Meet Rome Whittemore of Rome Khalil

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rome Whittemore.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Meeting my first client was actually such an amazing point in my life. I had been in transition for maybe a total of 6 months and was working for Apple at the time as a Genius. I had a gentleman named James come in for assistance with his MacBook, and as I was assisting him a co-worker asked if I was excited as my surgery was coming up. I had this huge smile on my face and I said: “Yeah I literally can’t wait, I am so ready for this!” James, without hesitation, asked if he could ask me a personal question and I said sure.

He asked what surgery I was having and I told him I was having top surgery. James said that’s absolutely wonderful and he is happy for me. Now, as you can imagine it wasn’t the response I was expecting, however, his response made me even more excited because I had been on testosterone for six months at the time and I felt supported in who I was becoming.

James proceeded to tell me he worked for a local community college and they had a transgender individual come into the critical reading classes and speak occasionally, James stated that unfortunately, the individual had to postpone their transition due to financial hardship and the well-being of their family. James explained in his class the students read the book Luna which leads us through the life of a sixteen-year-old named Regan and how she keeps the secret of her older sister Luna’s transgender identity.

In the back of my mind, I was saying there is no way I could do this, but that’s not what came out of my mouth lol. I quickly said without hesitation “Definitely so and I would be honored to speak about my transition, life as a transgender individual, and how it correlates to the book Luna.” A month later I was at Estrella Mountain Community College meeting with their Division Chair of Modern Languages and scheduling my first presentation.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Minus my mother kicking me out and putting me in a tent I have been fortunate enough to have a smooth transition process. I am as the transgender community would say “passing”. I have had very few individuals have genuine hate or dislike towards me as a result of being a transgender individual. I have been fortunate to have insurance that helps with the cost of transitioning.

My bottom surgery bills so far add up to $500,000, my out-of-pocket was $2,500 with my insurance at the time. My top surgery was $60,000, $850 out of pocket with my insurance at the time and testosterone was $70 every three months. That doesn’t include electrolysis appointments as well which are not covered by insurance. Although I have insurance, costs are still a struggle. I refuse to give up though.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Rome Khalil focuses on the reality and everyday life and struggles of a transgender individual’s journey. There is no set agenda to change perspectives but to respect perspectives. To be able to have different viewpoints and in the end, realize we’re human. To share the differences between a cis-gendered individual and a transgender individual.

There are no scripts, it’s all raw and in real-time with real answers. I strive to leave every interaction with at least 1 person willing to see a different perspective or able to provide perspective and resources and support to those who may have family, friends, coworkers, or even themselves who are transitioning

I was fortunate enough to get started in this business because I met a person who needed help to help with a computer issue who just so happened to work for a college. The college needed a speaker for their classes who could bring an in-person experience, and Q and A after the students read the book LUNA.

I want the world to know that my brand is me and I am my brand. Even in our differences we can find similarities and use those to bring a better understanding of the communication of unknown topics, such as LGBTQIA+ and more specifically my favorite. The “T” for transgender topics to the world.

Pricing:

• $200 Per class- Jr. High and Colleges
• $0 – Elementary Schools (bullying prevention)
• Variable Rate – Workplaces
• $300 – Public Events
• Prices are subject to change based on needs/requirements

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @Rome.Khalil
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/Romekhalil
• Snapchat: @iromephonehome