Nonbinary

Jaymes Black as New Chief Executive Officer

by
Jaymes Black

The Trevor Project, the leading suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning (LGBTQ+) young people, announced Jaymes Black (they/she/he pronouns) as its new Chief Executive Officer. Black, an accomplished senior leader with more than 20 years of experience managing high performing teams at scale, is stepping in to lead the organization, effective July 15. Black will succeed Peggy Rajski (she/her), a founder and decades-long Board Member who stepped in as Interim CEO in 2022.

Black’s substantial expertise blends nonprofit and corporate competencies, and spans business and community leadership, LGBTQ+ advocacy and coalition building, fundraising strategy and innovation, large budget oversight and financial acumen, call center operations and user experience, and more. In addition to their extensive professional qualifications, they identify as a Black nonbinary lesbian – bringing compelling lived experience that will help The Trevor Project work toward its mission to end suicide among LGBTQ+ young people.

“I am elated and deeply honored to step into the role of CEO at The Trevor Project for so many reasons – especially since this is an organization I desperately needed myself as a queer young person growing up in South Texas,” said Jaymes Black (they/she/he pronouns), incoming CEO at The Trevor Project. “Right now, far too many queer and transgender young people are struggling with thoughts of suicide and other mental health challenges – not because of who they are, but because of how they are mistreated and stigmatized by other people. I know what that feels like, first hand. I also know this is an enormously difficult moment for both Trevor and the young people we serve. Anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and the dangerous, demeaning rhetoric surrounding it has reached a record high in this country, and LGBTQ+ young people are constantly being exposed to messages that attempt to invalidate their very identities. As CEO, it is my job to reinforce that LGBTQ+ young people have so many more people who love and support them exactly as they are, than those who wish them harm. This work won’t be easy, but I am ready to roll my sleeves up to help create a world in which all LGBTQ+ young people feel safe, accepted, and free to thrive as their truest selves.”

Prior to joining Trevor, Black served as President & CEO at Family Equality, the leading national organization for current and future LGBTQ+ families. Family Equality works to ensure everyone has the freedom to find, form, and sustain their families by advancing LGBTQ+ equality through advocacy, support, storytelling, and education.

“We are thrilled to welcome Jaymes as our new CEO at such a critical moment for The Trevor Project, and for the LGBTQ+ young people we serve,” said Julian Moore (he/him), Chair of The Trevor Project’s Board of Directors. “The search for Trevor’s new leader was rigorous and throughout the process, Jaymes established themself as a sort of ‘unicorn’ candidate. Their history of successful leadership in finance, technology, and business, combined with leading and growing an LGBTQ+ nonprofit during a historically challenging time for our community, makes Jaymes a uniquely remarkable fit. The role of CEO is a big job, and we are more than confident in Jaymes’ ability to lead The Trevor Project forward.”

Prior to leading Family Equality, Black had a seasoned career in the corporate sector, where they held a variety of senior leadership roles, including at companies such as Charles Schwab, Sabre Corporation, and Northrop Grumman. Black has an MS in Management and was honored on The 2022 Out Magazine’s Out100 list — a compilation of the year’s most impactful and influential LGBTQ+ people.

Statement from Kelley Robinson (she/her), President, Human Rights Campaign:
“Our movement is facing an urgent moment where we must both meet the needs of our people today and fight for a future where there are laws, policy, and the type of representation for us to get free. This is also a defining moment as movement leaders seek to meet the demands and build organizations that can create the kind of impact our communities deserve. Jaymes uniquely gets this.”

Statement from Nadine Smith (she/her), Co-Founder & CEO at Equality Florida:
“Jaymes Black’s leadership at The Trevor Project comes at a crucial time for LGBTQ youth and families facing extremist attacks. With a deep understanding of our community’s needs and a strong commitment to innovative problem-solving, Jaymes will guide The Trevor Project in meeting current challenges and building a stronger, and more resilient organization.”

“We are overjoyed to welcome Jaymes to Trevor, and they are well-positioned to lead the organization into its next chapter,” said Rajski. “For more than 26 years, The Trevor Project has been providing high-quality, life-saving crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to our beloved LGBTQ+ young people. When I founded the organization back in 1998, I never imagined it would grow to such heights. I know that Jaymes – and their decorated background – will usher the organization through its next phase, continuing our critical work supporting LGBTQ+ young people for generations to come.”

“We are immensely grateful to Peggy Rajski for stepping in at the Board’s request as The Trevor Project’s Interim CEO, and stabilizing the organization during a period of significant change,” continued Moore. “Peggy’s leadership has enabled The Trevor Project to serve more LGBTQ+ youth in crisis than ever before. We’re thankful for Peggy’s support as Jaymes steps into their role as the organization’s new CEO. As a Founder of The Trevor Project in 1998, Peggy has continued her deep commitment to supporting LGBTQ+ youth mental health for longer than 26 years, and her positive impact will continue as she returns to her seat on the Board.”

Rajski will support Black’s transition as the Special Advisor to the CEO, then return to her role on the organization’s Board.

If you or someone you know needs help or support, The Trevor Project’s trained crisis counselors are available 24/7 at 1-866-488-7386, via chat at TheTrevorProject.org/Get-Help, or by texting START to 678678.

