Leading Black LGBTQ+ Civil Rights Group Says Transgender Day of Visibility Is More Important Than Ever As Trans Folx Face Legislative Attacks Nationwide
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National Black Justice Coalition amplifies its Black Transgender Advisory Council leaders creating positive change in their communities.
Leading Black LGBTQ+ Civil Rights Group Says Transgender Day of Visibility Is More Important Than Ever As Trans Folx Face Legislative Attacks Nationwide
WASHINGTON, DC — Today, the National Black Justice Coalition commemorates the International Transgender Day of Visibility, an annual event celebrating transgender and non-binary people and their contributions to society.
In commemoration of International Transgender Day of Visibility, David J. Johns, executive director of the National Black Justice Coalition, issued the following statement:
“The International Transgender Day of Visibility honors the lives of transgender and non-binary people across the world. While we too often hear of lives stolen by violence, today is a day to lift up the incredible and powerful ways that transgender people are thriving in fields of their choice within and outside of gender and sex-based stereotypes.
“This day is critical for transgender and non-binary/non-conforming youth who need to see that they are not alone and that it is possible to thrive. Transgender and non-binary/non-conforming people are doctors, lawyers, entertainers, elected officials, advocates, athletes, teachers, clergy, parents, and so much more. Seeing this breadth of representation can be life-affirming and life-saving.
“We are proud to highlight leaders serving on NBJC’s Black Transgender Advisory Council (Black TAC). Members are trailblazers who have re-created notions of what is possible for Black transgender people. Through their breadth of experience, the members of our Black TAC remind us that access to opportunity can facilitate self-actualization and equality. We also celebrate our National Organizing Manager, Camden Hargrove, a Black transgender father and leader who works with grassroots leaders and activists across the country.
“With transgender people and specifically transgender youth, under attack from politicians across this country – now, more than ever, it is critical to highlight the critical role that transgender people play in our everyday lives.
“This day also highlights the need for action. We urge the Biden Administration and U.S. Senate to act immediately by passing the Equality Act and implementing other protections for the trans and non-binary community. International Trans Day of Visibility is an opportunity for lawmakers to conceptualize and draft policies that protect the trans community while also considering laws that must be repealed or rejected.
“Right now, more transgender people are focused on their everyday safety and survival. This is unacceptable. We will continue this fight today and every day to ensure that all trans people can thrive.”
The National Black Justice Coalition is amplifying voices from the Black Trans Advisory Counsel (Black TAC). They advocate for and on behalf of the trans community within the realms of human rights, medicine, criminal justice, and more.
- Carter Brown: Through his lived experiences as a Black transgender man, Carter Brown was compelled to found Black Transmen, Inc. (BTMI) to advocate for the empowerment of transgender people through community building and organizing to address the disparities faced by Black trans people. BTMI later gave birth to the Black Trans Advocacy Coalition (BTAC), a Black trans-led, national non-profit organization based in peace-building, community education, public policy initiatives, empowerment programs, and direct services. Brown’s most recent accomplishments include testifying before the U.S. Congress in support of the Equality Act, an amendment to the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to include protections for transgender people. Brown and his team are also celebrating their 9th year of organizing and advocating for Black trans equality and empowerment – because Black Trans Lives Matter.
- Dr. Ayana Elliott: Dr. Elliot is a board-certified nurse practitioner with clinical expertise in HIV as well as transgender health, family medicine, and medical oncology. She has supported the training of other healthcare professionals so that they may provide supportive, informed care to transwomen of color. Dr. Elliot served on the White House panel briefing on Transwomen of Color under President Obama, where she provided professional recommendations on how the federal government should respond to the targeted violence faced by transwomen of color within healthcare.
- Sage-Grace Dolan Sandrino: Sage Grace Dolan-Sandrino is an Afro-Cuban citizen-artist and founder of TEAM MAG, a digital zine and youth studio. Sage became an activist when she transitioned at the age of 13. Sage currently serves on the advisory board of Gucci’s CHIME FOR CHANGE and the National Black Justice Coalition’s Black Trans Advisory Board as well as its Youth and Young Adult Action Council and inaugural Monica Roberts Fellow. She was recently named one of The Kennedy Center for Performing Arts’ inaugural Social Practice Resident artists (2019-2020 season) and is committed to creating community-based platforms that allow young queer Black artists space and resources to tell their stories. Sage has been acknowledged by Teen Vogue’s 20 Under 20, BET’s Future 40 and sat on the White House advisory council for Transgender Youth under President Obama.
- Nala Toussaint: Nala has done extensive work as an outreach liaison, conducting safe sex interventions for youth and coordinating educational and job development services at renowned LGBT public service organizations. Nala is currently the TGNB Health Advocacy Coordinator at Callen-Lorde Community Health Center. She engages and mobilizes transgender and gender non-binary (TGNB) patients and their allies – as well as external community members–to advocate for policies that expand access to gender-affirming health care and services. In addition, she is the founder of Reuniting of African Descendants (R.O.A.D), a grassroots project invested in advancing the social and economic well-being of African Descendants, with an urgent focus on queer, same-gender-loving people, transgender, and non-binary people, and ultimately the entire community. Nala’s fierce advocacy work has been included in outlets like Out and the New York Times.
Call the United States Capitol switchboard at 202-224-3121 to get connected directly with your Senator to encourage them to support the trans community on this day and every day and ensure they pass legislation that protects the community.
