We need to band together

[AyeMarie13]

Hi, I'm Amber Byers, she her hers. I identify as female. I wanted to share my story. I started my transition 8 years ago. I was working at The Home Depot in Fullerton CA at the time. I started using the women's bathroom. Got written up, women made false claims about me, plus I got segregated to the unisex bathroom. It didn't sit well with me as a trans advocate. I wrote to HR in Atlanta GA about my discrimination case. Plus teamed up with the LGBT center in Santa Ana, CA. So, I fought with HD about my rights. Was coming down to suing them for 10 million dollars. HR came up and sat me down in the office. They said "You can sue us and lose your position here at HD. Or you could change the policy, your name in the system, and on your apron. I chose to change the policy and open doors for others after me. Then a few weeks later I quit to work at Disneyland. Was my favorite job in the world. The girls I was working with got jealous of my work skills. They banded together like a high school clique and got me fired for sexual harassment. Which to let you know, I only date men. So, I don't see how I could've done that but ok. After I got fired I literally balled my eyes out because it was straight discrimination. Then I was in the Mercy House Armory Shelter in Santa Ana CA. I was segregated by security. They put my mat on the stage as to say I'm a laughing stock. Then was told that they'd have to clear out the women's bathroom just for me to use it. So, I banded together again with the LGBT Center and made each and everyone of them take a 2 hour course on how to treat trans individuals. After that I got to eat, sleep, shower with women as I am a woman regardless of what I was born as. Then my last battle was here in Portland OR. I stayed at the Bybee Lake Hope Center. I was sexually discriminated against. They kept asking what I was born as. I kept telling them that they have no business asking that. They said "If you are born male, you must be on the men's floor not the women's. We care about their safety and don't want you doing sexual advances towards them". I was like -what the heck-???? "I LIKE GUYS". Ultimately they put me on the men's floor, segregated in a corner where no one would see me. I had to call the Gresham Women's Shelter for a bed because I was being discriminated against. They said to come asap, so I did. Now I have my own place and working front desk at an apartment complex. But i still fight for my rights and equality. I got a security guard fired because of hid transphobic remarks. Calling me a guy in a wheelchair, dude, he him his, bro, man. All offensive wording. But I stood my ground and wouldn't back down. I wanted to tell my story so it can motivate all of you to stand for your rights. to fight when you need to fight. to say the correct wording, and give knowledge on how to conduct yourself in these situations. It's hard, but nothing in life is easy. Just know you have a sister on your side ready to fight the good fight. To do more than Caitlyn Jenner or Jazz Jennings ever could. I've been there. I've fought on the streets and at work for equality. But the one thing that is a game changer, love and positivity. Thanks for letting me tell my story...

 

...Amber B

[_Kira_]

Thank you for sharing your experience Amber!

You're an inspiration!

🫂 

Kira 

[Charlize]

I'm fortunate to have found much more acceptance in my journey.  Thank you for sharing your journey here and for fighting "the good fight.  

 

Hugs,

 

Charlize

[Marcie Jensen]

Thank you for sharing. You are a very courageous woman and an inspiritation.

[April Marie]

What an inspiration you are! Thank you for sharing your story!!

[Delcina B]

Welcome Amber! Glad you're here! Your story reminds me of "The Little Engine That Could!" You never give up, thank you for sharing it!

 

Hugs!

Delcina 

[Mmindy]

Good morning and welcome Amber,

 

It's good to read about your drive to stand up for yourself, as well as encourage others.

 

Best wishes, stay positive, and motivated,

 

Mindy🐛🏳️‍⚧️🦋