Denis has lived with prejudice in the job market all his life. EDP Brazil opened the door to a career that seemed forbidden to him. Now, society needs to do the rest.
Before entering the program at the School of Electricians for Trans People (Denis worked at a telemarketing company) the only place that really provides jobs for trans people and medical insurance. But this Brazilian professional, who was born in Bahia and came to São Paulo when he was only two years old, is now a happier person, doing what he really enjoys.
"This course made me realize how important energy is in people's lives. Our instructor said that with each service we would learn and observe people's happiness when we solved the problem, and that in the end, that would be priceless. Now, I see it every day," says Denis. And as that same instructor said, "you don't choose this area; it chooses you."
"In my personal life, it was a great gift because I had lost my mother and I was a little lost," says Denis. "On top of that, it's hard to get a job as a trans person. I had no prospects in the job market but EDP gave me a way to continue chasing my dreams."
One of the immediate changes brought about by this program was the fact that he was now able to help his sisters,and undergo medical treatment to continue his transition. But there is still a lot of work to be done with regard to how society-and Brazilian society in particular-treats underrepresented groups, especially transgender people. "There are a lot of lies spread in the media and it confuses people. But with my experience within a cisgender space, I see that we also have to understand that not everyone will respect us or want to work with us. But that's ok, we're here to learn and evolve," he concedes.
Denis continues to face prejudice every day, but dismisses the attacks. "What matters is that you go after your dreams without needing to victimize yourself or attack other people, even though bad people are just like that because they have nothing else to offer." As the electrician states, this opportunity is a way "to show that it doesn't matter if you are trans, gay, or an alien. We just need an opportunity to show that we can work and be great professionals in any area."
"EDP was a company that faced the world to help people like me and that inspires other companies. EDP gave me the opportunity and I am growing and improving every day," says Denis. "I'm a professional and that's what matters. It makes me get up and go to work every day with joy, and strive to do what is right."
Learn all about Denis' journey in the video below: