About Us
Gender Justice League (GJL) is a civil and human rights organization that focuses on elevating the rights of trans & gender diverse communities in Washington State and beyond.
GJL was founded in Seattle, WA in 2012 by a group of long-time trans, queer, and allied activists who were looking to increase the community’s capacity to address cissexism, transphobia, and transmisogyny; and the homo, bi, and queer -phobias that trans and gender diverse people face.
GJL has focused on elevating civil and human rights for trans and gender diverse people by creating community through advocacy efforts and shared leadership development. Recognizing that only 4% of employees in the major LGBTQ+ organizations are trans, and that trans people face nearly double the unemployment rate of cis people, GJL’s gender justice model seeks to empower trans people to combat the structural oppression, discrimination, and violence that we face in our daily lives.
What We Do
Trans Pride Seattle
SafeHouse: Temporary shelter & Financial Assistance
ADVOCACY
GENDER JUSTICE AWARDS
SPECIAL EVENTS
EVERY DOLLAR SUPPORTS TRANS PEOPLE
Gender Justice League works through education, advocacy, mutual aid, and grassroots community building to shift both culture and policies about gender and sexuality. Every dollar amplifies the work of our dedicated staff and volunteers.
Follow Us On Social Media
Trans Pride Seattle is just 22 days away!! We can`t wait to celebrate the very special 10 year anniversary of this amazing community event. Thank you so much to all our incredibly hard-working volunteers, staff, community donors, and sponsors who help make this event possible!
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Gender Justice League presents Trans Pride Seattle: 10th Anniversary
Fri, June 23, 2023, 6 - 9:30 PM
Volunteer Park Amphitheater
TransPrideSeattle.org
Slide 2:
Trans Pride Seattle `23 sponsored by:
@pugetsounddiversityalliance @lavenderrightsproject @starbuckspride @seiu_org Starbucks Workers United, @rivkincenter @acluwa @cupcakeroyale @ufcw_3000 @seattlechildrens @seattlepridefest @gayishpodcast @northwestpolitesociety Seattle Office for Civil Rights, @gaycity @ea `s Pride ERG @google `s Pride ERG, @pramilajayapal for Congress, @seiu775 @utopia_wa @entrehermanosseattle @pridefdn @projectfirstseattle @pitchstudyseattle @descseattle @providenceswedish @uwmedicine @plannedparenthood Greater Northwest, @soundtransit `s pride ERG, @adobe `s pride ERG, @ibewlocal46 @becu Glamazon, @waisn_org Peer Washington, Central Lutheran Church of the Holy Trinity, VA Puget Sound Health Care System
#TransPride #Seattle #Washington #Olympia #Tacoma #Everett #TransRightsAreHumanRights #Pride #PrideMonth
Because we never accept corporate sponsorships, we rely on community donations & sponsorships from local, trans-affirming businesses, nonprofits, and other groups to produce the largest Trans Pride event in the Northwest!
Help us continue to keep TPS corporation-free by giving to our gofundme: tiny.cc/TP23
Give $100 and receive a limited edition, special 10 year anniversary TPS t-shirt!*
Give $50 and receive a limited edition TPS tote bag!*
*must pick up at TPS on 6/23
From volunteer, to board member, to Trans Pride Seattle Stage Manager, and GJL Program Manager—Yani Robinson has worn many hats across their work with Gender Justice League between 2014-2020. A 1.5-generation Thai-American public school educator and union organizer, Yani remains deeply dedicated to social justice, restorative practices, and culturally responsive pedagogy.
Find the full blog at tiny.cc/YR10
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New Blog
10 Years of Gender Justice: A Conversation with Yani Robinson
"Pride has become this corporate monster. Keeping it at the community level as much as possible, making sure it feels like a community pride event still, instead of some corporate nightmare—that’s the energy that people want."
Tag your strong trans & allied friends! We`re looking for volunteers for the Wednesday & Thursday before, and the Saturday after Trans Pride Seattle to help load/unload trucks with gear and supplies. (Note: these roles involve heavy lifting).
