“A trans person being front of house?” - Bhuvan Daniel, a Trans Man, speaks up on transphobia in the workforce

In a recent panel discussion with Pink Dot SG, Bhuvan Daniel, a trans youth activist and volunteer for Mental ACT, he bravely shared the multilayered challenges he has encountered working as a trans man in the workplace, focusing light on the often-overlooked issue of mental stress within the LGBTQ+ community.

Daniel explains the challenges he faces in the workplace: discrimination, non-understanding colleagues, and the emotional load of having to hide or show his real gender at work. These difficulties highlight the urgent need for a supportive environment where he can be free from discrimination and judgment.

What is Pink Dot SG?

Pink Dot SG is the annual event sponsored in Singapore, bringing together people to support the freedom to love. The movement behind Pink Dot SG aims to create an environment that is more open and welcoming to all members of society, thus fostering diversity, inclusivity, and equality.

“Fear of losing the rice bowl”

Firstly, in his sharing concerning the issue at hand, Bhuvan Daniel bravely talks about the difficulties he encounters as a trans man trying to navigate his way through the professional working world. He rightfully observes and points to the fact that people like him, who are trans, are most often discriminated against and not afforded any work. It’s not just about facing prejudice; there’s also the constant worry about losing his job just because of who he is. Bhuvan openly talks about what he calls the “fear of losing the rice bowl,” a term that captures the anxiety many transgender individuals feel about losing their means of making a living because of their gender identity.

An unexplainable job loss

Bhuvan then opens up about a recent job loss, leaving him questioning the reasons behind it. He questions if it’s because he’s trans or was it because he was at the front house, or perhaps a combination of both.

This uncertainty adds to the mental stress Daniel experiences at work, showing how important it is to have more transparency and inclusivity in hiring and employment practices. Front-of-house staff, who greet guests and take orders, play a crucial role in creating a welcoming atmosphere, and it’s vital that they also feel supported and valued in their workplace.

Facing Homophobic and Transphobic Comments

Throughout his career, Bhuvan has often encountered homophobic and transphobic comments from colleagues and people surrounding him.

Furthermore, staying silent in the face of these derogatory remarks takes a significant toll on his mental well-being. He wants to speak up and defend his community, but doing so is challenging because he is trying to maintain his “stealth” identity. Balancing his need for privacy with his desire to advocate for his community’s rights and dignity is a constant struggle.

Prioritizing Human Connection and Support

Bhuvan Daniel’s courageous narrative unveils the harsh realities of the emotional toll faced by transgender individuals in professional settings. His story serves as a significant reminder of the urgent need for heightened awareness, inclusivity, and strong support for LGBTQ+ members in workplaces.

Through dedicated efforts in advocacy, education, and standing together as allies, we can actively contribute to crafting a better society where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to embrace their authentic selves.

Watch the video here:

@pinkdotsg

Bhuvan Daniel is a Trans Youth Activist and a volunteer for Mental ACT, a non-profit dedicated to addressing the social stigma surrounding mental health issues within the South Asian community. Here, he shares his personal experiences with the mental stress he faces at work as a trans man. Join us at Pink Dot 16 on 29th June 2024, 3:30pm. Take a stand, and let your voice be heard for a more inclusive Singapore. #Singapore #LGBT #LGBTQ #Pride #PinkDotSG #PinkDot16 #NoOneLeftBehind

♬ original sound – Pink Dot SG – Pink Dot SG