For 63-year-old Bianca, the pandemic lockdown was a transformational period. It was a journey of self-reflection and healing, and was instrumental in shaping her identity.
But as someone raised in the 60s, coming to terms with her transition was no easy feat.
“I grew up in a very catholic household and went to a religious school. At the time, these environments were pretty terrifying for someone who didn’t play the ‘right’ part in society. I was heavily bullied for not being typically masculine. I learned pretty quickly that showing any sign of femininity was wrong,” says Bianca.
A testament to her strength and resilience, Bianca also lives with kidney disease and liver failure, having to receive an urgent liver transplant just months before the lockdown period. Due to being immunocompromised, Bianca had to isolate more than most throughout the lockdown period.
As a result of extended treatment to increase life expectancy and medication to alleviate pain, she now suffers from chronic fatigue, and a reduction in her fine motor skills.
“I’ve certainly been through a lot in my life,” she laughs. “But I’m not one to give up without a fight!”.
After the pandemic, or ‘transdemic’ as Bianca now calls it, she joined various community and support groups that cater to the trans community. At a Gender Centre meeting, a counselor suggested Bianca look into WISE Employment’s Rainbow WISE program – an offering dedicated to supporting members of the LGBTQIA+ community who may also be living with a disability.
“I was skeptical at first as I’ve only ever had bad experiences with job service providers. I had faced discrimination due to my age when applying for hospitality roles and felt very disheartened,” said Bianca.
“I had also been out of work for a while because of some physical implications, but being on the pension just wasn’t enough to survive anymore,”
At WISE Employment Marrickville, Bianca met with Rainbow WISE consultants Gemma and Izzy.
“Bianca joined us in 2021 in what was a very pivotal moment for her. Applying for a new job is stressful in itself, but given what she had been through, she was apprehensive we could find a role that suited her,” says Gemma.
Before the job application process began, Bianca, Gemma and Izzy discussed ways to ensure Bianca felt affirmed in her identity and appearance, giving her confidence to apply for potential roles.
“When you’re comfortable and confident, anything is possible. We organised a trip to the hair salon for Bianca so that she felt powerful when stepping into an interview,” says Gemma.
As someone who is passionate about advocating for the LGBTQIA+ community, it was important for Bianca to only apply for roles at inclusive workplaces – those who provide additional support and pride for the queer community.
Within a few months, Gemma and Izzy put forward Merlin Entertainment – a global leader in diversity and inclusion and an enterprise that owns and operates Sea Life and Wild Life.
“When I went to the interview, I was very transparent. I essentially said ‘you may have noticed I’m transgender,’ and they replied with ‘that’s okay – most of us here are gay. We’ve even got gay penguins!’” Bianca laughed.
“They spoke about their Pride and Mardis Gras celebrations, and how they celebrate advocacy days like Trans Day of Visibility. It just started to feel right for me.”
Bianca has now been in her role for over a year, and has become a core part of the Merlin family.
“I truly love my job. I really didn’t think I would, but I do. Merlin’s really listens to me.”
“I was terrified when I first started that I would get abused for being trans or for having a disability, but I’ve received so much support from the team. Working with people who are so warm and welcoming has really allowed me to come into my own,” said Bianca.
When asked what her favourite part of the job is, Bianca says it’s working for a company that’s making a real difference in the world.
“Merlin and Sea Life are very passionate about conserving marine wildlife. They have teams that actively participate in conservation projects around the globe, protecting and restoring the underwater world for future generations,” says Bianca.
Though Bianca has now found employment, she continues to visit Gemma and Izzy at Rainbow WISE.
“Gemma and Izzy are truly amazing. They’ve created such a safe space and I feel really loved and supported. I never thought I’d be able to say that.”
“I honestly look forward to stepping into Rainbow WISE. I feel like I can talk about anything, and they actually understand me and understand the intersectionality of being trans, disabled and neurodiverse,” says Bianca. 
Gemma now considers Bianca a friend, boasting with pride on how far she’s come.
“Bianca is a true icon. She’s gone through so much and has come out the other end a strong, resilient woman who fights for what she believes in,” says Gemma.
Bianca continues to advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights wherever she can, speaking at Merlin’s Pride events and offering counsel on new initiatives to support the queer community.
“I feel really privileged and grateful for where I’m at. When I was growing up, trans women weren’t employed in places like this. The world is slowly changing and people are finally beginning to understand that supporting trans folk is about achieving better outcomes for everybody,” says Bianca.
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