Janelle Monáe: Suicide Prevention Advocate of the Year

by
The Trevor Project Honors Janelle Monáe with Annual Suicide Prevention Advocate of the Year Award

NEW YORK, Sept. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — The Trevor Project, the world’s largest suicide prevention and mental health organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning (LGBTQ) young people, announced Janelle Monáe (they/them or she/her pronouns) as the recipient of its 2022 Suicide Prevention Advocate of the Year Award, which recognizes influential public figures for their unwavering commitment to LGBTQ mental health awareness. The second annual award marks September’s National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and amplifies The Trevor Project’s mission to end suicide among LGBTQ young people. Monáe joins Lil Nas X – who was the inaugural recipient of the award in 2021 – in receiving this powerful honor that reminds LGBTQ young people that they are not alone.

“No matter what you’re going through, your life matters so much…don’t let anyone try to dim your light,” said Monáe.Tweet this

The Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter, actor, and author has been a longtime champion for the LGBTQ community and conversations around mental health. A fierce advocate and activist, Monáe has consistently used their platform to elevate the voices and experiences of marginalized people. In a recent interview with CNN, Monáe explained, “my natural instinct has always been to stand up to bullies, and to protect the ones who are trying to just live and love in peace and in their authentic selves.” Over the years, the multi-hyphenate artist has proudly and openly shared their personal journey around their sexual orientation and gender identity. In 2018, Monáe came out as pansexual in a Rolling Stone cover story, and announced they identify as nonbinary on an episode of Red Table Talk this past April, stating: “I just don’t see myself as a woman, solely. I feel all of my energy.”

In accepting the award, Monáe said: “Growing up queer and Black in a religious household, I faced a lot of challenges trying to understand my identity and where I fit in as someone who always felt beyond the binary. We, as LGBTQ folks, as people of color, are a powerful and unstoppable community. I want every young queer person out there to know that I see you, you are beautiful in all of your forms, and you are never, ever alone in this world. As someone who has dealt with depression and anxiety, prioritizing and protecting your mental health is everything. Amazing organizations like The Trevor Project have got your back, and I will personally continue to advocate for you and celebrate you always. No matter what you’re going through, your life matters so much — don’t let anyone try to dim your light. Thank you to The Trevor Project for this incredible honor and for all that you do to support LGBTQ young people.”

According to The Trevor Project’s 2022 National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health, which captured the experiences of nearly 34,000 LGBTQ youth across the U.S., 45% of LGBTQ youth seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year, and nearly 1 in 5 transgender and nonbinary youth attempted suicide. The findings also revealed that LGBTQ youth of color reported higher rates of attempting suicide in the past year than their white peers, and 60% of LGBTQ youth who wanted mental health care in the past year were not able to get it.

Monáe has been outspoken about addressing negative mental health outcomes and ending suicide among LGBTQ young people – The Trevor Project’s mission. In 2019, Monáe took to Twitter to spark discourse around LGBTQ mental health, stating: “I wanna have a real discussion around bullies (kids and adults) who bully kids/people because of their sexuality. Bullying leads to kids & adults in the LGBTQIA [community] falling into depression & [dying by] suicide in many instances. What should the repercussions be for bullying?” They have also been candid about their own past struggles with depression and the importance of mental health accessibility and affordability. When speaking to The Grio in 2018, Monáe asserted, “I wish that our system here in America made mental health care more affordable, or quite frankly, free for every human being.” In normalizing these conversations, Monáe is helping to destigmatize mental health and create open dialogues around suicide prevention.

“Queer representation in the media can have a life-saving impact on LGBTQ young people, and Janelle Monáe is the embodiment of unapologetic self-expression,” said Josh Weaver (they/them or he/him pronouns), Vice President of Marketing at The Trevor Project. “Throughout their career, Janelle has been a trailblazer who constantly challenges the status quo – from their depictions of queer love in their music videos, to their iconic, gender nonconforming style, they continue to redefine the rules around how LGBTQ and BIPOC people can navigate through life. Our research found that 79% of LGBTQ youth reported that seeing musicians come out as LGBTQ made them feel good about their own identity, and Janelle’s willingness to let us in on her personal journey of self-discovery makes her the perfect recipient for this award.”

The Suicide Prevention Advocate of the Year Award adds to a long list of accolades for Monáe, who has been recognized for their work in the Oscar-winning film Moonlight and Oscar-nominated film Hidden Figures. Monáe will star in the upcoming Knives Out sequel Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery in December. The Trevor Project will award a new individual each year to celebrate possibility models, allies, and outspoken advocates fighting for those in the LGBTQ community to survive and thrive. To learn more about The Trevor Project, visit TheTrevorProject.org.

If you or someone you know needs help or support, The Trevor Project’s trained crisis counselors are available 24/7 at 1-866-488-7386, via chat at TheTrevorProject.org/Get-Help, or by texting START to 678678.

