Black transgender women

“I spent eight years of my life dealing with not wanting to go outside, having major anxiety.”

From actresses and models to innovators and politicians, these women laid the groundwork for the modern trans movement.

It isn’t the first time that the musical diva has advocated for Black trans women – and it won’t be the last.

These brilliant minds show why celebrating Black queerness is integral to winning equality for everyone.

Chelsea Gilliam says officers repeatedly misgendered her and only allowed her out of solitary confinement for five hours a week.

Rasheeda Williams appeared alongside three other Black trans sex workers in the award-winning film “Kokomo City.”

One activist said she is even considering detransitioning for her own safety.

Regina Allen helped identify her suspected killer moments before she died.

“She used to say ‘Mom, I’m going to be famous one day,'” her mother said. “You couldn’t help but love her. Ain’t hurt nobody. Loved everybody.”

As with many other trans people violently killed, reports deadnamed and misgendered Marquiisha Lawrence following her death.