A groundbreaking resolution in the national and regional academic sphere—promoted by the Lohana Berkins Chair—guarantees 1% of non-teaching positions at the National University of Mar del Plata for transgender, transsexual, and gender-diverse individuals. Thirty applicants have already registered. “Unlike what is happening in the province, where the law remains unregulated more than a year after its approval, here it was an expedited process,” said a university spokesperson. More than 30 transgender people have registered to compete for cleaning staff positions at the National University of Mar del Plata (UNMDP). In October, the Rector's Office approved a resolution, unprecedented in the national and regional academic sphere, guaranteeing 1% of non-teaching positions for transgender, transsexual, and gender-diverse individuals.

"The trans job quota is a revolution"

Magalí, 26, is one of the applicants. She works as a domestic worker and babysitter. She says she's currently employed off the books and doesn't have health insurance. “For me, it would be a step up in social mobility and a huge help, because I live with my mother who is ill. I'm lucky; I've never had to work on the streets. My family has supported me through every stage of my life. The trans job quota seems historic to me, a revolution. I would like to be one of the first trans employees at the university.” Leonardo, another applicant, is a 33-year-old trans man who works in private security. He has five children and says, “For me, it would be a big change to join the university as a permanent staff member. Especially because of the time I could dedicate to my family: I would work seven hours instead of twelve like now,” he tells Presentes.

At the initiative of the Lohana Berkins Free Chair

The initiative originated within the Lohana Berkins Chair at the Faculty of Health Sciences and Social Work, which is promoted by the Association for an Equal World (AMI). “The chair is a project to make visible the reality of the trans population within the context of Mar del Plata and national society, through first-person accounts from invited participants. We seek to challenge stereotypes and contribute to comprehensive gender perspective training within the framework of human rights,” said Claudia Vega, president of the NGO. The Lohana Berkins Open Chair began months after the trans activist's death in February 2016, as a way to continue her legacy. It consisted of four theoretical-practical workshops with an average of over 120 participants per class, including students and teachers. “We would invite a professional, and personal and family experiences would be shared. During the workshops, solutions to some problems would be addressed. For example, a trans girl under the age of 18 was able to obtain an ID card reflecting her gender identity,” Vega explained.

"Unlike what happens in the provinces, it was a quick process."

Among the activities promoted from classroom 80, it was proposed that the National University of Mar del Plata (UNMDP) endorse the demand for the regulation of the Buenos Aires Province trans employment quota law, as Diana Sacayán pointed out. “To our surprise, the Council not only endorsed it, but unanimously approved the implementation of the trans employment quota at the university, setting a unique precedent,” Vega recounted. Four months later, the Rector's Office signed an agreement with the University Personnel Association (APU) to incorporate the quota into the non-teaching staff collective bargaining agreement. A call for applications was then issued to fill the positions. “Unlike what is happening in the province, where the law remains unregulated more than a year after its approval, here it was an expedited process,” Vega noted. The requirements to apply were Argentine citizenship; age between 18 and 60; completion of primary education; and compliance with the “conduct standards stipulated in the Collective Bargaining Agreement.” The expected remuneration is approximately 13,000 pesos for seven hours of work. The application period closed yesterday. Applicants must now study the regulations and the cleaning and safe work manuals to prepare for an exam before a jury composed of union representatives, staff, and faculty. “We won’t stop until there’s a trans person working through the quota system,” Claudia asserts. She also adds that the open and free course, available to the public, will be extended this year to the Faculties of Psychology and Humanities. Photos: courtesy of AMI