The Rainbow Collar

“As a trans woman working in the HVAC/R mechanical trade, my experience is complicated: While I could never reveal my true self on the job, my trade did provide the necessary funds to start my transition. Attitudes continue to change, so I have hope for those who come after me. Trans rights are important! The future is bright; never ever give up on your beliefs.” — Jill, 70 Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Technician

A Photo-essay Raising the Visibility of Local Queer Workers and Honoring Their Work

Art Direction: Michael Anthony Fowler.Photography: Joel Benjamin.Location: Fort Point, Boston.

“I teach because I love to inspire, communicate, collaborate, and empower students through the power of music to think outside the box and beyond their comfort zone. I strive to foster a sense of community, selflove, respect, and open-mindedness. Through performing, I try to embody how to live a life full of music. I love teaching and performing every single day.” — Keith, 34 Freelance Violinist/Violist and K-8 Strings Teacher

“Being a lesbian in corrections can be a challenge, as I hear often that I don't 'look' like a lesbian because I am feminine. But being an African-American woman in a male-dominated agency is my greatest challenge. Diversity in corrections staff has played a major role in changing the standard image of what a law enforcement officer is. I don't allow my gender, ethnicity, or sexual orientation to dictate my career. My passion for this field is exemplified in my daily interactions with my co-workers and inmates. I'm firm yet fair.” — Lornece, 38 Recreation Officer, Massachusetts Department of Corrections

“2018 marks my 40 th year in a blue-collar job in rural New England. I am happy to say I’ve been treated with the utmost respect by both customers and the community (the Take Back Vermont movement notwithstanding). I am also in the fortunate position to have witnessed 40 years of slow but steady growth in LGBTQ acceptance, allowing my own ‘defensiveness’ to diminish greatly and for me to live openly and unconstrained. As the years go by, my gratitude to those who have gone before and helped pave the way has grown immeasurably. My partner of 10 years (a certain funeral director) and I will be attending our first Pride celebration this June in Boston.” — Steve, 63 Owner/Operator, Independent Roto-Rooter Sewer/Drain Service

“I get that the cycling industry is seen as a straight boys’ club, but it grows tiring being assumed to be straight all the time. It often feels like I’m stuck between worlds, unable to relate to the masculinity of the cycling world, while having little to talk about with my gay friends. When it comes to holding multiple, seemingly incompatible beliefs, I wish to remind people of the words of Walt Whitman: ‘Do I contradict myself? Very well, then I contradict myself. I am large. I contain multitudes!‘” — Nathaniel, 33 Mechanic, Manager of Quad Bikes

“ I was raised in a small New England community and attended college in Boston. Although struggling with my true identity and future, I chose to return to my hometown to help manage a local funeral home. At the age of 50, following a difficult experience, I realized to be truly happy I had to be honest with all my friends, including my girlfriend of 21 years (still a cherished friend), and most importantly, myself. Fortunately, my coming out was a positive experience. I was blessed to find my soul mate, a Roto-Rooter man. My occupation regularly reminds me that life is a gift and truly temporary. Be the person you were meant to be.” — Doug, 60

Funeral Director

“People don’t always realize what I’m doing in the store. When I’m putting out signage or completing an audit, customers will ask me where something is. I have to explain to them that I don’t work for the store and that I’m an LG representative. They usually walk away not concerned about who I am or what I do. In previous jobs, people would ask me about myself and would always be interested in me being gay and married, as if it was something new they’ve discovered. It made me feel good being true to who I am and telling my story to others. Now I interact with customers on a more superficial level . I’m still my true self, but my identity seems less important than what they’re currently needing help with. ” — Demetrius, 41

Merchandising Representative, LG

“When most people think of eating disorders and body image, the first place their mind goes is to a cisgender, hetero, white, affluent female. I have been fighting for years to destroy this stereotype. These diseases run rampant in all facets of society, the LGBTQ+ community being especially hard hit. Just as I fought my own 20-year battle, I will continue to fight for equal treatment and representation of my queer siblings.” — Krista, 48

Eating Disorders Activist/Advocate