Deanna Jones: On Being Transgender

Being transgender is a life experience that many are confused about these days.  Tons of misinformation flying around the interwebs, that can make us all really uncomfortable!  When I met Deanna Jones (www.deannajonesnow.com) I knew she would be the perfect addition to the Dancing in the Discomfort Zone lineup!  She has such an eloquent way of speaking about her experiences as a transgender woman, the good, the bad, and the ugly! She knew something different when she was 4 years old. (and this was in the 60s when transgender wasn’t even a word, and it didn’t even become a household conversation until decades later!)  In this courageous interview, she shares her whole story.  We talk about·        How long she hid her feelings, and how she illustrates to the people she works with how it felt (ingenious if you ask me!)·        When she finally came out, how it was handled at her workplace, and with her family.·        The new found joy and freedom she now has living her authentic self·        Her recent marriage, and the difference between Transgender and homosexual.·        Her response to the question of young trans kids going through a full transition.Want more from Deanna?www.deannajonesnow.comhttp://themonti.org/stories/the-monti-video-series-deanna-jones-1http://themonti.org/stories/the-monti-video-series-deanna-jones Deanna has worked in the Technology field In Sales and Operations roles for 30 years, including 24 years here at Cisco Systems. Deanna has an MBA from Elon University and a Masters in Instructional Technology from University of Maryland University Global Campus. She is the Vice President of Harmony LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce and is also a member of Raleigh Chamber of Commerce. In her spare time, she likes to coach T-ball and has coached for 17 seasons. In 2019 Deanna transitioned to her authentic self while working at Cisco Systems. Since transitioning, Deanna has become very involved with the LGBT+ community. She has a DEI certificate in Diversity & Inclusion Training from eCornell. She has frequently spoken at a storytelling group called, the Monti in Durham and has also served on many panels for DEI conferences. She also works with small to mid size companies on ways to make their workplaces more LGBTQ+ friendly.