BLAQUE OUT TRANS DAY OF REMEMBRANCE INITIATIVES

Mel Howard

He/ Him/ King/ Monarch

Virginia 

Mel Howard is the Executive Director of Thriving Transmen of Color. TTMOC is a grassroots non-profit organization that provides community development programs, crisis services and referrals to those who have been deprived of the most basic living conditions. Mel is a community advocate who promotes brotherhood, community engagement and civic activism. Mel i

E.L. Winston 

He/Him

North Carolina 

E. L. Winston is a husband, father, PawPaw, minister, co-founder of a non-collegiate Greek organization, mentor, writer, and entrepreneur. Winston is most passionate about building a supportive community, speaking for the voiceless, and creating safe spaces. He lives by the quote, "If we can look up, we can get up".

Ocean Rivera

She/Her

NYC

A 24 year old  woman of Trans experience. Ocean has worked in ground breaking research for her community, and has made history as the first Trans woman to compete in Miss New York. She is a researcher, I a licensed New York State Real Estate agent and intends to serve her community and help address the issue of homelessness. 

Mx. Dahlia Belle

She/Her

Oregon

Mx. Dahlia Belle is a vocal advocate for agency, autonomy, life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. She is a writer, content creator, stand-up comedian, and part-time peer support operator for Trans Lifeline. Also known as Aziza Holiday of The Haus of Holiday.

Tori Cooper

She/Her

Georgia

HRC’s Director of Community Engagement for the Transgender Justice Initiative and a Health and Equity Consultant. She is the 2nd highest ranking Transgender woman in the US government. Tori brings a long history of fighting for health and financial equity. She earned a BA in Human Services and a Masters of Public Health. She is founder and ED of Advocates for Better Care A

Tee Douglas

He/HIm/His 

New York

Tee is part of a large and thriving family in Upstate NY. Tee began, his journey in activism in the years of marriage equality and he is currently a Transgender Youth Coordinator at the Pride Center of Western New York in Buffalo, NY. A board member of Gender Equality New York and a member of the House of Comme Des Garcon New York Chapter.