Get to Know Steering Committee Member Jem Hodsdon
Jem, they/them
Welcoming Jem Hodsdon to the Steering Committee
As they move into their new role on the Steering Committee, Jem describes themself as “a pretty grounded and organized person. A systems thinker” interested in how interactions shape information flow, with a serious style that slowly warms to humor. Being a front-line social worker for unhoused folks in Portland over many years shaped their motivation to work with Maine Trans Net support groups. At a more personal level, “I’ve been out as queer for forever,” but “thanks to the amazing work of young people and their knack for labeling,” Jem came out as nonbinary after 40. They’ve been in many roles here, including work team coordinator, community team chair, and support group facilitator.
What’s been the most rewarding part of working here? For Jem, feeling connected to community through MTN has been key after moving from Portland to a rural area. “I didn’t know anybody except relatives, no trans people, so I wanted to find people. That has been really great. I’ve met a lot of great people….And it’s nice to work on things I’m interested in, and that I think the community is interested in too.” They also enjoy MTN’s practical organizational culture. “They’re willing to try different stuff—if something’s not working, they’ll try something new.”
What challenges does MTN face? Jem notes that “we have good programs and good community relationships, but the people actually doing the work—there just aren’t that many of them.” After the transition to online groups during the early phase of the pandemic “there was never really a time to stop and breathe after that big push, that big pivot.” So they’re loving a recent change, “a new energy we have on not burning yourself out with work.”
Does Jem have a message for MTN as they enter this new role? “It’s not a very exciting message, but I think a little bureaucracy is good. It helps stability to have communication systems in place.” They see MTN as being in a normal transitional period for nonprofits, having gone from Alex Roan’s volunteer support group to a fully established organization with many programs, grant funding, and donations. It’s an exciting time of many possibilities as MTN questions and solidifies its identity. Jem wants to make sure MTN continues to bring joy into the lives of trans people, and that existing community resources are affirming for trans people.
To relax outside of work Jem spends time with family and volunteers for other things, including leading the Kennebec county chapter of Chubby Hikers of Maine. “I do not love climbing mountains, but I do love time in the woods.” Once, they were among the Superhero Lady Armwrestlers of Portland, and they may someday return. And? “I play Stardew Valley more than I should.”
One of their projects has been in the works for over a year. “It’s a very special thing. I am beyond excited about it.” With Rem Wilbur and Micaela Cassily they solicited art from community members for a zine-flavored 12-month calendar of trans joy. The highlighted dates will include birthdays of famous trans people and historic successes. Jem noted that “It’s uncomfortable to be in the midst of a national conversation about our right to exist, and we deserve trans joy. It is our sacred birthright.”
