Hero Defending the Children / LGBTQ Nation Heroes 2021 / Winners

The Brandt
plaintiffs

WINNER

Arkansas passed one of the harshest anti-trans laws this year, attacking trans youth's right to health care. The plaintiffs in Brandt v. Rutledge - a group of trans youth, their families, and doctors - sued the state and won an injunction, saving lives by stopping the law from going into effect.

Chase
Strangio

RUNNER-UP

ACLU attorney Chase Strangio sounded the alarm early about the onslaught of anti-trans legislation that was coming this year, keeping people involved and updated on their must-follow Twitter account. He advocated for trans youth in Arkansas and helped win an injunction against the state's draconian health care ban.

Amber
Briggle

Parents have been key to fighting the onslaught of anti-trans legislation this year, and Amber Briggle's impassioned plea to not be made a criminal just because she supports her trans son shook the internet. Even after getting death threats from bigots, she continues to stand up proudly for trans rights.

Becky
Pepper-Jackson

At just 11-years-old, Becky Pepper-Jackson sued her state to be allowed to participate in cross country as a girl... and a judge already issued an injunction against the state in her favor. Her case could eventually overturn bans on trans students playing school sports.

Schuyler
Bailar

Instagram influencer Schuyler Bailar educated his followers about trans youth with his sign messages this year, building support for trans youth's access to health care and school sports. His new book "Obie Is Man Enough" draws attention to the barriers trans student-athletes face.

The Brandt
plaintiffs

Chase
Strangio

Amber
Briggle

Becky
Pepper-Jackson

Schuyler
Bailar

Trans youth advocate Jenn Burleton is an LGBTQ Nation Hometown Hero of 2021

Here are the winners of LGBTQ Nation Heroes 2021

There’s only 24 hours left! Have you voted for your LGBTQ Hero yet?

Hero Defending the Children

The Brandt plaintiffs

Chase Strangio

Amber Briggle

Becky Pepper-Jackson

Schuyler Bailar

Real People, Real Voices

LGBTQ Heroes in the News

Trans youth advocate Jenn Burleton is an LGBTQ Nation Hometown Hero of 2021

Here are the winners of LGBTQ Nation Heroes 2021

There’s only 24 hours left! Have you voted for your LGBTQ Hero yet?

The Brandt
plaintiffs

Chase
Strangio

Amber
Briggle

Becky
Pepper-Jackson

Schuyler
Bailar