Do Better: Legal Doesn’t Always Mean Equal

{Jai Santora}

I can’t count how many times someone has told me that we are so fortunate to live in Massachusetts, with everything going on in this country. While this is completely true, it does not tell the whole story. We are fortunate to have legislators and elected officials who continue to push for inclusion, diversity, and equal rights. But is it enough?

         There are laws in place to keep us protected from discrimination. Laws are in place that allow us access to healthcare. There are laws in place that ensure that discrimination isn’t allowed in the workplace. But what happens when these laws are not adhered to? What can we do to make things better?

         Oftentimes, if someone is harassed publicly, there are little limited ways for reconciliation, unless there is evidence of the abuse. If a trans person has a terrible healthcare experience, they are much more likely to be too embarrassed to speak up and report the incident. What happens if a trans person experiences harassment from someone in management of a business?

I think that oftentimes, we know and understand that it is incredibly difficult to be a person of trans experience. But are we doing anything to make it easier? Laws are a great start and they are necessary. But we need to hold people accountable on a personal and individual level. If we witness abuse, we need to speak up. If we hear someone spreading negativity, we need to stop it. We all need to do a better job educating and fighting against ignorance to make change happen.

        Consider this my public announcement that Santora Automotives, the garage I founded ten years ago to create an open and welcoming repair experience for all those who entered, is officially closed. It was a difficult decision to make. With the cost of parts rising and finding adequate employees becoming increasingly more complex, I decided that it was the right time to move my focus to other passions. I haven’t completely ruled out the idea of reopening in a new, better, location. However, for right now I’m trying to rebuild.

         With high hopes in my heart to head into the workforce to spread my knowledge, expertise, and drive to create inclusive spaces, I set off to the job posting websites. With over twenty-five years as an automotive repair technician, dealership experience, and a small business owner, my resume is looking very strong. I hadn’t decided whether I wanted to go back to wrenching or simply find a managerial role. Or perhaps a service writer, greeting customers, explaining their concerns to the technicians, and contacting the customers to inform them of their needs.

         I found the job market to be flooded with positions of all types. “This is great!” I thought to myself. It’ll take me no time at all. I started by saving a few jobs that sounded promising. I started to get emails back from employers wanting to set up interviews. Wonderful! I went on a few phone interviews and then some Zoom interviews. Generally, it would begin with a person in HR to conduct the initial conversation. I was capable of answering all their questions, describing repair procedures and customer service protocols. Everything sounded super promising. Each time I would ask, at the end of the interview, sume made you want to reach out

to me? I was generally given a similar answer every time... First my experience. Second, my longevity in each of my past work experiences, it’s incredibly common for good technicians to jump around for better opportunities, because the demand is so high. Third, My experience as an auto shop owner.

         I was always left at the end of the interview with a “Thank you for your time!” This sounds incredibly promising. “I’m going to have a manager reach out to you.” I was doing it! I was so excited to be rejoining the workforce, even if it was temporary so that I could take a break from the stress of business ownership. Most times from there, I would receive a follow-up email with something like “We’re sorry, but we decided to go in another direction.” Well, that’s understandable, I’m sure I’m not the only candidate. Then a few days later, I’d see the job post updated by the same company still seeking new employees.

         Ugh! I wonder what happened! Maybe they don’t want a technician as old as I am? This is a young person’s profession after all with a lot of physical demands. No stress! I kept on and applied to new positions. Now, I’m starting to branch out of auto tech and managerial work. I’m starting to apply to sales positions, parts positions, remote, on-the-road positions, and regional tool sales positions. I had started to apply to just about any position that was posted compensating for a sum in which I needed to get by. OK, still not looking good! Let’s start looking for lower-pay positions as a temporary solution until something better comes along.

        I started to reach out to friends that I’ve had in the industry over the past twenty or so years. I finally managed to land an in-person conversation with a part What about my res retailer that I had used a lot over the past decade. The position was to be a potential parts counter salesperson. I would be answering phone calls, filling orders for local repair facilities, and helping customers as they walked through the door for parts. Granted, I haven’t worked retail for a company other than my own in a long time. But I got this! I have a great knowledge of parts, vehicles, customer service, and multitasking as a business owner. Perfect! There was no disclosure on the salary of the position, I assumed it would be close to minimum wage. That’s fine! It’s a job!

        I went into the conversation with someone that I have known and respected for a long time. As I started my transition, he was one of the first people to approach me and tell me that he was completely supportive of what I was going through. In the auto industry, that’s HUGE! We chatted a bit. This seemed like it would be a good fit, even if it was just temporary. As we were nearing the end of our conversation he said “I can’t imagine it’s been easy for you to find work since closing the garage.” Ummmm…. OK, We’re going there. I thought to myself.

         Being the witty person I tend to be, with a quick tongue, I decided to diffuse the situation with a joke. “You’re absolutely right! I didn’t plan on going to job interviews when I decided to get this haircut! For those who don’t know, I’ve recently been rocking a colorful mohawk. He laughed and then paused, But seriously, I’m sure it’s been difficult for you as a trans woman in this industry especially. You’re correct I said, It hasn’t been easy. I’ve been reminded why I wanted to start my own garage in the first place. To create inclusion and diversity.

         He continued to commend me on my bravery and told me that he has always been happy for me and wants me to continue to be someone that others can look up to in the community for support and guidance. Then he asked me “What will you do if a customer comes in here and says something derogatory? How will you react if one of the guys working here says something inappropriate?”

Acknowledging that I was still being interviewed, I responded professionally. I said, “Well, I always look to use those situations as opportunities for education. There is much ignorance and misinformation about the trans community. I would want to try to dispel rumors and let people know that we’re not the monsters you hear about in the media. Sneaking into bathrooms and gym lockers while trying to steal sports trophies.” He said that was good because it is inevitably going to happen.

        I agreed, it will inevitably happen. I have been in the industry long enough to know this is true. But as I sat in my car on the way home, I started to reconnect to my nervous system and realized… It just did happen! I was in an interview with my potential future manager and I was already being checked in on to make sure I wouldn’t ruffle any feathers when being harrassed. Why should I be expected to accept harassment? Why does the responsibility rest on me and not the manager and the staff to ensure my safety? “How will I react?” I thought. How will YOU react? Why are we living in a society in which trans people are simply expected to act compliantly when being oppressed? DO BETTER!

         This moment isn’t just about me or my job search—it’s about the everyday realities trans people face even in so-called progressive spaces. It’s about how deeply bias can hide behind polite conversation and well-meaning support. I didn’t share this story to gain sympathy. I shared it because these quiet, subtle moments of exclusion add up—and they matter. So when I say do better, I don’t mean be perfect. I mean be present. Be aware. Ask yourself not just how you’d react in the moment—but how you can make sure the moment never happens again. Because progress isn’t just policies and slogans—it’s people, choosing every day to show up with empathy, courage, and a willingness to grow.