Transgender Trucker

As a trans man myself, I can understand his apprehension about sharing a confined space with a complete stranger 24/7. I was extremely nervous about going out with a trainer I'd never met before and had zero knowledge about. I'm fortunate enough that I had been on testosterone for 6 1/2 years by that point, and nobody challenged or questioned my gender. Even so, the whole 5 weeks I was on my trainer's truck all my antannae were up and at full power, looking for the first sign that this guy could present a danger if he were to discover what was or was not in my pants. Training by itself is exhausting, especially with a trainer who believes his trainer should do all the night driving. Training while on permanent Yellow Alert? I'm amazed I survived.

So yeah, I get why he's hoping for a co-driver who's at least LGBTQ friendly, if not ***** themselves, especially with the current political climate. Why he got super defensive and bailed? That I don't get.

What I was trying to say. It was only so I didn’t have to invade someone’s space with my personal life and to feel scared of what they would think. I dont know how to put it in words but just know I’m not wanting to offend anyone. That was not my intentions. I was wrong about even asking for a transgender driver partner. If I get someone who can teach me well then that’s all that matters. I could just go weeks without taking my meds until I feel it would be okay to.

I just appreciate to know that there are people that are kind and it helps a lot with my anxiety. Again sorry if I seemed rude at all. Cyber conversations are sometimes interpreted wrong.

Have a great day everyone. 🙂

As a trans man myself, I can understand his apprehension about sharing a confined space with a complete stranger 24/7. I was extremely nervous about going out with a trainer I'd never met before and had zero knowledge about. I'm fortunate enough that I had been on testosterone for 6 1/2 years by that point, and nobody challenged or questioned my gender. Even so, the whole 5 weeks I was on my trainer's truck all my antannae were up and at full power, looking for the first sign that this guy could present a danger if he were to discover what was or was not in my pants. Training by itself is exhausting, especially with a trainer who believes his trainer should do all the night driving. Training while on permanent Yellow Alert? I'm amazed I survived.

So yeah, I get why he's hoping for a co-driver who's at least LGBTQ friendly, if not ***** themselves, especially with the current political climate. Why he got super defensive and bailed? That I don't get.

As a trans man myself, I can understand his apprehension about sharing a confined space with a complete stranger 24/7. I was extremely nervous about going out with a trainer I'd never met before and had zero knowledge about. I'm fortunate enough that I had been on testosterone for 6 1/2 years by that point, and nobody challenged or questioned my gender. Even so, the whole 5 weeks I was on my trainer's truck all my antannae were up and at full power, looking for the first sign that this guy could present a danger if he were to discover what was or was not in my pants. Training by itself is exhausting, especially with a trainer who believes his trainer should do all the night driving. Training while on permanent Yellow Alert? I'm amazed I survived.

So yeah, I get why he's hoping for a co-driver who's at least LGBTQ friendly, if not ***** themselves, especially with the current political climate. Why he got super defensive and bailed? That I don't get.

Sorry to everyone. Just a person with personal self issues and I can’t handle my anxiety. I regret it all from the first post. All I do is dig my own problems and I just want to say thanks to everyone who is supportive anyways.

Have a great day!!

Okay I am confused😕 this starts out with Jess's original posting, responses from myself, Chip Bagg, Rainy D, and Millionmiler24. Then Byeee's response. To both Jess and Byeee, unfortunately there are people and plenty of them who will have issues with you, a lot of them will not feel comfortable driving or working with you. But take heart for everyone of them there are dozens more of us that will have absolute zero issue working with you😄

My fault for wording things wrong I guess. What I meant by “thought it would help me but realized it’s no big deal” was about the fact is why should I care about what people thought when all that matters is how good of a trainer they are. Getting from Rainy D, yeah I’d rather have a good trainer. And I agree with everyone that has responded that was very helpful and I appreciate people like all of you. And I was not trying to be defensive at all this is why I try to stay away from forums or social media because I suck at writing and can’t get my point across the right way lol. I’m sorry again.

Just forget this post. It’s not meant for people to take it personal. Thought it would help me but I realized it’s no big deal.

Thanks everyone.

I’m a transgender male who will be getting into CRST school on September 10. I know I’m suppose to have a team driver and I was hoping to meet anyone who just started with CRST or is going to earn their CDL through them that are also transgender. I feel that I would be more comfortable with someone who is no matter girl or boy or anyone who is okay with a transgender. If anyone would like to team with me, let me know. I’m very friendly, hardworking, and organized. I also vape so if you don’t smoke and that will bother you, that’s something to consider. Thanks everyone.

Happy trucking 🙂

Thank you. And I’m glad.

Also I’m worried about being judged everywhere I go. It’s not only based on one place. I can’t control it and I wish I could. But knowing that I will be around people who are open minded, respectful, and caring will help a bit.

I’m just scared and excited to get into a new career. But I really need this. So I appreciate all of you that help.

