As the child of blue-collar workers, Ari Linder grew up wanting to make a difference, and a career in social work or nonprofits seemed like the ideal way to do so. However, the financial realities of pursuing a social work degree led Linder to a different path – one that has allowed them to not only achieve financial stability but also advocate for the LGBTQ+ community within the finance industry.

Empowering Transgender Professionals to Thrive in Finance

Challenging Preconceptions and Carving Out New Opportunities

Ari Linder's journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of challenging preconceptions. As they shared with the hosts of the "Living Not So Fabulously" podcast, Linder had never seen an LGBTQ+ professional in a field like finance, making it difficult to envision themselves in such a role. "I had never seen an engineer, never mind seeing a professional who was also a comfortable, successful person anywhere in the LGBTQ+ community, so I didn't know it was possible for me," Linder recalled.However, Linder refused to be deterred by the lack of visible role models. They recognized the value that transgender individuals can bring to the finance industry, not only in terms of their unique perspectives and experiences but also in their ability to better serve the financial needs of the LGBTQ+ community. "We belong in all of the places, not just nonprofits," Linder asserted, emphasizing the importance of transgender professionals carving out their own space in traditionally male-dominated fields.

Bridging the Wage Gap and Advocating for Financial Empowerment

The decision to pursue a career in finance has not only provided Linder with financial stability but has also allowed them to advocate for the LGBTQ+ community in meaningful ways. According to a 2022 study from the Williams Institute, there are an estimated 1.6 million transgender people in the US, 300,000 of whom are under the age of 17. However, these individuals often face significant challenges in the workplace, including a potential wage gap.The Human Rights Campaign found that LGBTQ workers make $0.90 for every dollar the typical American makes, while trans men make $0.70 and trans women make $0.60 for every dollar. Linder's role as a financial adviser has given them the opportunity to address these disparities and empower members of the LGBTQ+ community to achieve financial security.

Leveraging Unique Insights to Better Serve the LGBTQ+ Community

As a financial adviser, Linder has recognized the importance of understanding the unique financial circumstances faced by the LGBTQ+ community. From budgeting for medical expenses and fertility costs to the need for greater emergency savings, Linder's personal experiences and deep understanding of the community have allowed them to provide tailored financial guidance."There are other things … that our community needs that might not be top of mind for someone who has only worked with one trans person their entire life," Linder explained. By drawing on their own journey and the challenges they have faced, Linder is able to offer a level of empathy and expertise that can be transformative for their LGBTQ+ clients.Moreover, Linder sees their role as a financial adviser as a form of "fancy social work," where they can use their skills and knowledge to make a tangible difference in the lives of those they serve. "Knowing how to serve the financial needs of transgender people and others in the LGBTQ community can be its own 'fancy social work,'" Linder added, highlighting the profound impact that transgender professionals can have within the finance industry.

Paving the Way for the Next Generation of LGBTQ+ Professionals

As the finance industry faces a significant wave of retirements, with 40% of financial advisers projected to retire in the next 10 years, Linder's story serves as a powerful example of the opportunities that lie ahead for LGBTQ+ individuals. By sharing their experiences and advocating for greater representation, Linder hopes to inspire and empower the next generation of LGBTQ+ professionals to consider careers in finance and other traditionally male-dominated fields."An adviser who's never worked with someone like me might not feel comfortable asking important questions," Linder acknowledged. "When you know what to ask, then I can help protect differently." This recognition of the unique value that transgender professionals can bring to the industry is a testament to Linder's commitment to creating a more inclusive and equitable financial landscape.As the LGBTQ+ community continues to navigate the challenges of the workplace, stories like Linder's serve as a beacon of hope, demonstrating that with determination and a willingness to challenge the status quo, transgender individuals can not only find success but also use their positions to uplift and empower their community.