About The Trevor Project
The Trevor Project is the world’s largest suicide prevention and mental health organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning (LGBTQ) young people. The Trevor Project offers a suite of 24/7 crisis intervention and suicide prevention programs, including TrevorLifeline, TrevorText, and TrevorChat as well as the world’s largest safe space social networking site for LGBTQ youth, TrevorSpace. Trevor also operates an education program with resources for youth-serving adults and organizations, an advocacy department fighting for pro-LGBTQ legislation and against anti-LGBTQ rhetoric/policy positions, and a research team to discover the most effective means to help young LGBTQ people in crisis and end suicide.

Virgin Atlantic Updates Gender Identity Policy

by
Virgin Atlantic Updates Gender Identity Policy

PRNewswire

Virgin Atlantic has launched its updated gender identity policy, giving its crew, pilots, and ground team the option to choose which of the iconic uniforms, designed by Vivienne Westwood, best represents them – no matter their gender, gender identity, or gender expression.

Reflecting the diversity of the workforce and in a move that cements its position as the most inclusive airline in the skies, Virgin Atlantic will offer its people a fluid approach to its red and burgundy uniforms, meaning LGBTQ+ colleagues will be able to choose either the red or the burgundy uniform, depending on which best reflects themselves.

The announcement is part of an ongoing drive to champion the individuality of its people and customers and is complemented by the roll out of optional pronoun badges for all its people and those traveling with the airline. This move enables everyone to clearly communicate and be addressed by their pronouns. The badges will be available to teams and customers from today and customers simply need to ask for their preferred badge at the check in desk or in the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse.

Virgin Atlantic has also updated its ticketing systems to allow for those who hold passports with gender neutral gender markers to select ‘U’ or ‘X’ gender codes on their booking as well as the gender-neutral title, ‘Mx.’ In lieu of passports with gender neutral gender markers being available for all, Virgin Atlantic is implementing a longer-term plan to amend communication preferences to ensure customers are addressed by their preferred pronouns across all touchpoints.

Mandatory inclusivity training will also be rolled out for its people at all levels across Virgin Atlantic and Virgin Atlantic Holidays as well as a series of inclusivity learning initiatives for tourism partners and hotels within destinations such as the Caribbean to ensure all our customers feel welcome despite barriers to LGBTQ+ equality.

Launched as part of its ‘Be Yourself’ agenda, the airline has already unveiled a series of industry-leading inclusivity initiatives for its people to ensure they can truly be themselves at work and feel comfortable in their roles. This latest addition follows a decision in 2019 to offer cabin crew the choice whether to wear make-up as well as the option to wear trousers and flat shoes. More recently the airline lifted restrictions around allowing visible tattoos for crew members and its front line people.

Jaime Forsstroem, Cabin Crew at Virgin Atlantic commented: “The updated gender identity policy is so important to me. As a non-binary person, it allows me to be myself at work and have the choice in what uniform I wear.”

Michelle Visage, Tanya Compas, Talulah-Eve and Tyreece Nye have teamed up with Virgin Atlantic to showcase the new policy in a stylised fashion shoot that has been released today.

Michelle Visage commented: “As the mother of a non-binary child, and as an ally to the LGBTQ+ community, these efforts by Virgin Atlantic to further inclusivity for its people are extremely important and personal to me. People feel empowered when they are wearing what best represents them, and this gender identity policy allows people to embrace who they are and bring their full selves to work.”

The announcement comes as research finds that enabling employees to express their true selves at work boosts happiness (65%), increases mental wellbeing (49%), creates a more positive workplace culture (36%) and provides a better experience for customers (24%). Employees also reported feeling more accepted and comfortable when able to be their true selves at work (26%) and an increased sense of loyalty to their employer (21%).

The airline’s initiatives also include an update of its existing trans inclusion policies, which already allows time off for medical treatments related to gender transition, personal choice of changing & shower facilities that align with the gender a person identifies as and co-creation of a personalised transitioning plan.

Juha Jarvinen, Virgin Atlantic’s Chief Commercial Officer says, “At Virgin Atlantic, we believe that everyone can take on the world, no matter who they are. That’s why it’s so important that we enable our people to embrace their individuality and be their true selves at work. It is for that reason that we want to allow our people to wear the uniform that best suits them and how they identify and ensure our customers are addressed by their preferred pronouns.”

To find out more about Virgin Atlantic’s inclusivity commitments head to https://virg.in/oji6 or follow the airline on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

*Data conducted by 3Gem on behalf of Virgin Atlantic between September 5-6, 2022, polling 2,000 adults aged 18+ across the UK.

About Virgin Atlantic
Virgin Atlantic was founded by entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson in 1984, with innovation and amazing customer service at its core. In 2021, Virgin Atlantic was voted Britain’s only Global Five Star Airline by APEX for the fifth year running in the Official Airline Ratings. Headquartered in London, it employs 6,500 people worldwide, flying customers to 27 destinations across four continents.

Alongside shareholder and Joint Venture partner Delta Air Lines, Virgin Atlantic operates a leading transatlantic network, with onward connections to over 200 cities around the world. On 3 February 2020, Air France-KLM, Delta Air Lines and Virgin Atlantic launched an expanded Joint Venture, offering a comprehensive route network, convenient flight schedules, competitive fares and reciprocal frequent flyer benefits, including the ability to earn and redeem miles across all carriers.

