By Katherine Martin
Politics Editor
Now 40, Kinsey Whitford began working for St. Michael’s in July of 2017 by her birth name, Kyle. It was around this time she began her transition into a woman. Eager for people to understand what it means to be transgender, she talked with the Defender.
Kinsey sat down for an interview in Dion on her break as an HVAC Technician on campus. Kinsey installs, maintains, and repairs heating, plumbing, air conditioning, and kitchen equipment. Dressed in a beanie and a t-shirt, she held a sweatshirt in her lap as she spoke.
Q. When did you first understand that you were transgender?
Completely? About two years ago but I have been questioning it pretty much from puberty on.
“I hated my life; I hated being a guy. That is no life for anyone.”
-Kinsey Whitford, an HVAC technician
Q. What was it like to come out?
Very stressful. Kind of like not knowing what your relationships are going to look like down the road. I was married. I still am married. Thankfully my wife is supportive. But that’s the hardest part–coming out and not knowing the reactions you’re going to get.
Q. How has going through the process impacted your work or your relationships?
I worked at Vermont Mechanical as a service tech. I actually left to avoid the uncertainty of where I was going day to day. My relationship with my wife is leaps and bounds better and relationships with other people in my family are even a lot better–the ones that chose to still communicate. I left my job to come here to St. Mike’s because of the reputation.
Q. How has your marriage improved since coming out?
We have more in common. I am not nearly as miserable about life as I was, and we can share clothes. [laughs] Stacey never really knew before I came out [about my identity]… Kinsey and Kyle are different people with different personalities and even looks and style.
Q. Do you have kids?
Yes from a previous marriage. A boy, Zachary 19-20 and a girl, Hannah 21-22.
Q. What has going through the transition process been like for you?
The beginning of the transition process really stinks. It’s slow, there’s three or four doctor visits that you have to do to make sure you’re completely healthy. Starting the hormones was not fun at all. It was very rocky and emotional. I’m surprised I still had a relationship after the first few months of estradiol. But recently it’s been great now that things are starting to align more with how I think I should look. It was definitely a long road getting to this point.
Q. Do you plan to get surgery or just stick to hormones?
Surgery is scheduled for early next year. Counting every minute… three months 19 days and 17 hours.
Q. What have some struggles been?
The biggest struggle is the time commitment doing the hair removal and its expense. In the beginning, you’re going to the doctor every three months for regular lab work. Also trying to work on my voice is not easy but I’ve gotten it up there a little bit. [laughs]
Q. What are some misconceptions people have about transgender men and women?
Well the first is that they think it’s a choice. If you could, you’re asking me to choose between living and not being here. Most of us live a very miserable, secluded life until we come out. I hated my life; I hated being a guy. That is no life for anyone.
Q. Do you feel happy here at St. Mikes?
It took a while to get used to it and there are still days I don’t really feel comfortable because I still am dealing with the facial hair thing and that stinks. Most of the time I’m walking around here with this big hoodie on.
Q. What is the climate like for you on campus?
Things have been friendly on campus. The closest thing I have had to a negative comment was someone complaining about the multi-stall, multi-user restrooms in front of me.
Q. What are some of the positive things that have come along with transitioning for you?
The fact that things physically are lining up has been huge. You know, hair starting to disappear from the body without having to do expensive painful hair removal. I am definitely friendlier to be around. Probably even more open-minded I would say.