If you`re interested, please contact Jehan@GenderJusticeLeague.org
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"Trans Pride Seattle Volunteers Wanted Pre & Post TPS
- Wednesday(6/21)
- Thursday (6/22)
- Saturday (6/24)
We need at least 3 volunteers on each of the above days to help load/unload trucks with gear and supplies for TPS! Note: these roles involve heavy lifting."
We still need a lot of help on the day-of Trans Pride Seattle to pull it all off! If you`re available for even a couple of hours on the day of the event (Friday, June 23rd) it would mean so much to us if you could help out with any of the following roles:
- First aid/mental health (EMTS, docs, nurses, paramedics) x2
- Tabling Set-up x4
- Van Unloading (Set-up) x4
- Van Loading (Break-down) x3
- Stage Set-up x2
- Stage Break-down x2
- Lighting Set-up x3
- Lighting Break-down x3
- Mobility Assistance x4
- Spoons Tent x2
- Canvassers x5
- Runners x4
Descriptions of available roles: tinyurl.com/TPSR23
Sign up to volunteer: tiny.cc/VLNTR23
For questions about volunteer assignments, please contact Jehan@GenderJusticeLeague.org
Just under 1 month away and we still have several lead volunteer roles to fill for #TransPride Seattle! One of the largest Trans Pride gatherings in the U.S., a community event like this couldn`t take place without the hundreds of volunteers who support it every year.
Descriptions of available roles: tinyurl.com/TPSR23
Sign up to volunteer: tiny.cc/VLNTR23
TPS `23 will happen on Friday, June 23rd, in Volunteer Park near the amphitheater. We need volunteers between the hours of 2 - 11 PM, for any amount of time that you`d like to help!
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Trans Pride Seattle Lead Volunteers Wanted:
- Accessibility Lead
- VIP Tent Lead
- Canvassing Lead
- SWAG Booth Lead
- Event Set-Up Lead
- Event Break-Down Lead
- Stage break-Down Lead
- Van Loading Lead
The success and sustainability of Trans Pride Seattle over 10 years has been hard-won, and due entirely to the efforts of the hundreds of volunteers, small-dollar donors, and businesses and organizations who have supported our event.
We`re sending so much gratitude to the sponsors of Trans Pride Seattle `23! Thank you for celebrating with us.
@pugetsounddiversityalliance @lavenderrightsproject @starbuckspride @seiu_org @sbworkersunited @rivkincenter @acluwa @cupcakeroyale @ufcw_3000 @seattlechildrens`s Q Pod, @seattlepridefest @gayishpodcast @northwestpolitesociety Seattle Office for Civil Rights, @gaycity @ea `s pride ERG @google `s Pride ERG, @pramilajayapal for Congress, @seiu775 @utopia_wa @entrehermanosseattle @pridefdn @projectfirstseattle @pitchstudyseattle @descseattle @providenceswedish @uwmedicine @plannedparenthood Greater Northwest, @soundtransit `s pride ERG, @adobe `s pride ERG, @ibewlocal46 @becu
#TransPride #Seattle #Washington #Olympia #Tacoma #TransRightsAreHumanRights
Check out @mohaiseattle`s June History Café: A Decade of Gender Justice, featuring two of GJL`s co-founders: Danni Askini and Elayne Wiley!
Register for this FREE convo on our 10+ years of trans activism in WA State, including our fight for increased access to gender-affirming care, creating and sustaining Trans Pride Seattle, and so much more.
Register at tinyurl.com/HCM623
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History Cafe: A Decade of Gender Justice
Wednesday, June 21, 2023
6:30 pm - 8 pm
Microsoft Lakefront Pavilion
Free with registration
Check out our very own Danni Askini on @voxdotcom`s The Weeds podcast talking about the history of gender-affirming care, how changes in health policy and advancements in marriage equality have led to the current anti-trans backlash, and how we`re responding!
