Monica Roberts (1962 – 2020) was an icon and a trailblazing voice for transgender rights, both in her home state of Texas and around the country. In 2006, she founded TransGriot, a pioneering blog about issues pertaining to trans women, particularly women of color. Her coverage helped bring national attention to the alarming rates of transgender homicide, and she worked tirelessly to identify victims who were misgendered and deadnamed by the police and local media. Roberts also wrote for Ebony, the Huffington Post, The Advocate, and the Unapologetically Trans column in Out Smart Magazine.

Her many honors include the Glaad Media Award for outstanding blog, the Barbara Jordan Breaking Barriers Award, and the 2020 Susan J. Hyde Award for Longevity in the Movement.

Mateo is a trans queer man of color, immigrant, and advocate with over a decade of community organizing experience. At Make the Road New York, he leads the Trans Justice and Leadership Program, creating pathways for trans, queer, and migrant communities to thrive and lead. He also teaches Spanish for Lawyers at NYU School of Law, preparing the next generation of attorneys to serve migrant clients with care and dignity.

His work is rooted in resilience, collective power, and the belief that trans futures will shape a more just and joyful world.

An Afro-Latina transgender woman, Yanery Cruz (she/her) is the first-ever Executive Director of New York City Council’s LGBTQIA+ Caucus. In this role, Yanery leads the Caucus’ policy, budget, and advocacy efforts, helping advance a more coordinated and equitable agenda for LGBTQIA+ New Yorkers.  Previously she served as Director of Advocacy and Programs at the New York Transgender Advocacy Group.

Cruz is a recipient of the Stonewall Democratic Club of NYC’s Defiant Award, speaking to the depth and importance of her vision and leadership.

As the founder of The Global Trans Equity Project and the National Director of Policy & Strategy for the National Trans Visibility March, Dr. Elijah works hard to dismantle stigma and transform systems through policy, research, and education.

His leadership and experience as a Black trans man uplifts the voices of TGNCNB+ people and inspires conscious love, inclusion, and joy.