Sustainability remains central to the airline and since September 2019, Virgin Atlantic has welcomed seven brand new Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, helping to transform the fleet into one of the youngest, quietest and most fuel efficient in the sky. By 2022, the airline will operate a streamlined fleet of 38 twin engine aircraft following the retirement of its B747-400s and A340-600s, making its simplified fleet 10% more efficient than before the Covid-19 crisis impacted.

For more information visit www.virginatlantic.com or via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @virginatlantic.

SOURCE Virgin Atlantic Airways Ltd

Philadelphia takes action to support Trans & GNC youth

by
Trans and Nonbinary Youth in Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA — Effective July 11, 2022, the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations (PCHR) has enacted regulations that expand legal protections for transgender and gender nonconforming youth. The regulations create affirmative obligations for institutions serving youth to ensure that their environments are free of discrimination. The legislation requiring these regulations was introduced by Councilmember Helen Gym (At-Large) and passed by City Council in 2019 in conjunction with two other bills designed to promote dignity, safety, and inclusion in the City of Philadelphia.

The regulations also:

  • Require that all institutions serving youth use the name and pronouns that correspond to a youth’s identity.
  • Require institutions to take reasonable steps to prevent and promptly correct any derogatory or offensive langue used in communication with or in reference to a transgender or gender nonconforming youth.
  • Ensure privacy and confidentiality of the transgender or gender nonconforming youth’s identity.
  • Require institutions provide access to restrooms, locker rooms, and dressing rooms that correspond to a transgender or gender nonconforming youth’s identity.
  • Require institutions post a written policy of non-discrimination and conduct regular training to prevent, identify, and respond to bullying, harassment, and discrimination against transgender and gender nonconforming youth.


“I am extremely proud of this work because these regulations demonstrate the City of Philadelphia’s commitment to ensuring supportive and inclusive environments for all children,” said Kia Ghee, Executive Director for Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations. “At a time when constitutional protections feel less certain, these regulations build upon the antidiscrimination protections provided in the Fair Practices Ordinance and emphasize the City’s commitment to protecting children and youth who are much more likely to be subject to unlawful harassment in school and other institutional settings.”

“With the disturbing and increasing amount of anti-trans legislation that targets trans youth, these reforms represent welcome, needed progress and are just one of the many reasons that Philadelphia is consistently recognized as one of the most LGBTQ-friendly cities in the country,” said Celena Morrison, Executive Director of the Office of LGBT Affairs. “We will continue to support our trans and gender nonconforming communities in every possible way.”

“Our City is deeply committed to ensuring all trans and non-binary youth thrive, flourish, and feel valued,” said Councilmember Helen Gym. “These protections were informed and championed by Philadelphia’s young people themselves. By centering their voices, we are shaping a more just, accessible, and welcoming city for all. In the absence of federal and state protections, and especially amidst increasing and vile attacks against trans youth, these reforms prove that Philadelphia will always stand with our trans and non-binary communities and advance bold policies to protect them.”

PCHR is Philadelphia’s official civil rights agency ensuring equal rights and opportunities for all. The agency investigates complaints of discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or a related medical condition), sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, source of income, familial status, genetic information and domestic or sexual violence victim status. If you believe that you have been subjected to unlawful discrimination or have any questions, please contact PCHR at 215-686-4670 or visit our website at www.phila.gov/pchr.

New TV Campaign Spotlights Trans Kids Finding Joy In Sports

by
Gender Cool Project

Have you ever met a transgender kid? That is the question The GenderCool Project asks in a national television campaign launching today.

The high-energy 30 second spot features 11 transgender and non-binary kids ages 13 through 17 playing the team sports they love while talking about how participating in sports makes them feel.

Known as the GenderCool “Champions”, these young people are at the core of GenderCool, a youth-led, youth-inspired organization with a simple mission: help replace misinformed opinions with positive, powerful experiences meeting transgender and non-binary youth who are thriving.

The spot, airing nationally, is part of GenderCool’s national education initiative called Play it Out, which aims to help people understand fact from fiction about transgender kids and their connection to sports.

“I play sports for the same reasons all kids play sports,” said 17-year-old Amir (he/him), who is prominently featured in the spot. “Sports is like family to me. We show up for each other. I even want to be a coach someday so I can help others get to where they want to be.”

Jen Grosshandler (she/her), GenderCool co-founder, lifelong athlete and parent of four children, including a 15-year-old transgender daughter named Chazzie, said this spot is just the beginning. “Communities everywhere deserve the facts around a conversation that is in need of clarity,” said Grosshandler. “When folks have a chance to spend time with our kids, they often come to the same conclusion. Our kids play sports to be part of a community and have fun with their friends. All kids belong in sports. It’s that simple.”

The spot ends with a powerful closing statement “transgender kids are part of your team” as the Nike Swoosh and GenderCool logo appear below.

A shocking number of bills across states continue to attempt to stop transgender kids from participating in sports. Despite this legislative pushback, schools across the country recognize the important benefits of equal participation in sports for all young people, including transgender youth.

“Kids are kids, and as a coach, you want to create that environment that’s all inclusive,” said Jon Mall (he/him), a teacher from Chicago who’s been coaching K-12 athletics for the past 20 years and is featured in the spot. “Sports brings kids from all walks of life together, and the differences often fade away.”

