Amanda Dean
Queensland Association for Healthy Communities
Brisbane, Queensland AUS
"Celebrate the fact that you find happiness in your life more important than financial success or your parents' dreams."
Career Roadmap
Amanda's work combines: Medicine, Non-Profit Organizations, and Helping People
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Day In The Life
Life & Career Milestones
My path in life has been direct
1.
Knew she liked to dress up in girls' clothes, but didn't have transgender peers, so wasn't sure how to express herself.
2.
Spent most of her childhood feeling like there was something "wrong" with her.
3.
Found a "safe place" at her university, where people were more open about expressing their sexualities and identities.
4.
Once she felt comfortable, she left one semester as "Adam," came back as Amanda.
5.
Was terrified that she would lose her family, friends once she came out, but found a surprising amount of support.
6.
Has dealt with depression, has seen trans friends commit suicide; says it's an everyday struggle.
7.
Chose the name Amanda as an homage to the name that her parents had given her.
8.
Says you should always value your own happiness over financial success, or the need to appease others.
Defining Moments
Experiences and challenges that shaped me
I learned from an early age that you have to hide it if you want to not get harassed. You end up hating yourself for the way you feel.