November 13 – 19 marks Transgender Awareness Week, a week set aside to recognize and uplift transgender people and raise awareness around the issues members of this community face. To honor this week, we share an interview with Julianne Ratliff, electrical site superintendent and Liberty Central Region contractor.
Get to know Julianne through her story of coming out as trans in her personal and work life, how living authentically has changed her life, advice for those who may be considering coming out, and ways you can support those in the LGBTQ+ community.
Julianne has worked as a contractor on several Liberty projects in the Central Region for the last two years. She earned her Associate of Science in Electrical Engineering from Southwest Virginia Community College.
What led you to a career in engineering, and specifically working in the energy sector?
My father was a project manager in construction and engineering. He spent many years teaching me the principles of critical thinking, problem solving and project planning that helped to shape my interest in the field. In high school, I took a keen interest in industrial arts programs like wood shop, metal shop, electronics and drafting. I always had a fascination with electricity and the processes by which it’s utilized, so electrical engineering came as a natural career path.
I began my professional career as a drafter for a company in St. Louis. As I grew into a senior designer role, I specified equipment, ran calculations, and produced full designs for senior engineer’s review. Through these experiences, I also had the opportunity to spend time in the field. This drove my interest in pursuing field construction work, which I found both challenging and rewarding. It was gratifying to make decisions that directly impacted projects and produced tangible results.
As a result of project work, I discovered that the energy sector offered a breadth of experiences and new challenges that bring diversity to my daily work.
How long have you worked on Liberty projects?
I have worked on projects for Liberty for two years. Beginning with the 91-O line from Gentry, AR, to Neosho, MO, I provided daily observance, progress reporting, quality assurance and coordination from the field for Liberty. I then performed similar responsibilities in Monett, MO, for 69KV distribution line upgrades. This was then followed by the Sub 322 replacement project in Anderson, MO, where I assisted Liberty in the project site coordination, materials management, field progress reporting, and quality assurance. More recently I have been providing this same resource for Liberty at the Sub 432 substation replacement and line upgrades in Webb City, MO.
What do you love most about your work?
My favorite part about my work is the process by which the team arrives at the end result. I enjoy collaborating to address challenges and implement innovative solutions.
When did you know you were trans?
I first knew that something was different about me in my teenage years, but the social norms of the time (the 1980s-1990s) made it difficult to identify what that difference was. I had never even heard the term “transgender” until I was in my twenties – and then, only briefly. When I came to fully understand the term, I had a profound realization that this explained how I felt, but I was still afraid to talk to anyone about it.
How did you come out in the workplace?
About five years ago, I began a period of self-reflection that resulted in truly accepting myself for who I am. Through the support of my partner, I developed the courage to begin coming out in public, though I was not yet out in the workplace. Fears of misperceptions and social acceptance kept me from letting the people around me know who I truly was for some time. I learned about &PROUD, our LGBTQ+ Employee Resource Group at Burns & McDonnell and felt supported by fellow members. Eventually, I felt comfortable approaching a manager who was touring a Liberty project site and began the journey to live as my authentic self at work.
How was that received?
Everyone has been extremely respectful and courteous. In fact, I feel like the crews on project sites have even more respect for me since coming out because of my courage in being authentic. Many within the construction community make a concerted effort to use my preferred pronouns, which I greatly appreciate.
What do you wish people would better understand about trans people?
I wish people would better understand that many transgender people, like myself, are happy to help educate others about things they may not understand regarding being transgender, if asked respectfully and with sincere intent. Through these conversations, we often discover more similarities than differences.
What recommendations would you give to those not in the LGBTQ+ community who may have questions about pronouns or how to address someone who is trans?
If you are speaking with a person and are unsure, don’t hesitate to ask what their preferred pronouns are. Avoid immediately assuming gender pronouns. Many non-binary individuals may prefer not to be gendered. I often experience being gendered as male due to my deep voice, despite my name and presentation as a woman. It may not seem like much to those who are not in the LGBTQ+ community, but pronoun misuse can affect an individual far more than the speaker realizes.
Do you have any advice for anyone who may be struggling with how to come out in the workplace?
Fear is a hard emotion to overcome, but fear is often a feeling that we manifest based on an untrue representation of reality. Find a small group of people who you know and trust. Try talking to them first to build your confidence in coming out. Diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace has come a long way, and it only continues to progress if we have the courage to show up authentically for ourselves and our colleagues.
Is there anything else you would like to share about your experience as a trans person?
Since coming out as trans, I have experienced newfound joy and fulfillment. Being true to myself is not easy, but it brings inner peace. I try to serve as an example to other transgender individuals and parents or family members of transgender individuals. My hope is that they see that we can continue to be successful in whatever we choose to do, and we do not have to give up our dream careers or previous lives to be our authentic selves.