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Navigating transgender issues can be challenging for US companies, from facing beer boycotts to dealing with shopfront vandalism. However, Maeve DuVally believes that businesses should find a way to address these issues.
DuVally, a former managing director in Goldman Sachs’ corporate communications team, made history in 2019 as the most senior person at the firm to come out as transgender. Her public announcement in The New York Times brought attention to transgender issues in the male-dominated world of Wall Street.
Her memoir, Maeve Rising: Coming Out Trans in Corporate America, will be released this week. DuVally hopes that her story of transitioning while balancing work and family life can serve as a guide for other transgender individuals as well as companies trying to support them.
During an interview with the Financial Times, DuVally expressed her desire to give back to the LGBTQ+ community at this stage of her life.
The corporate climate surrounding transgender issues has become even more complex since DuVally came out in 2019. Anheuser-Busch InBev’s Bud Light brand faced a conservative boycott after collaborating with a transgender TikTok personality and actress.
Politicians who exploit transgender issues for political gain were criticized by DuVally, who labeled their actions as “despicable.” She emphasized the importance of companies providing a safe environment for their employees.
“We need corporate America to step up,” she stated.
DuVally, with her experience in corporate communications, understands the challenges of delivering corporate messages while avoiding potential PR backlash.
She believes that companies can show support for underrepresented populations in various ways. She cited Goldman CEO David Solomon’s participation in a group photo to mark an international transgender day of visibility as a small example of such gestures.
Lloyd Blankfein, former CEO of Goldman Sachs, endorsed DuVally’s book and highlighted the importance of support for colleagues to show up as their authentic selves in the workplace.
Maeve, originally born as Michael DuVally, shares her challenging journey in Maeve Rising, including her struggle with alcoholism and the difficulties of coming out to her children and bosses at Goldman.
Reflecting on her own experience at Goldman, DuVally acknowledged the firm’s support during her transition, including covering her medical expenses and providing a dedicated relationship manager.
She believes that each transition is unique, and every time a company supports someone through their journey, they gain valuable knowledge to help the next person.
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