“It’s time for folks to meet these remarkable young people and understand that they are on your team,” said GenderCool co-founder Gearah Goldstein. “This is why GenderCool is taking to the airwaves. We are bringing the positivity and joy that comes from being part of a team to communities everywhere.”

The spot was created by director Kobi Swissa of Swissa Creative, Inc. Swissa used a docu-style approach to filming, allowing viewers to experience the simple humanity and joy of watching kids play and talk about something they love.

Join the conversation using #PlayitOut and visit gendercool.org/playitout.

About The GenderCool Project

The GenderCool Project is a youth-led movement replacing misinformed opinions with positive, powerful experiences meeting transgender and non-binary young people who are thriving. Our movement is creating positive change by evolving understanding, business and culture.

SOURCE GenderCool Project

1.2 million LGBTQ adults in the US identify as nonbinary

by
Nonbinary

Williams Institute Press Release: An estimated 11% of LGBTQ adults in the U.S.—approximately 1.2 million people—identify as nonbinary, according to a new study by the Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law. The majority of them are under age 29, urban, and white.

Using data from two nationally representative surveys, Generations and TransPop, researchers examined the demographics and characteristics of LGBTQ adults in the U.S. ages 18-60 who identified as nonbinary in terms of their gender. Results show that nearly one-third of transgender adults identify as nonbinary. However, many cisgender LGBTQ adults also identify as nonbinary—approximately 58% of all nonbinary LGBTQ adults are cisgender and 42% are transgender.

The majority of nonbinary adults reported using queer (31%), bisexual (17%), pansexual (17%), or asexual (14%) to describe their sexual orientation.

“Nonbinary people make up a substantial part of the LGBTQ community, and they appear to experience similar kinds of vulnerabilities seen in the larger LGBTQ population,” said lead author Bianca D.M. Wilson, Senior Scholar of Public Policy at the Williams Institute. “More research is needed to understand whether there are unique needs among cisgender and transgender nonbinary people compared to each other and to their binary-identified LGBTQ counterparts.”

Key Findings

Demographics and socioeconomic characteristics

  • Most nonbinary adults were born in the U.S. (96%). Most are between the ages of 18-29 (76%) and urban (89%).
  • Nonbinary adults represent a range of racial/ethnic identities (approximately 58% white, 16% multiracial, 15% Latinx, 9% Black, and 2% AAPI, American Indian, and other groups).
  • Among nonbinary LGBTQ adults, 42% identify as transgender, 39% identify as cis LBQ, and 19% identify as cisgender GBQ.
  • Nonbinary adults report relatively high indicators of economic instability: 68% report not having enough money to make ends meet and 57% live in low-income households below 200% of the federal poverty level.

Victimization and stress

  • 55% of nonbinary people were hit, beaten, physically attacked, or sexually assaulted at some point since they were 18 years old.
  • 82% of them faced emotional abuse as a child, and 53% report that they were bullied often as a child.
  • 11% of nonbinary people were exposed to conversion therapy as a child.

Health

  • 41% of nonbinary adults report that their health is poor or fair.
  • 51% of them had symptoms consistent with serious mental illness, and 39% had attempted suicide.

“Identities and terms related to gender and sexuality shift across time,” said study author Ilan H. Meyer, Distinguished Senior Scholar of Public Policy at the Williams Institute. “Our study found nonbinary adults tend to be younger, but as the use and acceptance of gender nonbinary terms continues to grow, we may see changes in numbers and characteristics of LGBTQ nonbinary people.”

The Generations Study examines the health and well-being of cisgender and nonbinary LGBQ people. The TransPop Study is the first nationally representative survey of transgender individuals in the U.S., defined as individuals who stated that their current gender identity (e.g., man, woman, transgender) was different than their sex assigned at birth (male, female) across all sexual orientations.

Read the report

photograph by Steve Rainwater

Jonathan Van Ness Gets Curious

by
Jonathan Van Ness

Jonathan Van Ness Gets Curious
The ‘Queer Eye’ grooming expert’s new Netflix show explores everything from bugs to being nonbinary
By Chris Azzopardi

Before I talk to Jonathan Van Ness about their new Netflix show, “Getting Curious with Jonathan Van Ness,” they take me on a little on-camera adventure that involves them “needing cuter light.”

They do a 180 with the computer. They swivel in their chair. “I need more natural light in my life, I’m sorry,” they say, still shifting and “getting comfortable.”

And then once they find that magical spot where the light hits their face in just the right place, the 34-year-old “Queer Eye” grooming expert grooms their computer, gently wiping the lens with a tissue. If you’re going to wear what they’re wearing — it appears to be a chiffon kaftan — you don’t want a dusty ol’ lens muddying its bright pink radiance, honey.

“I did an outfit change for you,” they say, having slipped into their new, flowier ensemble just before our interview.

Van Ness, who is also a children’s book author and one of just a few openly nonbinary public figures, rocks an entire closet of gender-nonconforming fashion on Season 6 of “Queer Eye,” which hit Netflix on New Year’s Eve 2021. On their new six-episode series, a TV adaptation of their podcast “Getting Curious with Jonathan Van Ness,” the multi-hyphenate even has an entire episode devoted to gender identity.

