In this episode of The Inclusion Bites Podcast, host Joanne Lockwood invites Lee Gilbert to share her deeply personal journey towards authenticity as a transgender individual. Lee candidly reflects on the challenges she faced and her transformative experience, providing valuable insights into the broader struggle for inclusion and belonging.

Lee went through a transformative journey to embrace their authentic self. After 40 years of living a life that didn't feel true to who they were, Lee came out as transgender in 2020. Before that, they had felt like they were playing a role, pretending to be someone they weren't, and excelling at it. Despite the outward appearance of success and happiness, Lee knew they were living a life that wasn't authentic to them. Now, they are proud to live as their true self and share their story with others.

The episode begins with both Joanne and Lee opening up about the impact of lockdown, delving into the introspective opportunities it offered and the pressure to conform to societal expectations. Lee describes her profound experience during the night of the Paris-Brussels terrorist attack, which sparked a series of major leaps in her life, including coming out to her wife, family, and in her professional life.

The discussion touches on Lee's struggle with authenticity and her gender identity, along with her battles with mental health issues resulting from the lack of information and role models for transgender individuals in the 1980s and 1990s. Despite these challenges, Lee found herself on a journey towards true belonging and authenticity, eventually becoming a mentor and advocate for young individuals facing similar experiences.

Throughout the episode, Joanne and Lee delve into the evolution of gender terminology, societal pressure to conform to binary norms, and the importance of allowing individuals to explore and understand their gender identity without societal pressure. They express their hope for increased acceptance of transgender individuals in the future, aiming to change perceptions through visibility and positive role modelling.

The key takeaway from this episode is the powerful message of embracing vulnerability and authenticity, as well as the importance of creating a more inclusive society where individuals can truly be themselves. Joanne and Lee's conversation provides an insightful and inspiring exploration of the journey towards living authentically, challenging societal norms, and advocating for greater acceptance. Tune in to hear Lee's impactful story and gain valuable perspectives on inclusion and belonging.