I’m a transgender male who will be getting into CRST school on September 10. I know I’m suppose to have a team driver and I was hoping to meet anyone who just started with CRST or is going to earn their CDL through them that are also transgender. I feel that I would be more comfortable with someone who is no matter girl or boy or anyone who is okay with a transgender. If anyone would like to team with me, let me know. I’m very friendly, hardworking, and organized. I also vape so if you don’t smoke and that will bother you, that’s something to consider. Thanks everyone.

Happy trucking 🙂

I consider myself the “Ambassador” for CRST here on TruckingTruth and would be glad to answer any questions you may have regarding CRST. I am also very open to other people and will NEVER judge you for who you are. I seriously don’t believe you will have to worry about being judged there at all. They are all open people who respect each other at least everyone I have ever met at CRST is. If you are open to teaming then CRST is a great choice for you. 😀

Byeee Unfortunately there are people on this site and as I am sure you have experience in life who don't agree with your choices. For the record I am a straight white Christian male. While I do not believe in your choices or the gay and lesbian life style or choice, you can consider me on your side. Stick around and share your CDL journey with us. Good luck at CRST.

Although I have no experience with what you are going through, it’s important to realize that anything, regardless of how personal, cannot distract you from focusing on learning during school and road training. What you are experiencing is a life altering event, no doubt physically and emotionally draining. Add learning how-to operate a truck to your current station in life is likely beyond your limits.

That said; until you are more comfortable in your own skin, you might consider delaying moving forward with this. You seem far too concerned with your transition and associated anxiety to focus 100% of your attention on learning.

I’d suggest the majority of us on this forum ultimately only care about your driving skills and how you handle the truck as you intermix with other vehicles on the road. Safe operation; is all that matters to us.

Sorry but I just don’t think you are ready for this...maybe a year from now will be different.

Good luck.

Ok.... heres a question for you. Im a woman. Do you think changing my sanitary napkins is personal? of course. so what do you think i do? I do it in the restroom where no one else sees me. you wont be showering or using the restroom with your trainer or co driver so whats the big deal. you wont have to go weeks without it as you stated.

one of my issues with my trainer..she would park us without a restroom... then whip out her manhood and urinate on the side of the truck with no regard for me! what was i supposed to do? i told her she couldnt pick and choose when she was going to be a woman or a man for convenience sake. if she is a woman, parts or not, sbe needed to squat under that trailer and pee jist like i would have needed to. amazingly, we start parking near restrooms lol

and YES you will get stares and grimacing comments. oh well. be aware of yourself. if you look male, then wear black.jackets and a hat and use the mens room without question. if you can put a ponytail and tease yiur hair...use thin wire rimmed glasses for feminity... then use the ladies room. many places have family rooms now so its unisex. that is an issue you have to deal with.

im more concerned about the safety issue of depression, anxiety and crazy hormones. i dont want a volatile person driving a death machine. i saw what my trainer went through and she did a group therapy google session every week. so take into consideration how long you have been in on the hormones and whether your moods are going to swing. it was hard as a student with a trainer that way... but as a trainer, if i have someone getting nasty with me, well....there's the curb. My truck, my way.

you just stated your anxiety is gettimg the better of you. is it possible to wait until you are further along in your transition so you feel more comfortable?

Another issue...are you on anxiety meds? Just because DOT may allow certain meds, it does not mean company policy will allow it. we have seen here quite a bit over the years where a company will send a student home to change pills then come back 30 days later.

are you prepared to do that if necessary?

One thing we always point out to anyone considering this career is that it's far, far more difficult than most people ever imagine. Many people get into it because they think, "It's only trucking. Any idiot can do that. How hard can it be?"

It turns out that driving the truck is only a small part of the challenges you'll face. The lifestyle is what most people can't handle. You'll be putting in the equivalent of two full time jobs, but then you're travelling constantly. You're alone most of the time, you're away from home and family and friends all the time, and there's quite a bit of stress involved.

Very few people who take a shot at trucking last very long. Half of the people never even manage to get their CDL at the Paid CDL Training Programs. Of those that do, half of them never make it out of training and go solo. In the end, 95% of the people who take a shot at this don't make it for one full year.

You have unique challenges which psychologically are going to make this way tougher than it is for most people, and most people can't handle this. I've watched former police officers and military folks only last a short time in this industry and move on to something else. They're famously tough people.

I would agree with G-Town. You seem awfully fragile psychologically at this point. Trucking is one of the most demanding professions out there. I say it's an extraordinary job for extraordinary people. It's also listed every year as one of the deadliest jobs in America.

I'm all about adventure and risk. I love a challenge. Can't live without one. Trucking was an awesome adventure for me, but it's a nightmare for a lot of people. It takes a serious level of commitment and fortitude. I would seriously reconsider whether or not you're up for this level of challenge right now. If so, then great! Go for it. If not, no big deal. Trucking isn't going anywhere. It'll be here if the time comes that you're ready for it.

Trucking Takes Commitment