Available on spotify: tiny.cc/DA23
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Podcast episode
The Weeds, Live—Anti-trans legislation, explained
Episode description: In recent years, there’s been a dramatic increase in the number of anti-LGBTQ bills introduced in state legislatures across the country. The ACLU is currently tracking 474 such bills, the majority of which target transgender rights. Meanwhile, trans people are over four times more likely than cisgender people to be the victims of violent crime. And according to a 2022 report from the Trevor Project, 45 percent of LGBTQ youth seriously considered suicide in the past year, including more than half of transgender and nonbinary youth.
In this live taping of The Weeds, host Jonquilyn Hill sits down with Danni Askini, co-executive director of national programs for the Gender Justice League. The two examine the history of gender-affirming care, discuss how changes in health policy and advancements in marriage equality have led to this backlash, and explore how advocates are responding.
Five weeks away, we only have 25% of the volunteers we need for #TransPride Seattle! One of the largest Trans Pride gatherings in the U.S., a community event like this couldn`t take place without the hundreds of volunteers who support it every year.
Check out the available roles: tinyurl.com/TPSR23
Sign up to volunteer: tiny.cc/VLNTR23
TPS `23 will happen on Friday, June 23rd, in Volunteer Park near the amphitheater. We need volunteers between the hours of 4 - 11 PM, for any amount of time that you`d like to help!
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Volunteers wanted for Trans Pride Seattle
Volunteer: tiny.cc/VLNTR23
We`re so excited to announce our new Trans Pride Seattle Coordinator, Vincent Folkes (he/him)!
Vincent Folkes is a multi-talented individual with a passion for community event coordination, sound engineering, and poetry. With a diverse skill set and a strong creative drive, Vincent has established himself as a valuable contributor to the entertainment industry and his local community.
Vincent is actively involved in community event coordination. He takes pride in organizing and hosting events that bring people together, fostering a sense of unity and celebration. From virtual poetry competitions, diversity and inclusion workshops, music festivals to charity fundraisers, Vincent ensures that every event he coordinates is well-planned, inclusive, and memorable.
Throughout his career, Vincent has demonstrated a commitment to using his talents and skills for positive impact. He believes in the power of art and community to inspire and uplift others. Through his various endeavors, Vincent strives to create meaningful experiences and contribute to the enrichment of both the artistic and local communities he serves.
As a sound engineer, Vincent possesses a deep understanding of audio production techniques and equipment. He has honed his skills through years of hands-on experience, working on various projects ranging from music recordings to live events. Vincent has a keen ear for capturing and enhancing the essence of sound, ensuring that every audio production they work on achieves the highest level of quality.
In addition to sound engineering, Vincent (aka VinzthaGreat) is also an independent artist and award-winning poet. His lyrical prowess and dynamic delivery speaks through his music, expressing thoughts, emotions, and experiences, related to his identity as a black, transgender, Jamaican immigrant man using the power of words to connect with listeners on a deep and personal level.
With his unique blend of expertise as a community event coordinator, sound engineer, rapper, and poet, Vincent continues to make a significant impact in his respective fields, leaving an indelible mark on those who encounter his work.
Welcome to the team, Vincent!
Savannah Sly has been advocating for the rights and welfare of sex workers since 2013. Across her career as a community and coalition organizer and co-conspirator, Sly has been an instrumental force in efforts to advance the rights and safety of sex workers across the globe, organizing with Gender Justice League, SWOP Seattle & @swop_usa, @acluwa, #OldProProject, and numerous grassroots sex worker initiatives. In addition to her current role as Co-Executive Director for New Moon Fund, Sly presently serves as an advisor to the Woodhull Freedom Foundation and the Global Lab for Research in Action at UCLA Luskin.
Full blog at tiny.cc/SAVSLY
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Above a pink and yellow gradient background, text reads:
"New blog
10 Years of Gender Justice: A Conversation with Savannah Sly
`Try and keep [organizing] sustainable and stay focused. ... As super progressive advocates, sometimes we are our own worst enemy or biggest hurdle in a practical way.`"
Bottom right includes 10 year anniversary Gender Justice League logo.