Featured in the episode, titled “Can We Say Bye-Bye to the Binary?,” are gender nonconforming activist Alok Vaid-Menon and Geo Neptune, the first two-spirit elected official in the state of Maine. With Van Ness, who says they hadn’t even heard the term nonbinary until the age of 30, Vaid-Menon and Neptune explore what their identity means to them and the history of our rigid gender binary. The show also intends to open up minds on other topics as well, such as why bugs aren’t so bad, figure skating’s minority barriers and, naturally, an entire episode on the history of coifs called “Why Is Hair So Major?”


All aglow through a freshly cleaned computer camera, Van Ness spoke to me about the “sense of ease” they feel now, a dream “Getting Curious” guest star they’re not sure they could form words around, and their very personal reason for being completely theirself around young queer people.

I watched a lot of “Getting Curious” yesterday and wanted to thank you for modeling curiosity, first of all. I think as adults we tend to lose our imagination and we just accept some things for the way that they are. Is that what you felt going into the show

Well, I started “Getting Curious,” the podcast, in 2015. I’ve always been someone who loves to learn, and I’m just a very curious person. And I clearly love talking. So the idea — wanting to understand the world around me better — has been something that’s existed within me for as long as I can remember. So that was definitely something that I wanted the opportunity to break down on the Netflix stage ’cause it’s a very big stage. 

And I wanted to bring a more visual, multi-medium, multifaceted world in which the podcast — but as a TV show — could live. So I’m just really excited that we got the opportunity and that Netflix believed in me enough and that we can go explore the world together. So I’m just really excited that I have the opportunity and I hope everyone loves it.

You mention Netflix being a big stage, which it is. Is that why you were like, “You know what? We are gonna do an entire episode devoted to nonbinary and gender nonconforming people”? 

Yeah. Being someone who is nonbinary is something that I think I’ve been my entire life. I only had language for it in these last few years. But the amount of trans misogyny that I’ve had to endure and live through in my own life pales in comparison to some of the trans misogyny that other people have had to go through within our community and within our trans community, specifically. 

However, I wanted to humanize us. And it’s not only my job to do this, obviously. But I wanted to have a time where we could talk and be together and learn together and just have that humanity, ’cause I think so often we are portrayed in this way that it’s just not human. It’s only around, like, violence or this feeling of, trans people are coming for our way of life. Or trans people are coming for tradition. Or trans people are coming for sports. Or trans people are coming for public safety, or whatever it is. 

And I wanted to show people that we are human and we are all sorts of different things that are not threatening, and actually very beautiful and amazing and are just as natural as the grass or rain. You know, we’ve been here forever. And I was really excited to get an opportunity to share that information.

There aren’t a lot of nonbinary public figures in the world, and you seem to be aware of that as you’ve been using your platform to really educate people.

Absolutely. I think that for me, being someone who was very mercilessly bullied all throughout my childhood and formative educational years, I’ve always been very moved by this thought of, “If I could make it easier for other people like me or put a little bit of an end to other people’s suffering, it would make my suffering more worth it.” And so I’ve always liked the idea of using what I’ve learned to help make other people’s lives easier.

I love that you said that because my colleague, whose queer son loves you, wanted to know how you feel when it’s a kid who looks to you as a huge inspiration as they’re navigating their own gender and identity.

That’s a really good question. I think sometimes when I see much younger children, like in my standup comedy show, I just feel immediately guilty. I’m like, “Oh my god. I hope I don’t traumatize them, honey, ’cause we are going there tonight.” So in that sense, it can be a little bit harder, but so often I think about Margaret Cho when I think about how I want to live my life as a public figure. I was introduced to her work at a very young age. I was maybe 10 or 11 when I first saw one of her specials on Comedy Central. And she did not hold back. She was herself. She _is_ herself. She’s a full-bodied version of herself. And look at how I turned out. I’m fine. 

So I just feel like I wanna be myself. I don’t wanna totally limit my art or my creativity thinking about, like, “Oh my gosh, is this gonna be too much for someone?” I feel honored that people of any age would look to me and find more self-love, more self-acceptance, more comedy, more joy. More curiosity. So I think I wanna think about that because if I think about, like, “Oh my gosh, I’m a role model for a lot of young people,” and even just success in general, if I thought about it too much, I would become really full of anxiety and unsure of what to do. And so I think in order for me to stay connected to myself and my own vision, I have to not think too much about the way that it’s gonna be received.

Do you have moments in your mind where you’re like, “What would this have meant to little Jonathan growing up in Quincy, Illinois?”

Very much. And sometimes that’s actually another one of those feelings where sometimes I think if I felt that feeling all the way, I know I’d just be in a corner crying because I can’t believe that I’ve been able to do this with my life. But I do hope that other young people seeing me achieve what I’ve been able to achieve in my career won’t find it so shocking when they achieve their dreams. Because for me growing up, I felt like it was unheard of. I didn’t think that I was ever gonna see someone like me be so successful and beloved and accepted and able to create their own projects. It really is such an honor. And I want other people, especially young people, to look at me and think that they can do it too.

Is this your first season on “Queer Eye” identifying openly as nonbinary? 

