Diversity and inclusion

Rose shares her transition journey

June 1, 2023

Rose and Casey stand side by side in the produce section of Casey’s store

When Rose Johnston began hormone therapy in 2017, it was her first step on her path of transitioning from male to female and it felt “amazing.” 

“It felt like finally a step towards being comfortable in my own skin,” says Rose, who had dealt with gender dysphoria since puberty. “I always felt very stifled, like I was hiding and embarrassed. It felt so good to be out from under that.”  

Rose has worked at a No Frills in Winnipeg since 2015. For the last five years, she’s run the grocery night crew. As she began her transition journey, store owner Casey Hellard noticed her changing appearance. 

“I didn’t comment on it, because it was none of my business,” Casey says. Soon after, though, Rose told him she was transitioning.  

Slowly, she began to tell employees at the store too—those she was closest with first. When the store’s annual Christmas party rolled around in 2019, Casey asked Rose if he could share her news with the team. She said yes, though she felt a little nervous and hoped that everyone would be supportive. 

“For the party, I dressed differently, I wore a bit of make-up, and I styled my hair,” Rose says. “I was trying to be true to who I am.” 

Everyone was supportive. As a team, the employees said goodbye to Rose’s old name and welcomed her new name. 

“I told her how proud I was of her for her bravery and her dedication to her true self,” Casey says. “There were definitely a few watery eyes, including mine.” 

“It was a very beautiful moment,” Rose says. “Everyone has been respectful and very kind.”  

Things came full circle at last year’s Christmas party, the first since the pandemic hit.  

“My coworkers told me I looked beautiful, and it made me feel like I was looking the way I hoped I was looking,” Rose says. “It validated my hopes for myself.” 

Since Rose transitioned, a few of her coworkers have too. Casey wants everyone to feel accepted for who they are at his store.  

“I really think of our store as a family—a lot of us spend more time in the store than we do with our actual families, and we have come to be very close,” he says. “I was proud of all the employees for how they reacted to Rose, almost because they didn't react at all. It was just accepted that this is what Rose wants to do.” 

Casey admits it’s been a learning experience for him—he didn’t know any trans people before he met Rose.  

“I'm sure I've asked a couple of stupid questions, but she's never made me feel dumb about asking,” he says. “It’s been a unique and wonderful experience to be a part of Rose’s change and I can’t thank her enough for allowing us to share this journey with her.”