Finding Strength on the Open Road
When author Anne Balay climbed into her first big rig, she felt an empowering sense of strength instead of anger. The towering semis evoke an invincible feeling that few jobs can match. Despite holding a Ph.D. in English from the University of Chicago, Balay struggled to secure a tenured position in academia and found herself financially struggling while juggling adjunct roles and parenting two small children. In pursuit of stable employment and fueled by her love for cars, she transitioned into an auto mechanic role, which led her to a truck-driving training program with a major trucking company.
Exploring Queer Identities in Trucking
This shift from academia to the trucking world served as the inspiration for her latest book, Semi-Queer: Inside the World of Gay, Trans, and Black Truck Drivers. Although truck driving may not be the first career choice for a queer individual, Balay argues that it’s not unusual; she notes that the industry has been an accepting space for those who feel like outsiders. For individuals who often endure societal restrictions, the freedom of constant movement in trucking can be liberating and meaningful.
Visibility and Representation
While LGBTQ truck drivers have existed for years, their visibility is finally growing. Married couple Nic Richelle and Carla Grimsley drive for Prime Inc., one of the largest freight companies in the U.S. They not only traverse the nation in their big rig but also run a popular YouTube channel that aims to dismantle stereotypes, attracting a primarily male audience of over 13,000 subscribers.
Challenges in the Industry
Historically, the trucking workforce has skewed predominantly conservative, white, and male. Of the over 3.5 million truckers in the U.S., approximately 66% are white males, while women and other demographics remain underrepresented. Though there aren’t formal statistics on LGBTQ truckers, Balay’s research indicates a possible significant presence of trans individuals within the industry. Recruitment and retention challenges are prompting companies to reach out to diverse groups, including LGBTQ workers, who face higher unemployment rates compared to their non-queer counterparts.
The Experience of LGBTQ Truckers
For many LGBTQ individuals, traditional job environments often come with biases and restrictions. In trucking, however, the freedom to express oneself in terms of attire and behavior offers a refreshing change. For instance, trans trucker Ellie O’Daire finds the industry not only provides a welcome income boost but also the opportunity to pursue healthcare without the financial strain she previously faced. Many queer and trans individuals find solace in the autonomy offered by trucking, which allows them to escape unsupportive home environments.
A Safe Refuge?
While trucking can provide a sense of relief, it also poses risks, as illustrated by tragic events in the community. Shelli Lichti, a long-time trucker and advocate for LGBTQ rights, founded an online support group after losing a friend to violence. The trucking lifestyle can bring about both opportunities and vulnerability, especially in unsafe parking areas and public facilities. O’Daire recounts her own experiences with harassment, highlighting a challenging reality for LGBTQ drivers.
Changing Attitudes in the Industry
Despite the adversities, Lichti observes positive shifts in the trucking culture, indicating greater acceptance and visibility for LGBTQ drivers. Richelle and Grimsley find encouragement from fellow drivers, noting that they often feel welcomed within a community that now recognizes their contributions. They advocate for others interested in pursuing trucking, emphasizing the profession’s benefits while also cautioning about the challenges it entails.
