Ximena Lorenz and Alma Dos Santos, both 24 years old, achieved the highest scores on the entrance exams. They will fill maintenance and security positions thanks to the trans employment quota at the National University of Mar del Plata. Ximena Lorenz and Alma Dos Santos are the two young trans women selected to work at the National University of Mar del Plata (UNMP). They are 24 years old and passed the competitive examination for maintenance and security positions with scores of 8 and 9.25, respectively. They are currently undergoing pre-employment and psychophysical exams. “I feel strange, it still hasn't sunk in. I'm very anxious, but also very happy. These are very strong feelings after having spent so many years in prostitution, experiencing terrible things on the streets and suffering a lot of abuse,” Ximena told Presentes . She said that her family has always supported her in all her decisions. “That support is very important for us; it empowers us in the fight for our rights,” she added.

Ximena Lorenz 

“I had never had a stable job”

Alma studies psychology and until recently worked as a cleaner at a hostel. She says she recently came to terms with her gender identity and having a stable job makes it easier for her to begin hormone therapy. “For me, it’s really good news. It’s great. I’ve never had a stable job before,” she said. In October of last year, UNMP became the first university in Latin America to approve the trans employment quota. Through a resolution from the Rector's Office—promoted by the Lohana Berkins Chair, the University Staff Association (APU), and the Association for an Equal World (AMI)—1% of non-teaching positions were guaranteed for transgender, transsexual, and gender-diverse individuals. Thirty trans people applied to fill these positions. Twelve took the exam, and based on their scores—a 7 is required to pass—Ximena and Alma were selected.

Alma Dos Santos 

Opportunity for advancement

The participants were assessed on their knowledge of the university's statutes and the maintenance staff. Completion of primary education and passing psychophysical exams were also required. The young women will work 35 hours per week and will have a base salary of 12,000 pesos and health insurance. “These positions guarantee not only job stability, but also the possibility of continuing to advance to other administrative positions,” said Claudia Vega, president of AMI. PresentsShe highlighted the transparency of the competition, which she described as "cutting-edge in terms of applying the quota." The resolution stipulates that for every 10 people hired for non-teaching positions at UNMDP, the first must be a person with a disability, and the next two must be transgender.

“Diana’s Dream”

The latest edition of the Lohana Berkins Open Chair brought Ximena and Say Sacayán together. Claudia Vega was in charge of introducing them: “She is one of the women who passed the exam and is entering the University through the trans quota. She is your sister's dream when she conceived the law,” she told her. “The three of us melted into an emotional hug,” Claudia recounted.