Cookies in use
The Human Rights Campaign uses cookies to improve your site experience. By using this site, you agree to our use of cookies. To learn more, please read our Privacy Policy.
ELEVATE: A Transgender Justice Initiative Program
Produced by the
HRC Foundation
The ELEVATE Fellowship advances the leadership of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) femmes of trans experience through peer connection and by investing in their professional development and leadership skills.
Through the program, participants help HRC and local communities address key issues such as the HIV epidemic, sexual health, anti-trans violence, trans-specific state laws, and job opportunities for trans communities.
There will be 10-12 fellows and begin with an intensive digital training and virtual convening February 21-23 2025. This year's fellowship will also feature an in-person gathering in Atlanta, GA from March 20-23, 2025 and a closing virtual convening April 19-20, 2025.
Beyond the cohort-based curriculum that the ELEVATE program offers, additional benefits for fellows include:
- A $1500 stipend
- Tech assistance as needed
- Travel, lodging, and meals for in-person convening in ATL
- Meals provided during webinars
- Access to mentorship opportunities through our alumni network
This year our ELEVATE cohort will:
- Come together with other trans leaders in the spirit of movement-building and support
- Share stories and experiences through our “Trans Talks” series
- Lift up the full trans experience through storytelling l highlighting the beauty, depth and strength of our community. Together we will educate the world on what it means to be trans and proud.
- Join influencers, advocates and leaders in celebrating our community.
- Work with our transgender justice initiative and our political team to address trans-specific laws and policies.
- Activate through digital channels for serving college students especially HBCUs and work with our HIV and Healthy team to help end the epidemic for trans communities.
- Support our Lyft Program which offers free rides for members of the trans communities.
- As necessary, work and lead on public speaking engagements.
- Attend two virtual summits where we focus on self-reflection and peer-to-peer relationship-building.
- Attend our in-person summit where we will share space, forge new connections, and build new skills for the next generation of trans leaders.
See Our 2023 Cohort
-
Sunshine Goodman (she/her) North Charleston, SC -
Ahmea Branch (she/her) Lindenwold, NJ
-
Alexis Jimenez (she/her) San Francisco, CA
-
Amariah Hardwick (she/her) St. Louis, MO
-
Angie Tamayo Leon (they & she) Union City, NJ
-
Antiona Bowman (she & they) Richmond, VA
-
Elle Halo (she/her) Milwaukee, WI
-
Goddess Tyescha (they/them) Colorado Springs, CO
-
Jasmine Lopez (she/her) Bronx, NY
-
Karina Harris (she/her) Birmingham, AL
-
Maya Luna (she/her) Charlotte, NC
-
Nakysha Hoskins (she/her) Jonesboro, GA
Follow what's being said about the ELEVATE Program
Learn more about the program's impact through the experiences of existing cohort members and alumni from ELEVATE.
Celebrating Changemakers
Our changemakers share their experiences with TJI's programs, and the impact these programs have had on their daily lives. We share their stories not only to uplift their successes, but also to ensure there are positive representations of the transgender and non-binary community and its resiliency, further combating transphobia, stigma, and anti-trans violence.
Happy Trans Day of Visibility: Hope and Progress for a Better World
Hear from Mila Genesis Hellfyre Hernandez and Nick Alicea Ortiz, Puerto Rican trans activists whose work and lives have been enriched by their involvement with the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) and the HRC Foundation.
Find More Opportunities to Join
Transgender Justice Initiative
Together we combat stigma, help end trans violence, promote sexual health, and provide access to work opportunities and education.
Embrace Your Sexuality
We're building a generation free of HIV and stigma. Embrace sex positivity with My Body, My Health campaign. Are you in?
The Human Rights Campaign reports on news, events and resources of the
Human Rights Campaign Foundation
that are of interest to the general public and further our common mission
to support the LGBTQ+ community.
Love conquers hate.
Image: