What Trans Day of Visibility Means To Me - Pam Moore, Kellogg Europe

Pam Moore, Solution Architect at Kellogg Europe, shares their experiences as a trans woman in the workplace and what we can do to be better allies to the trans community.

Hi Pam, tell us about your role within your organization.

I’m Pam Moore. I’m a Solution Architect in the Kellogg Europe IT function. I joined Kellogg in Jan 2021.

What does Trans Day of Visibility mean to you?

It is a day where I have the opportunity to increase awareness and understanding of what being trans is, what being trans means and how allies and all can make the workplace trans inclusive

Why is it important that we continue to shine light on the trans community and increase visibility?

Here in the UK the environment for trans people has degraded significantly. Trans has been chosen as a political weapon by the right wing and our very existence has become frequently a matter of challenge. It’s hard being trans in the UK today without worrying where society is going. Trans is now often labelled as some kind of mental illness and ‘gender critical’ is seen as a cool thing not a direct attack on trans-rights

What can we all do to push for awareness of trans human rights all year round?

Being aware of the rise of transphobia in the UK and do not be silent – the vast majority of people are absolutely trans-inclusive, sadly, a small number of transphobic, mainly right-wing commentators and influencers are having a disproportionate impact on public perceptions today. This needs to be challenged, all of the time.

Have you always been out in the workplace?

I joined Kellogg very much just as another woman, I initially had no intention of disclosing that I am trans. Probably a key thing for many trans women is that we just want to be seen as the women we are. Trans does not define me, it is just a fact, like the fact I am 1.89m tall. However, on TDoV 2021 I decided that it was the right thing to do to come out and tell my colleagues (and the KEU IT function as a whole) that I am a trans woman. The reaction was wonderful and it has persuaded me that I’d like to be a trans-ambassadress across Kellogg if I could be.

How would you describe the situation of trans employees in the UK (or the country you work in, if outside the UK) compared to other countries? What do you think are the next steps for further inclusion? 

I think 2 years ago I would have said that the UK was fantastic, really progressive and inclusive for trans people.  Sadly, in the last 18 months the situation has degraded a lot. There are not only some very public and loud voices speaking against our very right to exist but now it’s a standard political position to demonstrate how anti-trans a politician is. The UK PM leadership campaign was so very awful for trans people. Whilst Kellogg remains inclusive there are steps backward in many parts of the UK Business world. Continuing to publicise Kellogg ED&I values and how important inclusivity remains at K is more important than ever.

How do you think you can personally contribute to changing your organization’s culture for the better?

I love to talk on UK, European and Global forums and events about what being trans is, how it feels to be included and how to support trans people and help them be their authentic selves. I would love to have a more formalised trans ambassadress role.

What is your advice to people that wish to be visible trans allies?

Please do it, talk to trans people and understand the things that make a real difference. Trans allies will need to be vocal and visible in the future to be effective.

What would you like to see next in the fight for trans rights both in and out of the workplace?

In the workplace I’d like trans to have a profile outside of just being part of the overall ED&I world, a visible trans presence. Outside of the workplace the role of trans allies is ever more critical. The disinformation and disingenuity being spread by right wing ‘gender critical’ transphobic views can only be countered by the vast majority being less silent and more challenging. Standing up for trans inclusivity.