I came out about being nonbinary in 2019, before we filmed Season 5, but I don’t know if me talking about it in that season made it to air.

I wondered because you are fully yourself this season in a way that I hadn’t really seen before. You’re really embodying your whole self, even down to the fashion. Did you feel differently this season?

Yeah. I think it’s just been such a fast four years, you know? From shooting Season 1 and 2 in Atlanta in 2017, which is when we actually shot that, and then Season 3 and 4, which we shot in 2018, really soon after the show had come out. Season 1 and 2 we shot together. Season 3 and 4, together. And then 5 was its own thing. And then 6 was its own thing. And so each one of those chunks I feel like I was in just a wholly different life situation every single time. Just neck-spraining differences in life situations. So I do think that the season between being married and … definitely this was the first season where I was public about my HIV status. Just very public in all of the things. And so I think that that maybe did lead to just a more overall sense of ease.

In “Getting Curious,” you’ve got some great guest stars, including Rachel Dratch, Lea DeLaria and Michelle Kwan. Who is on your dream guest star list for potential future episodes of the show? 

I mean, once you do have Michelle Kwan, I don’t know where else you’re gonna go from there. I kind of started with the most major one ever! But I mean, I feel like… is Adele ever available? Beyoncé? Michelle Obama, honey? Like, I’m shooting for the stars, but I don’t know. Who knows?

Oprah?

Oh my god, Oprah. Aaah! I don’t know if I could even have Oprah ’cause I think I would literally do that for the whole 22 minutes. Aah! Aaah!

I’d watch it. I would.

The title of that episode: “Can Jonathan Form Words Around Oprah?”

Melanie Willingham-Jaggers Named New Executive Director of GLSEN

by
Melanie Willingham-Jaggers

GLSEN’s First Black, Nonbinary Executive Director Commits to Prioritizing Racial Justice, Gender Justice and Disability Justice

GLSEN, the leading national organization working to guarantee lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and queer (LGBTQ+) students a supportive and empowering education, has announced Melanie Willingham-Jaggers (they/she) will be the organization’s new Executive Director.

“LGBTQ+ students across the country are facing a crisis amid attacks on their rights and the ongoing pandemic, and we need bold leadership now more than ever,” said Rocío Inclán, GLSEN Board of Directors Chair. “A true leader for their community, Melanie always looks first to the grassroots leadership of the LGBTQ+ youth of color, trans youth and youth with disabilities who are on the frontlines, and centers their experiences and needs in all GLSEN’s work. Melanie is exactly the leader our movement needs to bring our fight for LGBTQ+ justice to the next level as GLSEN’s Executive Director.”

The news of Willingham-Jaggers’ new position was welcomed by additional leaders and advocates in the LGBTQ+ and education movements, as well as those in the fight for social justice among marginalized communities, including GLSEN founder Kevin Jennings, former GLSEN Executive Director Eliza Byard, Antoni Porowski, Wilson Cruz, Alicia Garza, Lateefah Simon, Ryan Li Dahlstrom, Marlene Sanchez, Brian Bond, Kierra Johnson, and Rodrigo Heng-Lehtinen.

GLSEN has advocated for our nation’s K-12 schools since 1990 to be safer, more affirming, and inclusive environments for all youth. Willingham-Jaggers becomes the first person of color, first nonbinary person, and first Black woman to lead the organization in its three decade existence. They joined GLSEN in 2019 as Deputy Executive Director before becoming Interim Executive Director in early 2021.

“I am thrilled to continue and accelerate the important work GLSEN started more than 30 years ago,” said Willingham-Jaggers. “Education is the cornerstone of our democracy and GLSEN’s work is rooted in the belief that education can and should be an experience that is safe, inclusive, and affirming for all students. I am committed to ensuring our organization lives up to that promise and advances work based always on GLSEN’s core strategies: anti-racism, gender justice and disability justice.”

Willingham-Jaggers brings extensive experience as a leader in the social justice movements, including in curriculum design, facilitation, organizing within and beyond various marginalized and intersecting communities, such as including those who are currently or formerly incarcerated, involved in the underground economy, LGBTQ+, youth, immigrants, people with disabilities and senior citizens. They also have a proven track record of building and running successful high-impact programming, training and developing individuals and leading teams, as well as designing effective and value-responsive infrastructure that drive high levels of performance and impact across the organization.

“The appointment of Melanie Willingham-Jaggers heralds an exciting new chapter in the organization’s history,” said Kevin Jennings (he/him), CEO, Lambda Legal and GLSEN founder. “I look forward to seeing GLSEN reach new heights under their leadership.”

“Melanie’s expertise as an organizer and deep connections across movements are invaluable for the next chapter of GLSEN’s work,” said Eliza Byard, Senior Advisor, Campaign for Our Shared Future and GLSEN former Executive Director. “The world of K-12 schools has been turned completely upside-down over the past few years, and Melanie’s vision and experience will provide the essential ingredients of new strategies for a new time.”

Before joining GLSEN, Willingham-Jaggers served as the program associate director of The Worker Institute at Cornell University’s School of Industrial and Labor Relations. As a part of the leadership team, they worked to ensure the strategic, programmatic, and operational excellence of the Institute.

