Brianne Brinker

I needed to be myself. I just really needed to be myself. That is the biggest thing - this physical change and this person was in me, but I just never let that person out. Now I can live authentically. I can talk about who I am, I can say I love you to a friend that I really love and appreciate - I never could do that before. I can say what's on my mind and speak truth to power. When I'm standing there with five guys working on a project and somebody cuts me off, I can say 'wait, just a second, I've been speaking.' I can do those kinds of things now. Being able to be authentic and true to myself has been the key to everything I've achieved.

The best career advice I've received is something that's almost a cliche at this point, but it's so true: They don't care how much you know, as long as they know you care. I might be the smartest hockey person or the most knowledgeable about laws, gender issues or whatever it is, but if I don't care about the people that I'm working with or I'm just going through the motions, people pick up on that. Employees pick up on that-everybody does. Caring and genuine connection with people has made all the difference in my career. Before I came out, I don't think I would have had hardly anybody at my retirement party, but now it's going to be filled with people from Union College community, the athletic department, the Latin dance community, the hockey community and the LGBTQ community. I have been able go gain acceptance and a voice with many different people who want to celebrate with me which would not have been the case before.

Be yourself, the more you embrace your vulnerability, the more confidence you will have.

The biggest challenge in my field right now is the sheer volume of anti-trans legislation being introduced across the country. Back in May, I think the number was over 750 bills just from January to May throughout the country - bills targeting trans rights, whether it's bathroom bills, not allowing kids to play sports, or restricting access to healthcare. Some of these laws are incredibly draconian. In Kansas, for example, if you're trans and your driver's license doesn't say what you were assigned at birth, those licenses are invalid and you cannot drive until you get a new one. If you do drive, you could face jail time. There are other states where using the bathroom that matches your gender identity can result in prison time on the third or fourth offense. Every single human being, regardless of anything, should be entitled to healthcare, but we're seeing that right being stripped away. That's why I can't just wait for change to happen - I have to be part of it. I'm lobbying in Albany, canvassing for political candidates, and doing everything I can to fight these laws and protect our community.

I've always wanted to help people and make things easier for the next person. I want to make people's lives better. Right now, I want to lift people up and make sure that people feel good about themselves and that they can see a way forward for themselves. Whether it's someone at dance who's a beginner and gets frustrated, I want to keep them positive. If it's coaches who are struggling or their team is on a losing streak, I want to make sure they understand they're doing good things and doing the right thing. I want players to still want to play for their coaches, to know they're not being run into the ground. The most important thing to me is lifting people up and helping them see their own worth and potential, whatever that means for each person.