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Aro
Graphic artist

Race & Ethnicity — LGBTQ+

Transitioning into his truest self — and helping others along the way

Transitioning felt like ‘giving up everything you know to go into the unknown.’ See how Boeing was there for him every step of the way.

Aro Royston is a graphic artist and second generation Boeing employee who works with Boeing Global Services in St. Louis, Missouri. He is also the vice president of the Boeing Employees Pride Alliance (BEPA).

“I’ve been with Boeing for seven years. I didn’t transition until I had been working here two to three years. When you’re thinking about transitioning, it’s a very personal journey that usually starts early in life. I had always felt male. Growing up, I felt like I was in the wrong capsule. It never felt right.

When I got to Boeing, I realized what transgender actually was. Once I found out about it, there was no going back. There was no way I could live without doing it. It was a very scary time. You’re giving up everything you know to go into the unknown. I was terrified what my family would think; I was terrified what my coworkers would think.”

Aro Royston presents about his transition to senior leaders at the Boeing Leadership Center in 2019.
Aro Royston presents about his transition to senior leaders at the Boeing Leadership Center in 2019.
(Photo courtesy Aro Royston)

“I confided in a couple of coworkers, and one told me that Boeing has Employee Assistance Program (EAP) resources. I found a therapist who had worked with transgender employees before. I also learned that the company would help me with a transition plan, with direct support from a Global Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (GEDI) focal. The GEDI focal helped me set up a plan and timelines I was comfortable with. Then they sat down with my team — without me having to be present — and explained to them that I would be transitioning, and that on such and such day, I would legally be male at work. It was such a comfort to know someone was there, advocating for me and helping prepare my team to accept me as I fully am.

I am second-generation Boeing, and my mom works in Phantom Works. I wanted to make sure they would treat my mom the same way — that no one would go up to her asking questions. They sent out a note to both of our teams’ organizations, saying that there is an employee who transitioned and will now use male pronouns. So everyone was aware.

The first day back in the office after I officially transitioned, I was nervous. I always dressed in male clothing, but that day, I was extra dressed up. I had a shirt, vest and tie on. I wondered what people would say to me. But my team was extremely supportive. I think people genuinely saw me for the person I was: I was good at my job, I was good with people, and nothing had changed.

Once I transitioned, I felt 100% comfortable in my own skin. My production rate increased. I was already a productive employee, but if you can bring your whole self to work, you’re benefiting your employer as well as yourself.”

Aro Royston pictured with his wife
Aro Royston pictured with his wife, Natasha, in an engagement photo taken before their wedding in 2019.
(Photo courtesy Aro Royston)

“Today, a lot of people don’t see me as transgender. I am finally who I am, and the hard part is looking in the rear-view mirror. I just want to move forward. It’s an internal struggle to be an advocate — it’s scary. It is easier to walk in the shadows than bring attention to it. But it’s important for me to be vulnerable in order to help others.

We celebrate Pride Month, which commemorates riots and protests and the early efforts of those who stood up for equal rights. We celebrate the courage of those who stand up to the injustice of police brutality, and of those taking a stand and being proud of who they are. A lot of black transgender women were instrumental in starting our equality movement. The recent events have inspired me to stand in my authenticity — in my black-ness and my trans-ness. It took me a long time to love myself. So I stand proud, and I love seeing other people stand up and be proud of who they are too.”