A Leg Up to Finding Work in a Tough Economy
May 3, 2012
DENVER - The national unemployment rate is slightly more than 8 percent, but finding a job in tough economic times can be even more difficult for people from marginalized populations.
This weekend, therefore, the GLBT Community Center of Colorado is stepping in to help. It's holding its second annual Transgender Job Fair on Saturday at the center, 1301 E. Colfax Ave., Denver.
One of the employer representatives at the fair will be Matt Romero, a senior administrative assistant at Miller Coors Brewing. Romero says the brewery is looking for manufacturing and production employees.
"Qualified candidates that fit the skill sets we're looking for. And it doesn't necessarily mean just in Golden. We have breweries across the United States."
A study released last year by the National Center for Transgender Equity and the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force found transgender Americans face double the rate of unemployment of the general population, and that 90 percent of respondents faced harassment, mistreatment or discrimination on the job.
Romero is president of an employer-sponsored group called "LAGER," which helps to foster understanding in the general employee population. While the name echoes a type of beer, it actually refers to the Lesbian and Gay Employee Resource group.
"I appreciate the fact that I have domestic-partner benefits. I have not been discriminated against in any way whatsoever. It's a great company to work for and a great atmosphere."
Romero reminds those looking for work to double- and triple-check their resumes.
"Don't miss a thing of what you're all about, what your capabilities are."
Fifteen employers will be at the fair. Attendees can register online at GLBTColorado.org through 5 p.m. Friday.
The unemployment study is online at transequality.org.