The happiness that comes with being your authentic self
This is part of a series of stories we’re sharing about independent workers. Since June is Pride Month, we’re recognizing members of the LGBTQIA+ community and bringing to light the unique stories and challenges they face. We spoke with Skye Locke, a pet sitter and Secretary of the Diversity Alliance of the Puget Sound, to learn more about her experience as an LGBTQIA+ independent worker.
Hi, Skye! Tell us about yourself and what kind of self-employed work you do.
In addition to pet sitting, I’m the Secretary for the Diversity Alliance of the Puget Sound (DAPS). DAPS is a 501c3 nonprofit which serves all gender-diverse individuals throughout the state of Washington and any other state lacking readily available resources. We provide online support groups, activities, and material support programs for all individuals. These services include non-prescription hormone replacement therapy (HRT) supplies, financial assistance for name changes and scholarships, and grants which can be used for anything such as wardrobe, makeup, prescription medication, and beyond.
As Secretary, I track group attendance, keep minutes at meetings, and participate in executive board duties alongside our chair. Alongside these duties, I facilitate groups, participate in organization-sponsored events, assist fellow trans veterans and service members of the armed forces, and take over facilitating the Name Aid program (which provides financial assistance for legal name changes in Washington), as I have just recently navigated the process myself.
Were there any unique challenges you faced in starting your business because you were a member of the LGBTQIA+ community?
With my pet sitting, it was a question as to whether or not it was relevant to mention. As my transition became harder to hide, my clients started asking my name and pronouns. After I had my name changed, I updated my contact information within the app I use for pet sitting so people would know who I was. This created a new problem, however. I was dead named and misgendered in my own reviews (dead named means you are referred to by the name you used before you transitioned).
My most challenging experiences at DAPS have included the steep learning curve around running a 501c3 and learning for myself firsthand what it means to be trans at the same time. I'm helping others with their issues, often the same ones I'm facing. Often overcoming my own challenges allows me to help others overcome theirs.
How about the other side of the coin: Were there any advantages that being a member of the LGBTQIA+ community provided in starting your own business?
Being part of the same community I serve sometimes helps me learn how to navigate systems I've never had to deal with before, especially as someone fairly new to the trans experience. We also have a rich social community in our members, through whom we share our most challenging trials and satisfying victories.
What advice would you give to fellow LGBTQIA+ independent workers?
My advice would be to prioritize your safety. You might be tempted to go after that paycheck, but if the vibe isn’t right, call it a night!
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
I'm humbled and thrilled that you've chosen to share my story. I'm equally humbled by the knowledge and acknowledgement that I'm in a fortunate place and at a fortunate time. I started this work two years ago when I still identified and presented as male, in a place that is a lot more hostile to the LGBTQIA+ community.
Not everyone can feel as safe and validated as I do working in my local neighborhoods. It would be great if we all could, but I know that is not the reality. I was happy to be doing this work when I started, and now that I get to do it with authenticity, I honestly couldn't be more thrilled.
The last thing I wanted to mention is that while much of my life is changing, I'm staggered by how much it stays the same. I've never been on the board of a trans advocacy 501c3 before, but here I am. All the while, I'm playing my guitar during breaks between meetings like nothing has changed. I'm the same person I was before my egg cracked, and I think that gives me a sense of peace in the stability of change.
Thank you for sharing your story and advice with the rest of the Stride community, Skye! You can see more of the work Skye is doing with DAPS through their website, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
