November 18, 2021 - Bee Gehman (they) hails from Pennsylvania, in the small town of Lancaster, where they spent their formative years. They are the only Deaf person in their family - everyone else is hearing. “My mother - once they found out that I was Deaf - quickly started learning sign language. I’ve been very fortunate that my family, including my siblings, also picked up some signs as well.” Thus, Bee had access to some sign language while growing up. They identify as white, queer, and Deaf.
They mainstreamed during their K-12 years in school, with one year spent at a school for the Deaf (Western PA School for the Deaf). “I wish I had spent more time at the school for the Deaf, but the universe had a different plan for me.” After graduating high school, Bee attended six different colleges during their journey to attain their bachelor’s degree. At that time, Bee was undecided with what they wanted to do with their life, dabbling in different fields, including child development, fine arts, psychology, and family & child studies. They eventually majored in arts and minored in family & child studies and psychology.
Upon graduation, they worked at the Texas School for the Deaf where they spent six years as a teacher. They enjoyed connecting with students through teaching and advocating for them. Eventually, they became interested in sexuality education, which paved the path towards a master’s degree in human sexuality education.
In 2018, Bee began a new chapter of their life when they moved to Minnesota. They joined the team at Family Tree Clinic as the Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing Program Manager. During their time with FTC, Bee’s primary focus is establishing the community outreach program serving the Deaf community, expanding on services and support provided by FTC, and ensuring that the services rendered are made accessible. “I focus on making sure the Deaf community receives the services they need in an accessible manner to support their sexual health and sexuality journey.” The areas focus on community access to sexual education through multiple modes, including one-on-one, small groups, or larger classes; providing workshops on sexuality and health care; and health advocacy services. One-on-one advocacy for patients receiving medical care, whether in person or via a virtual platform, is provided through FTC's health advocacy services.
“I enjoy working with a strong diversity of clients - it’s truly humbling to be involved in their lives, to be part of their lives by supporting them - with their families, with their children, with their health care. It’s amazing to see how different everyone is and how they navigate through their journeys with their sexual health and relationships. and I’m grateful to be part of that journey.”
Bee's biggest challenge was transitioning from a Deaf-centered, ASL-friendly work environment to a mainstream work environment. “Fortunately, we have a wonderful team of people here at Family Tree Clinic who recognize the need for accessibility.” When Bee joined the team, they brought in a staff sign language interpreter and offered ASL classes to the staff. “Accessibility in a hearing-oriented work environment is not merely providing an interpreter per se, but also providing employees the opportunity to learn ASL and Deaf Culture during their work time.” Bethany goes on to share that several staff members have taken advantage of the opportunity, “and it’s neat to see that happen.”
Bee shares the following advice: “We Deaf as a community, have learned and have been conditioned to ignore our instincts, to ignore our internal voices. This comes from a history of hearing explaining things to us. I think it’s important for us to learn how to listen to our inner voices. Listen to your instincts, to listen to that inner voice, and if something doesn't seem right, say something. Listen to those cues, don’t blow them off as nothing. Your instincts can be your best friend.” Bee shares that it can apply to anything in life, work, relationships, friendships - everything.
Outside work, Bee enjoys gardening. “I simply love to nurture plants.” They also find time to go for runs, rock climbing, and socializing with friends.
“Only you can truly know exactly what you need or want. Your health is important - coping with your mental health, maintaining your relationships, and most important of all, listening to yourself.”
The #CanDoAnything campaign showcases people who are deaf, deafblind, or hard of hearing at work, giving them an opportunity to share what they do at their jobs and explain how communication access works for them. This campaign shows what our community can do, which is anything!
