The ReiQueer Pod Episode #9 - Redefining Professionalism

There are few things as powerful on this earth than a personality hire who’s also good at their job. In my opinion this pretty much makes you immortal. However, there was a time not too long ago, that I was certainly more of the former than the latter.

That! Being! Said! Toxic workplace culture is one of my favorite things to talk about because honestly and truly? Fuck them jobs.

I think there’s something very anti-colonial about my practice as it pertains to being at work. I’m so blessed to have had a longstanding career and relationship within a sector that fulfills me. I’m in constant service to Black people, Brown people, queer and trans people. I’ve had the privilege of working with queer and trans elders, refugees and teenagers. This is the joy and pride of my life, but let’s be honest, with this work comes a scarcity, a lack of stability and a chronic ego-maniac epidemic when it comes to management. 

There have been a million lives lived across seasonal contracts, summer camps, life-management and afterschool programs. I’m a self-identified expert in the field of making it fucking work. 

This has earned me a tough skin and a gorgeous set of boundaries that have never steered me wrong. There is such a privilege in being able to work for money in a way that actually leaves you feeling capable and important enough to make a difference. But that has not come without its sacrifices. Years and years of *just* making rent, and eating once a day. This world, as we know, does not value the spirit of a child the same way it does a condo or a supermall. So yes, in this life, we suffer nonetheless, the same way that we labour nonetheless. 

My prayer is for ultimate empowerment for all my kin. For the baby professionals, I hope this finds you and you start your practice of self-advocacy as early as you can. 

Until next time,

Chloe, The ReiQueer