Transgender Awareness Week – Amplifying Sofia’s Voice

This week is Transgender Awareness Week, which is a designated week to specifically highlight and amplify the journeys of those in the transgender community, raise awareness of the challenges they face, and show support. At Neiman Marcus Group, we strive to foster an environment in which everyone can bring their full, authentic self to work and it’s important that we welcome, embrace, and celebrate the many facets that make us who we are, which is essential to our NMG|Way culture.  

During my visit to our Las Colinas distribution center this week, I had the opportunity to meet with several teams, including our Service Delivery Lead, Allyson Sofia Seybert, a transgender woman. During our conversation, I was moved and humbled to learn more about Sofia’s story and how she was encouraged by NMG’s culture of Belonging to be her full, authentic self. Hearing a bit of Sofia’s story inspired me to want to know and learn more about her experience both, in and outside of NMG, as a transgender woman. 

Our teams sat down with Sofia to learn more about her journey, what Transgender Awareness Week means to her, and advice on how we all can be a good ally; it’s my pleasure to amplify Sofia’s voice and story. 

NMG: Hi Sofia. Can you tell us a bit about what has your journey been like as a transgender person? 

Sofia: If I had one word to sum up what the journey has been like, it would be empowering. There are feelings of relief, happiness, and freedom that just overrun your emotions and body allowing you to finally be your true, authentic self.  In the beginning it was hard, slightly terrifying but worth every moment and every minute.  As each day passes you grow a little more confident and little more self-assured of that true happiness we all deserve. There are, and always will be, moments which make the journey difficult and trying, but no matter what, with the support of those true to me, around me, they have and always push me to do better and continue my journey and inspire others to do the same. Every day has a goal, and sometimes you reach it and other times you don’t, but no matter what, you keep pushing.  When I finally was ready to start and share my journey, I chose NMG as the safe space to do this, because I felt the most confident in who I was when I was at work.  In public is one aspect, but 90% of the time, you don’t ever see those people again, however, while at work and being blessed to work at Neiman Marcus, it has allowed me to pick that as my starting point due to the culture and people who work there.  When you are at work, you are around those people like they are your family, and Neiman Marcus showed me, and continues to show me, just how amazing a family WE truly are.  I could not have asked for a better, safer and more supportive family and environment to start and share this journey.  

NMG: What advice do you have to those going through a similar journey? 

Sofia: Always surround yourself with a great support system of people who truly care about your happiness and your well-being.  Mental health plays such a huge role in this journey and having that network around you to show you love, empathy, compassion and support is so critical.  Never lose sight of your own true happiness and realize that––even as small and insignificant you may view yourself––YOU MATTER, YOU ARE IMPORTANT and most importantly, YOU ARE LOVED.  Never forget that you are NOT ALONE.   

NMG: What does Transgender Awareness Week mean to you? 

Sofia: To me, it means that we recognize all those amazing individuals who blazed a path in the past and in the present, showing us that WE MATTER.  It shows me that there have been many great, amazing individuals whom we have lost along the way due to violence, and that is NOT ACCEPTABLE.  This week allows me to reflect and be thankful for those sisters and brothers around me, to be able to stand proud with all of them on all platforms to have our voices heard.  This week is about remembrance, reflection and responsibility to be true to ourselves and honor those individuals whose stories are so inspiring. I take every opportunity that I am able to––in all the events, symposiums, and live streams––to deliver this message highlighting the importance of the journey of so many others, including myself. 

NMG: How can we all be great allies? 

Sofia: There is no one definitive way to be a great ally when it comes to our journey or the LGBTQiA family, however, more of a vision that encompasses that we all support one another through positivity, love, compassion, and empathy to continue to strive to be our truest selves. And that no matter what our gender is, we all have struggles, and we all can be there for one another.  There are no boundaries, as we are all equal.  Love is Love. Being a great ally is really about showing the same love and support that we, at NMG, strive to show daily to our employees, our customers, and our families. Listen to our message and to our thoughts; respect our pronouns as much as your own. And if you make a mistake, apologize, and move forward with support and confidence. Realize that being transgender doesn’t just mean our looks, and most importantly to me, try to accept that even though you may not understand our journey and our decision, that doesn’t make it not real. 

NMG: Can you recommend any movies, books, or podcasts to help us get educated and stay informed? 

Sofia: Some great resources for education and awareness are the following below. 

Podcasts: 

• Best 50 Transgender Podcasts 
• Transformation Thursday 
• Trans and Caffeinated 
• What the Trans!?  

Movies: 

• The Danish Girl 
• Paris is Burning 
• Disclosure 
• Series on Netflix: Pose 
• We’re Here 

Books: 

• Fierce Love : A Bold Path to Ferocious Courage and Rule-Breaking Kindness That Can Heal the World 
• Trans: When Ideology Meets Reality 
• Whipping Girl: A Transsexual Woman on Sexism and the Scapegoating of Femininity 
• Becoming Nicole: The transformation of an American Family  
• Becoming a Visible Man 

Thank you for sharing your story, Sofia, and the helpful advice and resources we all can glean from.