I'm a Transgender Woman—It Took Me 16 Years To Land My Dream Job

Many people believe that something isn't meant to be when faced with rejection. However, Alley Williams was determined to achieve her lifelong dream of becoming a flight attendant, despite being unsuccessful on many occasions.

Williams, who is transgender, first applied for a role in 2006. Her dreams came true on her 27th attempt, and the 35-year-old finally got her wings in October 2022.

She told Newsweek: "Being a flight attendant validates me to be the woman I have always wanted to be."

Williams's dreams came true on her 27th attempt, and the 35-year-old finally got her wings in October 2022.

She told Newsweek: "I have been applying since I was 18; back then, being transgender was looked down on. People don't admit it, but I could tell when they looked at my passport and birth certificate, they would make a funny face.

"They would say I am inexperienced. Sometimes it could have been the fact that I wasn't ready for the role, but I have always thought I didn't get the job because I was transgender.

"There were times when I would feel discouraged to apply again but I always told myself to keep on going."

Williams, from Melbourne, Australia, said she always knew she was transgender and has been taking hormones since age 13.

Speaking about her childhood, Williams said: "Growing up was up and down. I was very feminine, and I thought I was going to be like my mom.

"When you are a kid, you are playing and don't think too much, but as time went on, I became more self-conscious. I wanted to be a female like my friends."

Five years ago, Williams underwent a medical transition to become a woman. She praises Qantas, the flagship carrier of Australia, for being an inclusive company.

According to the Qantas Group Inclusion and Diversity Policy, managers are responsible for ensuring that biases are not impacting the decisions made when recruiting, evaluating performance and remuneration, providing development opportunities, identifying talent, succession planning, and promoting.

In 2022, Qantas operated special flights for Sydney WorldPride, a huge celebration for the LGBTQI+ community. The airline is a "proud supporter" of the community, which is why they are always willing to go the extra mile. In this case, it was almost 7,500 miles, as the Qantas WorldPride Flight was from Los Angeles to Sydney.

John Tanzella, the president and CEO of The International LGBTQ+ Travel Association, previously said: "For more than 25 years, Qantas has been an outstanding advocate for LGBTQ+ communities across Australia and a champion in promoting a safe, equitable, and diverse culture for both their customers and staff. We're so excited to welcome another leading travel brand that has demonstrated long-term support for our community into our family of Global Partners."

She said: "Everyone has been accepting, and there haven't been any clashes.

"I feel like myself when I am in the air; I love getting dressed up for work and chatting with the passengers."

Williams was compelled to take a different career path as time went on. She pursued studies at the university to become a registered nurse and a part-time commercial actress. But she continued to try her luck within the aviation industry.

She encourages other transgender people to follow their dreams and "be true to who they are."

"I have wanted to be a flight attendant ever since I can remember. I never lost my passion on the inside, but I had to find alternative ways to progress in life, but the spark to be an air hostess has always been there," she said.

She explained: "I think it is harder for transgender people to reach career milestones."

However, she is living proof that the sky is the limit and anything is possible.

She said: "Things have changed, and society has become more accepting of the LGBQT+ community, but I do think people's acceptance depends on what part of your transition you are in.

"I have been quite lucky, as I have had the privilege of passing. Most people can't detect that I am trans."

Back in December, Williams shared her exciting news with TikTok. During the clip, she revealed her new prim and proper uniform for the first time online. She can hardly contain her excitement as she dances wearing a red, pink, and black dress.

The text layered over the video said: "You can do whatever you want to do! Don't just dream it!"

"I got the career of my dreams thanks to the inclusive and diverse company I'm with," she added.

The inspiring video racked up over 321,000 views and more than 700 comments, many of which praised Williams for "never giving up" on her dreams.

She said: "I feel like being up in the air revives the kid inside of me as my imagination comes alive.

"The job makes me feel so good; I worked hard toward the job and studied all things aviation. I am so grateful for the opportunity."

Fortunately, many airlines, like Qantas, have been recognized for their inclusivity and diversity. For the past two decades, American Airlines has achieved the title of "Best Places to Work" for LGBTQ equality every year.

Newsweek reached out to Justin Ellixson-Andrews, the executive director of the National Gay Pilots Association (NGPA), an international organization of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBTQ) pilots and other aviation enthusiasts from around the world.

Ellixson-Andrews said: "Teamwork and crew coordination are critical parts of any flight crew member's duties. Inclusivity and diversity training are integral to building safer and better coordinated crews. While it is sadly true that LGBTQ+ discrimination remains a potential factor for queer people across aviation, diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives have been a major focus amongst U.S. carriers, and we remain steadfast in supporting our partners on the continuing mission of education and inclusion amongst existing workgroups."

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