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 on her challenges and moments of joy through bike rides, confessions about her family, and what brings her inspiration today.
Daily Nurse spoke with Diane about her transition journey, what her life looks like as a transgender nurse, and advice she would give to LGBTQ nurses.
Can you describe your nursing journey? What made you decide to enter nursing?
I have worked in general medical and oncology, and for the last 22 years, I have been a vascular access specialist (IV, PICC, Midline placement). My first calling in healthcare was when I was in my teens, and I helped my mother care for my ailing grandmother in our family home. However, in my mid-20s, I formally entered schooling to become a nurse.
What are some of the challenges you face?
There have been challenges in healthcare over these last few years. Being a transgender woman in nursing is not without its unique challenges. Still, I must say that I have received much support from family, friends, the community, and my employer, and I am grateful for this.
On your identity as a transgender woman, what encouraged you to start your transition journey?
Like most people, my life has had its ups and downs. I had felt wrong within myself for many years, going back as far as I can remember. It wasn’t until my early 50s that I finally felt that I could consider transitioning, but the concept of coming out was still so terrifying that I chose suicide instead. Thank God I failed. After I recovered, I knew I had to transition or perish. I decided to change my life into the polar opposite of what it once was and never looked back.
How different does your life look now you’re four years into your transition?
I remember after I first came back to work as Diane. I was so scared. Would I be accepted? I experienced a myriad of emotions.
Has it been easy? No. Have there been challenges? Yes, but through it all, I have become a stronger woman and a more skilled nurse.
How does your nursing career tie into who you are as a transgender woman?
Years ago, I wondered, “How would transitioning affect my medical career?” I’m now four years in, and I can say this with the utmost confidence— being a registered nurse who my coworkers accepted, and my patients as my true self has made my career more rewarding than I ever thought possible. It is a true gift.
I saw on your Instagram that you do shop work and spend time in nature. Do you do these hobbies to destress from your day job as a nurse?
Yes! I greatly enjoy nature hikes and riding my bicycle around Twin Ports in Duluth. I also enjoy creating stained glass art and woodworking and have for many years.
What advice would you give to LGBTQ nurses who struggle to fully express their identity in life?
Removing the mask I wore for many years was the most terrifying yet liberating act ever. Forest Gump said, “Life is like a box of chocolates.” I say life is a merry-go-round, and if we only get one ride, then why not make it the best possible? That is what I am doing today.
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