Celebrating trans history and looking to the future of LGBTQ+ equality

Abbie Hooper, MChem Placement Student at AstraZeneca, spoke to myGwork about the importance of trans history, and how allies can better show their support for the trans community moving forward.

Please introduce yourself and describe your role within your organization.

My name is Abbie Hooper (he/they), and I'm currently an MChem Placement Student within Oral Product Development at AstraZeneca, focusing in particular on Material Design in Macclesfield. I'm also a team member in AstraZeneca's Pharmaceutical Technology & Development (PT&D) Pride group, which works to promote inclusion, diversity and allyship within the department.

Can you share with us a significant moment or figure from trans history that has personally inspired or impacted you?

There is an abundance of trans individuals who inspire me, both from history and those advocating for themselves in the world today. Without those who came before me, I wouldn't be able to transition in the ways I have been, nor can I say for certain I would have had the courage to transition at all. As a scientist, Alan L Hart is certainly someone who comes to mind. Alan L Hart was an American physician, radiologist and researcher born in 1890, who pioneered the use of X-ray photography in tuberculosis detection and is credited in saving countless lives. He established Idaho's first fixed-location and mobile TB screening clinics and spearheaded the state's war against TB. Hart's was the first documented transgender male transition in the US, and his story shows the positive impact trans people can have on both healthcare and society as a whole.

How do you think recognizing Trans+ History Week contributes to increased visibility and understanding of the transgender community?

I think knowing our history - whether that's trans history, LGBTQIA+ history, other history of any other group - is vital in understanding the experiences of our community today. Knowing what it was like for someone to transition 40, 50 or 100+ years ago allows us to better understand the challenges that were faced to get to where we are today but also the challenges that are still here. Being visible as a trans person can be empowering at best but dangerous at worst, and to make progress for the future, we need to look at the progress from the past. We have always been here, and we aren't going away.

Have you faced any challenges or obstacles as a transgender professional in your career, and how have you navigated them?

As a transgender person early in my transition, I think the biggest obstacle I currently face is not being seen as myself. Whilst I've had many incredibly positive experiences with colleagues who are aware that I'm trans, I'm still often perceived as a woman to those who meet me for the first time. Being misgendered can be difficult and correcting others (even if they'd react positively) can be even more so. However, whilst if I don't always have the courage to stand up for myself in those moments, I try to work within my organisation to improve visibility and allyship towards the trans community as a whole, encouraging others to stand up for trans people like myself too.

Can you share a personal experience or achievement related to your identity as a transgender professional that you are particularly proud of?