I often tell people I am an introvert and don’t think they believe me. I don’t mind a party, and I am well versed at the mingle, but I am far happier in the quiet moments between 2 people. The ability to speak, engage and interact without an audience. That’s what I hope for from my interviews. Understanding, connection, respect. That’s why I am grateful for the conversation with a web3 woman identified as ‘B’.

This interview has been published with consent, and the interviewees’ profile has been kept anonymous for everyone’s peace of mind.

JL: Hello! Thanks so much for your interest. I am JL.

B: Nice to meet you, my name's [B]

JL: So, what made you interested in participating? Is there a project or topic of particular interest?

B: Participating in Web3?

JL: Excellent, How did you get into the industry?

B: Oh, that's a story and a half, lemme tell you. I got into Web3 mostly by chance. I was working as a Compliance & Risk Consultant for an awesome company that wanted to link commodity holdings to the blockchain. In my time there, I learned a lot about the benefits of the blockchain, mostly around accountability, integrity, and (if done properly) some confidentiality, as well as the struggles of regulations in the industry.

Regarding getting into NFTs, I started following some crypto people on Twitter and stumbled into some projects that I felt were creating real value now rather than looking towards the future. Such as Sad Girls Bar, which holds a respectful value for holders whilst also creating IRL value for holders.

JL: I love my sad girl. She’s my vibe. Glam’s brilliant. Do you enjoy your job?

B: I do, actually. I find it super valuable to be in this industry early enough that we can learn from the memories of The .Com Bubble of the 1990s, whilst attempting to correct some of the issues in Web2.

JL: Are we succeeding in correcting the issues of web2? Are we creating new issues?

B: I think it's twofold. I think many projects are starting to better understand diversity, equity, and inclusion (something quite complicated), but at the same time, there's still a male-dominated force in the industry. I was at a conference a week ago, and it was almost all men (except three people).

JL: I know that feeling, outnumbered.

B: The struggle is that many women don't consider tech/engineering/Web3 as a field.

JL: Why do you think that is?

B: Perception of the industry, seeing that it's a sexist culture that's male-dominated and "complicated". As well, a very small number of people choose engineering in general. The real issue is that Web3 has a PR problem.

JL: There are some really great men in the space. How does web3 fix its PR?

B: I think it's important to understand the concept of "brand perception", which will lead to the important idea that "we can't fix it; we just need to do it". I think as we explore companies like Starbucks & Reddit creating "digital collectables" that will forever exist on the blockchain, it will help with the larger idea of how people perceive Web3.

The Metaverse always exists. With concepts like Second Life and even Minecraft, it's impossible to say, "it's still far off". Tech companies like Unity will develop engines that create truly immersive experiences.

JL: You want immersion?

B: I think "immersive" just means it replicates experiences. Apple is doing this quite well, with spatial audio, head tracking, and a really good concept of how audio should work. I think there's an inherent limitation to "immersiveness", but what we can do is create "augmented" experiences. Such as we're seeing companies like Lockheed Martin do with "training" for soldiers on the battlefield. Helicopter training for pilots using real equipment but VR headsets.

JL: I rather like that there are barriers between there and here. I feel more comfortable with limited senses. I don’t want to pry too much, but what can I know about you? Age?

B: Here's my LinkedIn profile. I'm 21 (roughly, I forget from time to time, and the industry has aged me). I got my degree in Finance, Accounting, and Economics, with a concentration on regulations. I spent my earlier career interested in cyber-security and technology, but found my strengths were in understanding regulations and "law".

JL: How did you get into engineering?

B: I got into it mostly from my parents. My dad worked in telecommunications for a company called Pacific Bell (the west-coast branch of AT&T back in the day). Being Autistic, I just enjoyed computers, understanding the different things they can do and how they did them. That later turned into a career for me. It's convoluted and a bit...confusing.

JL: Your LinkedIn says 'hacker' what does that mean?

B: The term "hacker" means someone who solves problems, who invents solutions, and does things in ways that are "non-standard". Web3 is an example of this. We classicly believe that "hackers" are bad people. That's just Hollywood stigma. Hackers are all around us; people who find shortcuts to get to work, prop masters in Hollywood trying to make fake glass, sand, or weapons for props for movies are "hackers".

JL: I like your definition, and I agree about the stigma of Hollywood, but why not just say, problem solver and not deal with the misperception? Do you like being considered a little dangerous?

B: The term hacker stems from kids in the early 80s breaking computer systems. Kids who were curious got scolded for things because of their own curiosity.

JL: I see, so it’s nostalgic.

B: I think the term "hacker" got taken from people like myself who started off as curious people.

JL: Curiosity is a great trait.

B: It's kinda like the term "queer". I'm transgender and identify with the word "queer". it was taken and misused by transphobic people as a derogatory insult. But it's being liberated and used by the LGBTQ+ community for its originally intended purpose, not as an insult.

JL: Like a tug of war over the word.

B: Again, Hacker is not on the same level as Queer. Hacker is a phrase, Queer is an identity and a point of being.

