Naomi Ceder is an American Python programmer, systems architect, blogger and transgender activist whose professional career combines technical expertise with a passion for teaching and helping others. A Fellow of the Python Software Foundation and author of The Quick Python Book, she works as a lead software architect and developer and has experience working in London and Düsseldorf. Despite the male-dominated nature of the IT industry, Naomi has established herself as a successful woman in technology and believes that her skills and experience have helped her navigate the challenges of working in the field after transitioning.
Naomi began her transition in her 50s, finding that coming to terms with her identity was more difficult than the transition itself. Although she was fortunate to receive support from friends, colleagues and the wider technology community, the experience also brought uncertainty and fears of losing people close to her. Married to the same woman for nearly three decades, she found strength in the fact that their relationship had survived her transition. Beyond her professional work, Naomi is passionate about transgender visibility, the power of the Internet to connect isolated individuals, and the importance of sharing positive coming-out stories. She is also involved in initiatives that bring transgender people and their allies together through technology, including plans for Trans*Code, a UK hack day inspired by Trans*H4CK. In our interview, Naomi discusses her life as a transgender woman in the technology industry, the progress of transgender rights, the importance of representation and the need to build supportive communities.
