Trade, Tools, Tears & Triumphs: Being LGBTQ in the Blue‑Collar World

In this episode the Queer LBC hosts sit down with some REAL TRADE! Jax, a lesbian operating engineer with experience working in plumbing, HVAC and electrical trades. Jax shares her path into the trades, the mental and emotional toll of navigating rigid masculinity on job sites, experiences of micro-aggressions and harassment, and how union protections and community helped her cope while recovering from injury. We then discuss practical advice for queer people considering trades—seeking community, documenting problems, using union resources—and how to celebrate pride, resilience and radical joy found in queer spaces while in toxic environments. The conversation mixes hard lessons about safety and isolation with hopeful notes about camaraderie, self‑care and finding purpose in blue‑collar work. This is one deep dive you won't wanna miss!