Ava Michal Hudson’s journey as a public transit worker in Chicago ended in tragedy when she took her own life on August 7, 2024, just weeks after a series of troubling events at her job as a bus operator for the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA).
At the time of her death, Ava was newly employed, proud of her CTA work ID that confirmed her role as a bus operator.
In the months leading up to her passing, Ava experienced significant distress in her workplace, despite the benefits and pay stability that the job represented for her as a transgender woman.
This highlights a critical issue: workplace environments often remain unsupportive, even if an organization espouses inclusive policies.
Despite the CTA’s anti-discrimination policy that includes gender identity, Ava faced constant misgendering by supervisors and colleagues.
This was compounded by an unwelcoming uniform and a work culture that did not allow her to express her identity comfortably, as friends and family recounted in interviews.
Ava’s father, Michael Hudson, expressed that she often felt uncomfortable at work and struggled to authentically present herself.
The environment’s negativity led her to contemplate a job change within the organization.
Her employment at the CTA began in January 2024 after a challenging period of unemployment, during which she relied on gig work and family support to get by.
Ava’s financial stability from her new position was crucial, as she faced substantial ongoing expenses related to her transition—costs that often exceeded her rent, according to a court filing where she detailed her monthly expenses.
As a bus operator, she earned about $61,000 a year, which represented a significant step forward in her life.
Yet, despite this economic relief, the nature of her job seemed to weigh heavily on her mental health, raising questions about the quality of support for transgender employees in the transit agency.
In July 2024, Ava’s situation deteriorated as she faced disciplinary actions, including reprimands related to her job performance and attendance.
At that time, she also altered her appearance, cropping her hair, a decision she later regretted and attributed to her struggles at work.
In the weeks before her death, she had massed up a series of less serious vehicle incidents that left her feeling more isolated and stressed.
Friends mentioned how the misgendering situation was compounded by uniform policies that made her feel more androgenized and less able to express her femininity.
Ava’s experience reflects a broader issue faced by transgender individuals in many workplaces, where supportive environments are crucial for mental health and job satisfaction.
A survey from the Trevor Project highlighted the alarming mental health risks faced by transgender and nonbinary youth, with nearly half considering suicide in the past year.
Though Ava seemed to be in a good place, ready to make strides in her transition, the constant stressors she faced at work posed overwhelming challenges.
Just before her death, she had earned a salary increase and was preparing to move into a supportive living space with other LGBTQ+ individuals, a move she hoped would improve her mental wellbeing.
The morning of her suicide, Ava expressed anxiety about being late for work after spending time with her family, celebrating her brother’s wedding over the weekend.
Witnesses reported seeing her at the Austin L station shortly before the incident, dressed in her CTA uniform.
The aftermath of the event left her family and friends in shock, grappling with unanswered questions about what could have driven a vibrant individual to such a tragic decision.
Steve Hudson, Ava’s uncle, who had supported her during her transition, reflected on her recent progress, which makes the loss even harder to comprehend.
As CTA officials reviewed the incident, their focus remained on the train operator who was involved rather than investigating the potential workplace factors contributing to Ava’s death.
This is a concerning lack of inquiry into how workplace culture can impact mental health and the lives of employees.
CTA officials have yet to clarify their internal support systems for employees facing similar challenges or to address the broader issue of inclusivity for transgender individuals.
While millions of people rely on the CTA services every day, it is equally important to ensure that those serving the public in such capacities are cared for and supported adequately, both in their roles and beyond.
The fate of Ava Michal Hudson serves as a stark reminder of the essential need for inclusive workplace policies to genuinely reflect a commitment to the mental health and wellbeing of all employees.
image source from：chicago
