84: The Umbrella Hour with Dr. An Goldbauer & Zander Keig LCSW - Episode 84

84: The Umbrella Hour with Dr. An Goldbauer & Zander Keig LCSW - Episode 84

In this enlightening episode of The Umbrella Hour, hosts Dr. An Goldbauer and Zander Keig invite Dr. Mary Ann Horton, a computer scientist and prominent transgender activist, to share her compelling journey and insights on transgender inclusion in the workplace. Dr. Horton recounts her personal story of discovering her gender identity, detailing how a simple childhood moment sparked a lifelong journey towards self-acceptance. Despite societal pressures and personal challenges, Dr.

Horton emerged as a trailblazer in advocating for transgender rights, particularly within corporate environments. Dr. Horton reflects on her transformative experiences with employee resource groups, notably her involvement with the Equal group at Lucent Technologies. She describes how seeing 'transgender' included in workplace discussions for the first time empowered her and led to significant policy changes in major companies like Apple and Avaya. Her efforts contributed to more inclusive practices, allowing employees to express their true selves without fear.

Beyond her activism, Dr. Horton discusses the hurdles faced by authors in the publishing industry, particularly those dealing with Vanity Press. She emphasizes the importance of selecting the right publishing pathway to ensure meaningful distribution and recognition. Dr. Horton's memoir, Trailblazer, not only chronicles her personal journey but also serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for others seeking to make impactful changes in their communities.

As she continues her work with a forthcoming memoir focusing on her technical contributions titled Internet Pioneer, Dr. Horton remains a powerful advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion. This episode underscores the importance of creating supportive environments for all employees and the broader implications of such changes. Dr. Horton's story is a testament to the power of resilience and advocacy in driving societal progress.