rest of the LGBT community, and the T comes last in the abbreviation. Is the transgender community able to promote its own cause within the group?
Jennifer: Absolutely yes! We are populated with so many brilliant, educated, and well-spoken individuals throughout our community, how could we not? It seems to me that for the most part, one of the characteristics that we share is not only the drive and ambition to accomplish anything, but also our ability to communicate with society! I mean, there are some of us lobbying Congress every day! Working in the upper echelon of the government at every level! Some have served honorably and continue to serve in the military with distinction! There is nothing we cannot do!
Monika: Harvey Milk did remarkable work for gay activism in the 60s and 70s. Is there anyone in the U.S. transgender community whose actions could be compared to his?
Jennifer: Of course, there is! From Christine Jorgensen to Sylvia Rivera, Mara Keisling, Meghan Stabler, my attorney Jillian Weiss and so many more! Apologies to all those not mentioned, but that honors list is long! Each and every one of us is capable of grand accomplishments, and we have achieved them! The contributions are across the board! I can only hope that my endeavors will help the community in the long run and help to change the law! That is my goal!
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| With her handsome son. |
Monika: Politics is another important topic. Are you active in it, do you take part in any lobbying campaigns, and can transgender women make a difference there?
Jennifer: Yes, I am very aware of the issues. I consider myself an Independent voter, as I lean Liberal on social issues and Conservative on the economy. Most of my energy is devoted to Trans issues and ENDA, the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, which has been languishing in Congress since 1994. I have lobbied, participated in protests, written to my representatives and generally done anything and everything I can to make politicians aware of what our issues are and how they affect society in general by leaving us behind in the equation. And yes, we can and have made a huge difference in the advances we have already accomplished to date in many states and Federally!
Monika: On a lighter note, do you like fashion? Tell me about the outfits you usually wear and any designs, colors, or trends you favor.
Jennifer: I love fashion! I would love to wear higher-end clothes! I lean towards casual attire that is appropriate for a woman of my age. In the work that I do, I have to change into a nasty uniform to perform my duties and work around men all day. I have very little opportunity to wear feminine clothes other than back and forth to work and on weekends. On top of all of that, like I said, due to the employment discrimination I still face, I can’t get a decent job anymore, so finances are very tight. A roof over my head and transportation are of paramount importance! Not to mention that eating thing, I kinda like that too! So nothing to brag about in the fashion arena!
Monika: What place does love have in your life?
Jennifer: Ha! What is that? I have given up on that. I doubt I will ever be in a relationship again during this lifetime! I have the love of my son and other family but beyond that, no. I have been with men before and that was pretty awesome, but I decided that women better suit my fancy. Still, I have put forth zero effort in finding anybody who might have any interest in me. Besides, I have medical issues I would not want to impose on anybody!
Monika: Many transgender women write their memoirs. Have you ever considered writing a book of your own?
Jennifer: If I ever get through all of the legal processes I am dealing with, I would love to write about all of it! The stupidity from the many government agencies that have aggravated an already bad situation has been astounding! No one should ever be subjected to the mistakes that have compounded the seriousness of what I have faced!
Monika: Has it ever felt like more than a series of mistakes?
Jennifer: It almost seems like a conspiracy to me that these agencies do what they have done and are not held accountable, all the while virtually ruining me in almost every aspect! I went from being a solidly middle-class, tax-paying, law-abiding citizen born and raised here to having to live underground to survive! These bastards have not beaten me yet, but they are giving it all they got! I think it would be a great story!
Monika: Are you working on any new projects at the moment?
Jennifer: No, nothing more than what I have already stated. I have my hands full now! I hope to one day offer more to the community when this is all over!
Monika: What would you say to transgender girls who are struggling with gender dysphoria?
Jennifer: First of all, understand that you have a medical condition that you were born with. Second, you are not doing anything wrong by expressing who you are! You need to seek out professionals who are familiar with the condition and can give you the kind of advice and help that lets you understand the condition from all aspects. It will not go away; if it does, then most likely you are not truly Transgender. If you can find a support group of others you are comfortable with, seek them out and talk with them. You will find out you are not alone! Lastly, I wish you the best in however you choose to pursue your self-identity. It can be a tough road, but it can also be the most rewarding and amazing journey you will ever take in your life!
Monika: Jennifer, thank you so much for this interview!
Jennifer: Thank you, Monika, for giving me this forum to tell you some of my story!
All the photos: courtesy of Jennifer Chavez.
© 2014 - Monika Kowalska
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