Black History Month 2024

Today is the first day of #BlackHistoryMonth! This month, we’re highlighting a few of the Black trailblazers who have helped pave the way for trans/nonbinary joy.   

Miss Major Griffin-Gracy
Miss Major is a Black trans activist who has been involved in trans justice work for over 50 years. A veteran of the Stonewall Riots, she remains involved in the movement, especially in working to uplift transgender women of color who have survived incarceration and police brutality. 

Kylar Broadus
Kylar Broadus is a Black trans man who has been a pioneer in the movement as an attorney, long-time activist, public speaker, author and professor.  Kylar was the first transgender person to testify before the Senate, has worked in LGBTQ+ nonprofits, and was present next to President Obama during the 2014 signing of an executive order protecting LGBTQ+ workers. 

Laverne Cox 
Laverne is an actress, producer, and LGBTQ+ advocate best known for her groundbreaking role as Sophia Burset in the critically acclaimed “Orange Is the New Black.”  Laverne was the first openly transgender person to be nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for acting. Outside of her acting career, Laverne is a vocal advocate for trans rights and has played a significant role in raising awareness about the community. 

Janet Mock
Janet Mock is a writer, creative, and advocate. She gained prominence with her memoir “Redefining Realness,” which chronicled her personal journey as a transgender woman. In 2019 Janet received a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for her work as a producer on season 1 of Pose. 

Patricio Manuel 
Patricio Manuel is a professional boxer. Patricio was the first openly transgender man to compete in a US professional boxing match. Prior to transitioning, he was a five-time national champion in the amateur women’s division, participating in the first-ever US women’s boxing trials for the 2012 Olympics.