We are thrilled to share that three of our incredible team members have been selected for the National Black Justice Collective’s (NBJC’s) 2025 Cohort of 100 Black LGBTQ+/SGL Emerging Leaders to Watch:

• Ari, Public Health Policy Strategist
• Janeesha, Director of Leadership & Capacity Strengthening
• Rashanna, Advocacy & Civic Engagement Strategist 

‍This year’s list celebrates a new decade of queer trailblazers shaping the future of freedom, justice, and innovation. It comes as Black LGBTQ+/SGL communities face an unprecedented surge of legislative and social attacks: over 850 anti-LGBTQ+ bills introduced across state legislatures in 2025 alone—the most in U.S. history—alongside federal executive orders erasing transgender recognition and protections, and a 52% spike in hate incidents targeting transgender people. 15,723 documented attacks on the health, education, and economic opportunity of Black people; billions in slashed funding of programs, grants, research, and contracts that addressed historic and continuing exclusions of Black people; and the erasure of Black data and history. ‍

At this critical moment, investing in Black LGBTQ+/SGL leadership isn’t optional—it’s essential for community survival and resistance. 

The list also includes some of our powerful state leaders, such as Bryanna Jenkins, Policy Director at Lavender Rights Project, and Brielle Winslow-Majette, Deputy Director of Garden State Equality and a member of the Equality Federation board.

‍Join us in celebrating this powerhouse group of leaders!