Diane Keinanen, a registered nurse of 32 years in Duluth, Minnesota, is a transgender woman who started her transition journey four years ago. Since then, she’s proudly expressed her identity and life post-transition through motivational photos and videos on her social media, sharing her challenges and moments of joy. In an exclusive interview with Daily Nurse, Diane opens up about her nursing journey, the challenges she faces as a transgender nurse, and advice she would give to LGBTQ nurses.
Diane’s Nursing Journey
Diane has worked in general medical and oncology, specializing in vascular access for the past 22 years. Her passion for healthcare started in her teens, when she helped care for her ailing grandmother. In her mid-20s, she decided to pursue a nursing career formally, and has dedicated herself to serving others ever since.
Challenges Faced as a Transgender Nurse
Being a transgender woman in the nursing profession comes with its unique set of challenges. However, Diane emphasizes that she has received significant support from her family, friends, community, and employer. Despite the difficulties that may arise, she remains grateful for the acceptance and understanding she has encountered throughout her journey.
Starting the Transition Journey
Diane’s decision to start her transition journey was influenced by a deep-seated feeling of being wrong within herself. This battle had persisted for many years, but it wasn’t until her early 50s that she felt ready to consider transitioning. The fear of coming out was initially overwhelming, leading her to contemplate suicide. Fortunately, she recovered and realized that transitioning was essential for her well-being.
Life Four Years into Transition
Now four years into her transition, Diane reflects on how her life has changed. Initially, she was apprehensive about returning to work as Diane, fearing potential rejection. However, she experienced a wide range of emotions and gradually found acceptance and support from her colleagues and patients. The challenges she has faced along the way have made her a stronger woman and a more skilled nurse.
Nursing Career as a Transgender Woman
Diane had concerns about how transitioning would impact her nursing career, but she has found that being a registered nurse who can fully express her true self has made her job more rewarding than she ever imagined. The acceptance she receives from her coworkers and patients is a true gift that inspires her to continue making a difference in healthcare.
Destressing through Hobbies
Beyond her nursing career, Diane finds solace in various hobbies. She enjoys spending time in nature, going on hikes, and riding her bicycle in Twin Ports, Duluth. Additionally, Diane is a talented artist and finds joy in creating stained glass art and woodworking.
Advice for LGBTQ Nurses
Diane’s inspiring journey has taught her the importance of removing the mask she once wore and fully embracing her true self. Her advice to LGBTQ nurses struggling to express their identity is to embrace life wholeheartedly. She encourages them to take the best possible ride on the merry-go-round of life and live authentically.
Diane Keinanen’s journey as a transgender nurse serves as an inspiration to healthcare professionals everywhere. Through her strength, resilience, and passion for nursing, she demonstrates the power of embracing one’s true self and encourages others to do the same.