For too long, trans voices have been suppressed by a system that smothers opportunities and entrenches challenges for the most vulnerable among us. New and developing trans leaders have faced intersectional barriers to success, and national organizations have struggled to keep pace with our needs in the leadership development space.

But today, we’re launching to lead. Forged by and for trans folks, the National Transgender Leadership Council (NTLC) will build new capacities for trans leaders to thrive. Bringing together people across the United States, we’ll build community and drive progress for a future that uplifts trans voices like never before. (And we’ll do it all with trans folks at the helm of our organization.)

Over the years, I have been involved in a number of activism projects, from engaging in community organizing to influencing institutional strategic planning; none before has excited me quite like this one. The launch of the NTLC represents a chance to impact thousands of trans leaders and millions of our neighbors, transforming the ways in which we come together to live, work, and build community. In empowering new and developing trans leaders to bring their unique perspectives to school board politics, studio art, scientific research, and countless other spaces, we are empowering trans folks to become known to their communities as public servants and neighbors – building community, driving progress.

Trans visibility alone will not help our communities thrive. But maybe trans leadership can. I hope you’ll join us: