Meet Em: Building Safer Spaces Through Carpentry

Em overseeing student’s circular saw cut

At Hammerstone School, our Solidarity Basic Carpentry Skills 101 class specifically for genderqueer, non-binary, and trans individuals was built with intention. Like so many of our projects, we created this class with a a fierce commitment to equity. And at the heart of that vision is Em, one of Hammerstone’s lead instructors.

As a non-binary educator, carpenter, and Construction Trades Teacher, Em brings not only years of teaching experience to the workshop but a lived understanding of why spaces like this matter so deeply.

“At Hammerstone, all of our classes are open to trans and non-binary folks,” Em explains.

“But in the same way a carpentry class specifically for women is empowering and safe, a class for trans and non-binary students offers a space to become a part of the Hammerstone community in a way that not only respects the full gamut of gender identities—but also celebrates them.”

Creating a space of true safety is grounded in real statistics and lived realities. “In 2025 alone,” Em points out, “there have been 910 anti-trans bills introduced across 49 states. Many of us have been disowned by friends or family members after coming out. In many places, we can't come out at work for fear of losing respect or even our jobs.”

In this climate, learning carpentry becomes an act of self-sufficiency, empowerment, and survival.

“Learning carpentry surrounded by people who share your identity takes everything to the next level. In this class we are all invited to be fully ourselves without any need to hide.”

Em, kneeling in front of the 2023 Basic Carpentry Skills 101: Genderqueer Nonbinary Class

Em’s teaching philosophy invites exploration and trust. As a seasoned educator, they design lessons that foster curiosity, confidence, and autonomy. “My teaching style tends to empower students to pick up and explore tools and materials before receiving direct instruction about them,” they say. “It builds confidence in knowing that we already have the background knowledge, we just need to build on it.”

In this class, students gain essential hands-on carpentry skills: measuring, layout, drilling, hammering, and mastering the circular saw. But they walk away with more than that. They leave with the confidence to take on new projects.

Em recalls one moment that highlights just how powerful the sense of community can be.

“Last year, the class was mostly trans-masc folks. One was an 18-year-old who was just starting his transition, and another was a 40-year-old who had started his journey 20 years ago. At the end of class, I will never forget the 18-year-old thanking the 40-year-old for being a great role model.”

At Hammerstone we believe in reimagining what carpentry spaces can be. In many “traditional” shop settings, historically marginalized people can feel pressure to perform a certain kind of toughness. That pressure doesn’t just come from outside. “Even in queer spaces,” Em shares, “toxic masculinity amongst more masculine-presenting folks can be present. Sometimes those of us who are more masc feel we need to embody that masculinity to be taken seriously, as if to prove our genders.”

This class offers something radically different.

“Being in a space where gender is not under attack or being questioned allows us to embrace the learning process, feel safe making mistakes, and support each other.” Solidarity is a living, breathing part of the classroom. “We all work together to make sure we all finish our projects,” Em says. “We carry that with us after class, knowing we can rely on each other for support in this world that is hostile toward the trans community.”

Reflecting on what the class means to them, personally and professionally, Em says, “The trans and non-binary class is one of the most fun and unique Hammerstone classes that exists. There’s really no way to explain what it feels like to be in the gender minority with at least some level of existential fear every day, then to enter a space where you can let all of that go.mIt’s light. It’s fun. It’s really beautiful.”

And while Em and The Hammerstone Team would love to see more trans-specific classes at Hammerstone, they’re deeply grateful for this one. We hope you will help us to continue offering identity-affirming trades education.

Visit hammerstoneschool.com/pride to learn more and give your gift to help support these important solidarity classes.