JL: I can see the parallel and understand the difference in gravity. I like your appropriation of ‘hacker.’ I want to ask some questions about being trans, but I worry my vocabulary might not be right, and I want to be considerate. Would you be open to discussing that part of your life?

B: Absolutely. And no problem about vocabulary. If something seems awry, I'll do my best to correct.

JL: Do you think in your life you benefited from male privilege?

B: That’s a bit of a loaded question; I will do my best to respond. My race, external gender, and geographic location (being born and raised in an affluent part of the North-East with some of the best schools) impacted my privileges. I'm a white-assigned male at birth. Those two things carry important weight in our society. Which I think benefited me, yes. I had colleagues who held sexist views (e.g. saying that women were a weaker gender and that white people were the best, etc.)

Relative to my gender identity, I present as female online, and many people don't know who I am/look like, so their perceptions and beliefs of women carry onto me. However, what I've come to notice is that most people (for all intents and purposes) believe most people are men until proven otherwise. We say "ser"/"sir" a lot.

JL: Do you correct them?

B: Frequently, yes.

JL: Why?

B: Because it's important to me that I be respected. I'm not a "man". I'm a woman. I will fully demand respect for that identity. I think it's also important to understand that, as a transgender person, I experience exceptional levels of hate. We're mocked by people ("I identify as an attack helicopter; thus, you have to respect me" type jokes) and discriminated against by society (there are about three states in the US where I can't legally obtain hormones or even enter a bathroom, really). I've been denied entry to a country because my passport has an "F" on it.

JL: Discrimination is familiar to most women. Do women often discriminate against you?

B: I've been denied into spaces for "women", yes. Communities mostly.

JL: Do you think I should be excluded from trans spaces?

B: I think you're falling into a logical fallacy here.

JL: How so? (I am enjoying our discussion, btw thank you for taking the time)

B: You can't relate to being an American until you are an American. However, if you decide to get American residency (or citizenship) your opinion changes based on you living here, and the illogical things we do start to become more clear as to why they happen (and how to change them).

JL: Yes, but you still might not get all the American references from 15 years before you moved there.

B: I was born a man. However, I've lived as a woman for the majority of my adult life and have had experiences that have shaped my opinion on a lot of things. I've faced discrimination for both being trans and for being a woman. I've faced issues that many women have, and it's something I can relate to. I've been told, "you won't succeed because you want time off to raise your kids", or "not having a husband means you like to shop around". Because I choose to wear something means I am "asking for attention".

JL: Yes, those all suck.

B: I was told not to be assertive because it was seen as "rude and abrasive". I was only curious in private because my curiosity was seen as "overbearing and rude".

JL: I know trans equality is female equality. I see how we can progress together.

B: I do not deny the fact that I can't relate 100% to your issues. I'll never deny the fact I'm transgender. I'm jealous of the fact that you identify as a woman with no need to hope the person won't talk about how "woman" you are behind your back.

JL: I don’t want you to feel like you have to defend your womanhood.

B: What I think is important to convey is that trans people just want to exist and be respected. Many trans people (such as myself) seek to be activists and don't fit the standard "woman" mould ("standard femme things"). Mostly because they don't have an interest in it, and just like you or I, face exceptional pressure for doing those things.

JL: Despite all the shit women get, I am proud to be one. I am glad you are one too.

B: I've been disrespected by men, being told "you know nothing about finance" or called a "junior analyst" when trying to explain a complex finance topic to someone who, themselves, knew nothing about finance. I've had people say (as have many other women), "Who did you have to fuck to get to where you are?" Men don't experience that. Men don't need to fight for basic respect. I speak from experience. Women do.

JL: It’s getting better.

B: Men's credentials don't get questioned. They get accepted at face value. Women need to fight exceptionally hard to get an ounce of respect.

JL: I see more male feminists every day. I rely on allies greatly to help me be heard when my voice would otherwise be dismissed. Do you find it easier to make friends with men or women?

B: I can make friends with really anyone. Being multi-faceted with many interests and a broad personality means that I can find different things in people I enjoy.

JL: What is your favourite thing about New York?

B: A sense of community. Anyone who has a New York driver’s license is automatically a part of this community of people. We're all kinda on the same level of "we're a part of this community together". When you're forced to be in a 4-by-nothing apartment with someone or on a subway, you tend to get close with your neighbours.

JL: For better or for worse.

B: I think it's for the better. It's loud and does have a certain "smell" to it, and there's a crime problem, of course. But overall there's a reason to flock to this place.

JL: Did you attend any events associated with NFT NYC?

B: I'm actually going to be a speaker there in 2023.

JL: What will you be speaking about?

B: Rules & Regulations regarding modernization.

JL: So you don’t think crypto should be lawless like the Wild West?

B: Absolutely not. I think consumer protection and public disclosure are important. I think it makes it easy for money laundering, but certain transparency is required.

JL: Why do you think you are passionate about rules and regulations? Can you describe what excites you about the field?

B: What interests me the most is just how broad it is, how many aspects there are to it. As well as how they can adapt to the changing times if needed.

JL: Thank you so much, ‘B’, for taking the time. I hope to see you at NFT NYC 2023.