“With Melanie’s lifelong experience as an advocate and commitment to putting the voices of LGBTQ+ youth at the forefront of their work, GLSEN is ready to tackle this year’s new challenges. I’m grateful to join GLSEN and Melanie as they continue to work for LGBTQ+ equity in K-12 education for our nation’s students,” said Antoni Porowski.

From 2016-2019, Willingham-Jaggers also served as board chair of The Audre Lorde Project (ALP), the oldest center for community organizing for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Two Spirit, Trans and Gender Non-Conforming People of Color, in the New York City area. Melanie’s work on the ALP board was rooted in the belief that as long as there are organizations connected to our freedom movements – those organizations must be internally safe, healthy and vibrant spaces, on which movements can rely if they so choose.

About GLSEN

GLSEN works to create safe and inclusive schools for all. GLSEN envisions a world in which every child learns to respect and accept all people, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, and/or gender expression. Each year, GLSEN programs and resources reach millions of students and educators in K-12 schools, via action at the national, state, and local level. Since 1990, GLSEN has improved conditions for LGBTQ+ students across the United States and helped launch an international movement to address LGBTQ+ issues in education.

National Center for Transgender Equality Launch 2022 U.S. Trans Survey Pledge 

by
US Trans Survey

The National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE) and partners are excited to launch the 2022 U.S. Trans Survey Pledge (USTS) at ustranssurvey.org. Through the USTS Pledge, members of the trans community can now sign up to receive information about the survey, learn how to participate and pledge to take the survey when it is released in 2022. 

“NCTE is proud to partner with the Black Trans Advocacy Coalition, TransLatin@ Coalition, National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance, and other organizations that serve trans people nationwide on the 2022 U.S. Trans Survey,” said Rodrigo Heng-Lehtinen, executive director of NCTE.

“The Black Trans Advocacy Coalition is incredibly excited to be a partner for the 2022 U.S. Trans Survey, the leading source for insight into the real-life experiences of the trans community. As the largest trans survey in the U.S., we know that it’s critical to ensure that the experiences of as many Black binary and nonbinary trans people as possible are captured in the survey,” said Carter Brown, national executive director of BTAC.  “We are encouraging everyone to be a part of history and pledge to take the 2022 U.S. Trans Survey.”   

“Our organization is grateful to partner on such an important milestone for our community with the 2022 U.S. Trans Survey,” said Bamby Salcedo, president and CEO of the Los Angeles-based TransLatin@ Coalition. “The data we will generate as a community will provide support for our continued advocacy for our specific needs.”

Information about the U.S. Trans Survey:   

  • The U.S. Trans Survey is the largest survey of trans people in the United States.  
  • The USTS documents the lives and experiences of trans people in the U.S. and U.S. territories.   
  • The U.S. Trans Survey is for all trans people ages 16 and up.   
  • The USTS is for people of all trans identities, including binary and nonbinary trans identities.  
  • The USTS is the main source of data about trans people for the media, educators, policymakers and the general public, and covers health, employment, income, the criminal justice system and other aspects of life.   
  • USTS reports have been a vital resource, including the reports on the experiences of people of color and reports by state.   
  • In 2015, nearly 28,000 people took the USTS, making it the largest survey of trans people in the U.S. to date. A lot has happened since then, and it’s time to conduct the USTS again in 2022.    

Participants who sign a pledge form to participate will receive email updates from NCTE about the survey. Taking the pledge does not obligate anyone to take the survey and participation is voluntary. Participants will be asked to consent to take the survey once it becomes available. 

MTPC Announces Interim Director, Gender X ID Bill Moves Forward

by
Ev Evnen

The Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition Steering Committee announced that Ev Evnen (pronouns: they/them/theirs) has been hired as interim director. Ev brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in trans advocacy, and has been working in collaboration with MTPC for many years on a variety of initiatives.

Ev appeared at a press conference following a 39-1 Massachusetts Senate Vote on a bill which would allow Massachusetts residents to select a nonbinary gender marker on drivers licenses and birth certificates.

They stated at the press conference: “For me, right now, my driver’s license says female. As a nonbinary person, male did not feel more accurate, and because of that, I kept the marker given to me at birth. Although my whiteness and my masculinity offer me a lot of protection, I still worry that when I hand my license to a TSA agent, a clerk at the grocery store or a law enforcement official, that the difference between the person they see in front of them and the gender marked on my license will result in unjust treatment.”

Ev comes from MaeBright Group, an LGBTQ+ policy and training consulting firm. In that capacity, they have worked with numerous state agencies and service providers to increase their cultural competence when working with queer and trans populations. Ev holds a MPP and MBA from the Heller School. They identify as white, genderqueer, non-binary, transgender, queer, Jewish, and as a person with a mental illness.

“I’m incredibly excited and honored for the opportunity to take the helm of MTPC for a short while.” Ev said. “I hope to continue advocating for all of the trans community in the Bay State.”

“I am thrilled to have Ev involved as MTPC enters a new chapter of leadership and direction” said Mason Dunn, outgoing Executive Director. “Their familiarity with the work and the organization makes them a perfect match to carry us forward.”

Founded in 2001, the Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition is dedicated to ending discrimination and oppression on the basis of gender identity and gender expression.