Today Buzzfeed broke the news that We Happy Trans and This Is H.O.W. have released the full Trans 100 list, an inaugural overview of the breadth and diversity of work being done in, by and for the transgender community across the United States. The first effort of its kind, the list intends to shift the coverage of trans issues by focusing on the positive work being accomplished, and providing visibility to those typically underrepresented.
A launch event for the Trans 100 list, sponsored by This Is H.O.W., Chicago House and GLAAD, took place at Mayne Stage in Chicago on International Transgender Day of Visibility, a day which aims to bring attention to the accomplishments of transgender people around the world. The event featured guest speakers Janet Mock, a trans activist and writer, Dr. Kortney Ryan Ziegler, a GLAAD Award-nominated blogger and filmmaker, musicians Namoli Brennet and Joe Stevens, performer and activist KOKUMO, producer Jen Richards, and 10 co-presenters representing the Chicago trans community.
"I am here tonight because of the 99 other names on the inaugural Trans 100 list and the unrecognized thousands who are not on this list whose quiet acts are changing lives," said Janet Mock. "They are the dream realized."
"It is my hope that everyone in this room will use the names on this list as inspiration to continue doing the necessary work," said Dr. Kortney Ryan Ziegler at the event. "Let them propel you to be the advocates and activists our community needs. If you do not identify as either, then I urge you to use the names on the list as a simple gesture to keep living."
The list began as an idea by This Is H.O.W. Executive Director Antonia D’orsay, then developed in partnership with Jen Richards of We Happy Trans. The project received over 500 nominations in December 2012, with over 360 individuals recommended for inclusion.
"The only sustainable self-interest is that which extends the sense of self to include the whole," said Jen Richards at the Trans 100 launch event. "Look around: women, men, people of color, genderqueer people, crossdressers, showgirls, sex workers, academics, activists, artists, and allies. We are all one community."
Trans 100/Andy Karol
"The value of the work that is represented by the 100 people on this list is immeasurable," said Executive Director of This Is H.O.W., Antonia D'orsay, about the Trans 100. "These people demonstrate the diversity, the determination, and the incredible triumph of spirit that informs all trans people, no matter where they are. This is just a glimpse of what trans people can accomplish."
GLAAD is proud to sponsor the inaugural Trans 100,and honored that GLAAD board member Jenny Boylan was included. "The Trans 100 will bring much-needed visibility to the critical, grassroots work that trans people have been doing in communities across the country for years," said Wilson Cruz of GLAAD. "While media coverage so often misses the mark on accurate portrayals of trans people, the Trans 100 is changing the game by sharing the inspiring and diverse stories behind trans advocacy."
See the full Trans 100 list at www.wehappytrans.com or www.facebook.com/Trans100
The Trans 100:
Abigail Jensen
Aidan Key
Alexis Martinez
Allyson Robinson
Andre Perez
Andy Karol
Andy Marra
Anna Anthropy
Asher Kolieboi
Avory Faucette
Bamby Salcedo
Baylie Roth
Ben Hudson
Blake Alford
Bree Sutherland
Carter Brown
Cecilia Chung
Channyn Lynne Parker
Charlie Solidum
Che Gossett
Christina Kahrl
Cristina Herrera
Claire Swinford
Diego Sanchez
Drago Renteria
Dru Levasseur
Earline Budd
Eli Erlick
ellie june navidson
Elliot Fukui
Erin Armstrong
Harmony Santana
Harper Jean Tobin
Ida Hammer
Ignacio Rivera
Ja-briel Walthour
Jaan Williams
Janet Mock
Jenn Burleton
Jenny Boylan
Justus Eisfeld
Kate Bornstein
Kate Sosin
Katherine Cross
Katie Burgess
Katy Stewart
Kay Barrett
Kelley Winters
KOKUMO
Dr. Kortney Ryan Ziegler
Kylar Broadus
Laverne Cox
Lincoln Rose
Loan Tran
Mara Keisling
Marisa Richmond
Marsha Botzer
Masen Davis
Matt Kailey
Mel Goodwin
Mia Tu Mutch
Michelle Enfield
Miss Major Griffin-Gacy
Monica Roberts
Monika Mhz
Namoli Brennet
Nicholas Love
Nick Teich
Niko Kowell
Nino Dorenzo
Ola Osaze
Owen Daniel-McCarter
Paisley Currah
Pauline Park
Phyllis Frye
Qwo-Li Driskill
Rebecca Allison
Rebecca Kling
Reina Gossett
Ruby Corado
Ryan Blackhawke
Ryka Aoki
S. Bear Bergman
Sadie Baker
Sasha Alexander Goldberg
Sassafras Lowrey
Sean-Michael Gettys
Shane Morgan
Shawn Demmons
Spencer Bergstedt
Stephen Ira
Susan Stryker
Tei Okamato
Tracie O'Brien
Trisha Lee Holloway
Trudie Jackson
Van Binfa
Van Ngyuen
Yoseñio V. Lewis
Zander Keig