Those lucky enough to register in time for our fully-booked event Thursday night enjoyed an impactful and timely conversation with Stonewall activist and author Miss Major Griffin-Gracy. Miss Major discussed her legacy of LGBTQ+ advocacy, the current status of transgender rights in the South, and how to be an ally to Black trans people.
Miss Major has fought for over fifty years for trans and gender nonconforming rights. She’s a veteran of the Stonewall Riots, a former sex worker, and a survivor of Dannemora Prison and Bellevue Hospital’s “queen tank.” She is currently touring the country promoting her book, “Miss Major Speaks: Conversations with a Black Trans Revolutionary.”
ACLU of Georgia Staff Attorney Nneka Ewulonu led the conversation with Miss Major, and Chanel Haley, Director of Education & Community Engagement for Georgia Equality. The conversation centered on inspiring and helping trans people to tell their own stories. Miss Major said her new book aims to bolster those feelings of belonging. “We have to live our lives,” she said.
When asked how Georgians can uplift and protect Black trans individuals, Miss Major expressed that her community simply needs what many people take for granted — a life free of harassment and unnecessary barriers.
“If you want to protect us, let us be ourselves. We have the ability to do all sorts of things, if (lawmakers) just leave us alone,” she said.
Thank you to all of our attendees and partners who organized this special event.
Photo credit: J Glenn Photography
