Celebrating Pride Month: Devereux Texas team member shares journey of transition

From an early age, Devereux Texas Information Systems Manager Eliska Smiga knew she was different, but it was not until September 2020, three months before her 40th birthday, that she officially came out as transgender.

In December 2020, Eliska began her medical transition with hormone replacement therapy. She says her friends, Devereux colleagues and the organization as a whole as affirmed and supported her throughout her journey.

“I spent 39 years pretending to be someone I wasn’t. The feeling of finally living as my true self is very freeing. I don’t question who I am anymore.”
– Devereux Texas Information Systems Manager Eliska Smiga

From an early age, Eliska, who has worked for Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Texas for more than 20 years, knew she was different. However, it was not until September 2020, three months before her 40th birthday, that she officially came out as transgender.

“At the beginning of the pandemic, when everyone was staying indoors and social distancing, I had a lot of time to think,” Eliska shared. “I was in a good place where I was able to process everything and say, ‘Hey, I’m trans.’ Conversations with a friend of mine who is a therapist brought out my true feelings. A month later, I started presenting socially as transfeminine.”

Feeling affirmed, supported

In December 2020, Eliska began her medical transition with hormone replacement therapy. While she admits her immediate family is still learning to fully accept her for who she is, she says her friends and colleagues have welcomed her with open arms.

“I feel affirmed by my friends, co-workers and Devereux as a whole – it’s been wonderful,” Eliska noted. “Because I knew my workplace and all those around me would be supportive, I realized it was the right time to transition. Many transgender people worry about transitioning at work, but that was a never a concern for me. I started taking hormone medication, which Devereux’s medical insurance covers, three days after my 40th birthday.”

Overcoming challenges

Eliska describes her transition journey as “eye-opening,” and acknowledges that she has experienced some challenges along the way.

“There have been times when I’ve been harassed by people in the community,” Eliska said. “In one instance, I was walking across a restaurant parking lot when a guy rolled down his car window and screamed, ‘That’s a man.’ I was wearing my wig and makeup, and feeling cute, and he just screamed at me. Luckily, I live in a small town where a lot of people knew me before and they know me now. I come from a family of educators, so I try to educate everyone around me by sharing the steps I’ve taken and the milestones I’ve achieved in my transition journey.”

Embracing your true self

Despite these challenges, Eliska says when she thinks of where she is today, she is filled with a sense of pride and joy.

“Taking the step to live as one’s true self is liberating,” Eliska shared. “Growing up, there was always a nagging voice in the back of my head saying, ‘This is not who you are.' Now, that’s gone. I can spend my energy doing good work and being a loyal friend and a loving family member, and not having to put up a wall or hide. When I look at photos of myself pre-transition, there’s an air of unhappiness at the core of my gaze. While I’ve always been a positive person, people tell me, ‘You brighten up a room, even more than you did before.’ I have so much confidence, and it’s evident in every aspect of what I do and how I present myself. I hope by others seeing me be myself, it allows them to live as their authentic selves.”

Learn about Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health’s efforts to support the LGBTQ community.

Latest News

		Season 2, Episode 7: ‘Not Your Average School Psychologist’ podcast Listen to the latest episode of the Devereux Center for Effective Schools’ podcast featuring Ryan Farmer Ph.D., HSP, who discusses ineffective/low-value practices in the field of school psychology. Dr. Farmer is a clinical assistant professor and director of the Psychological Services Center at the University of Memphis. The podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Amazon Music/Audible.
		Golfing for a good cause: ‘Divots for Devereux’ raises $28,500 for Devereux Texas More than 70 golfers demonstrated their support for Devereux Texas with every swing at the 20th annual “Divots for Devereux Golf Classic.” The event, held at Bay Oaks Country Club in Houston, generated $28,500 for Devereux Texas’ Autism Intensive Residential Program.
		Devereux video: President and CEO Carl E. Clark II chats with three executive directors Watch our latest Fireside Chat, in which Devereux President and CEO Carl E. Clark II connects with executive directors in our New England states – Nadyia Abbas, M.A., CAGS, LMHC, LADC-I (Massachusetts and Rhode Island); Dan Bailey, M.A. (Connecticut/The Glenholme School); and John Lopez, M.S., M.S.Ed. (New York) – to better understand how these centers: 1) foster an environment where everyone belongs, and 2) help families/caregivers feel like Devereux is an extension of their own families.
		Pride Month: Fostering a culture where LGBTQ+ youth, adults feel valued and supported Pride Month, celebrated in June, is a time to honor and uplift the voices of those within the LGBTQ+ community, promote inclusion and allyship, and recognize the challenges that remain for many LGBTQ+ youth and adults as they strive to live life as their authentic selves.