Editor’s note: This article was submitted by Vermont Electric Cooperative and was first published in the Stowe Reporter Sept. 17, 2015.
[D]avid Hallquist, CEO of Vermont Electric Cooperative, has announced that he is transgender.
Ten years ago, he started talking with his family and friends about his true identity. At the Vermont Electric Co-op, based in Johnson, Hallquist and the employees have prided themselves on being honest and transparent. Hallquist now feels responsible to share his journey with the greater Vermont community and the nation.
“Growing up in the early 1960s, coming out as transgender in a rural town felt impossible,” said Hallquist. “I learned that, for my own physical survival, I had to keep this part of me a secret. What I used to experience as a burden, I now recognize as a gift. Being transgender has helped me recognize and be more compassionate toward those who are marginalized.”
Over the years, Hallquist worked with his family and friends to help them understand and share in his life. It has been difficult, Hallquist says. Yet, throughout it all, the Hallquist family has worked hard and supported each other: through education, counseling and faith-based dialogue.
Hallquist’s son Derek, with the support of the family, even incorporated this struggle in a documentary that follows Hallquist’s journey as CEO, reinventing the electric grid.
Recently, Hallquist came out to his business community as Christine. She was met with an overwhelming outpouring of support.
“The joy I have felt as a result of the extraordinary support I received has been tremendous,” Hallquist said. “I never dreamed that my family, my friends and business colleagues would be so considerate and caring.”
In a statement, the co-op’s board of directors articulated an unshakeable confidence in Hallquist’s continued leadership.
“Vermont Electric Cooperative has a long history of supporting their employees in the ways that matter most — helping them to be happy and healthy and to support them in living their lives fully and honestly,” the board said. “Dave has been, and continues to be, an outstanding leader and VEC is lucky and proud to have Dave in that role. We support Dave in every way we can. ”
In addition to the co-op board, Hallquist is on the board of the state electric transmission utility — the Vermont Electric Power Co., known as VELCO. Board Chairman Larry Reilly noted the embrace and spontaneous applause for Hallquist following the eloquent and moving remarks made to the VELCO board in August.
“David’s powerful testimonial was an inspiration. Going forward, we will continue to count on benefitting from Christine’s candid and informed perspective,” Reilly said.
“When Christine came to speak with us at the Pride Center of Vermont, we wanted to help in any way we could,” said executive director Kim Fountain. “We were very fortunate that not only did Christine want to engage our transgender community program, but also wanted to use her coming out experience as a way to bring more attention to the struggles of transgender Vermonters.”
While slowly coming to terms with her true identity, Hallquist says she has learned a lot about herself, her family and her community. “As positive as my experience has been, I know that is not the norm … even here in Vermont. I want to do what I can to hopefully change this reality so that everyone can live full and authentic lives.”
Hallquist marched in this year’s Vermont Pride parade and festival with family, friends and colleagues.
“Even as my journey continues, I encourage my fellow Vermonters to join me and many others and take advantage of this opportunity to demonstrate our support, acceptance and encouragement for those experiencing these types of struggles,” Hallquist said.
Correction: This article was provided by Vermont Electric Cooperative.