We can`t wait to see your beautiful trans faces on Friday, June 23 for the 10TH ANNIVERSARY of Trans Pride Seattle! How many folks remember the very first one in 2013? My, how we`ve grown!
Image text, slide 1:
Gender Justice League presents Trans Pride Seattle: 10th Anniversary
Fri, June 23, 2023, 6 - 9:30 PM
Volunteer Park Amphitheater
TransPrideSeattle.org
Slide 2:
Thank you to our sponsors! @pugetsounddiversityalliance @lavenderrightsproject @starbuckspride @seiu_org @sbworkersunited @rivkincenter @acluwa @cupcakeroyale @ufcw_3000 @seattlechildrens @seattlepridefest @gayishpodcast @northwestpolitesociety Seattle Office for Civil Rights, @gaycity @ea `s Pride ERG @google `s Pride ERG, @pramilajayapal for Congress, @seiu775 @legal_voice @utopia_wa @entrehermanosseattle @pridefdn @projectfirstseattle @pitchstudyseattle @descseattle @providenceswedish
#TransPride #Seattle #Washington #Olympia #Tacoma #TransRightsAreHumanRights
Ahead of the 10th anniversary of Trans Pride Seattle, we’re asking for community feedback to make this year`s celebration the best it`s ever been! If you have 5 minutes to spare, your feedback will help us continue to create a fun and accessible event we can all enjoy ❤️
Survey @ tiny.cc/SRVY23
We`re proud to co-present the shorts block RESISTANCE/RESILIENCE at this year`s @translationsfilmfestival! Available virtually May 4-7th, and and showing in-person on May 6th at 11 am at Ark Lodge Cinemas—followed by a community panel with guest artist Daniel Sea.
RESISTANCE/RESILIENCE covers true stories of trans people at the forefront of resistance against dominant power structures, and the resilience we’ve built with our communities.
Tix available at threedollarbillcinema.org/2023-translations-resistance-resilience
As a Field Director with @acluwa, Liezl leverages her privilege, power, and skills to build sustainable relationships and coalitions at the intersections of gender and reproductive justice. In our conversation reflecting on nearly ten years of collaboration with GJL, Liezl shares some movement wins, challenging moments, and several lessons for other cis allies organizing in support of trans & gender diverse communities.
Full blog at tiny.cc/10LR
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Above a pink and yellow gradient background, text reads:
"New blog
10 Years of Gender Justice: A Conversation with Liezl Rebugio
`Cisgender people [must] stand next to trans and gender diverse folks. Stay behind the podium, sit in the audience, be a backup dancer—but don`t be the lead singer.`"
Bottom right includes 10 year anniversary Gender Justice League logo.
So many trans, gender diverse, and intersex student athletes and their families are feeling worried right now due to the intense bullying and fearmongering they’ve been facing at the state and local levels.
No child should ever be bullied or excluded just because of who they are. All children deserve equal opportunities in school - and that includes playing sports with their peers.
The government has proposed new rules that would help protect trans kids and make sure that they can play sports with their friends—but we want to make sure the rules are as inclusive as possible.
Submit a public comment urging the Biden administration to protect trans kids at letusplay.team
In this inspiring and thought-provoking conversation with GJL Co-Founder & current Executive Director Danni Askini, they share about how GJL came to exist and reshape the landscape for trans rights in WA State, the lessons they`ve learned after 20+ years organizing, and so much more!
Full blog at tiny.cc/DA10
Image description:
Over a pink and yellow gradient background, text reads: "New blog: 10 Years of Gender Justice: A Conversation with Danni Askini." Quote on the bottom left reads "I think what fuels you as an activist are the friendships and relationships that you build in the community, that help propel you forward." Bottom right includes a special 10 year anniversary GJL logo: a gold star with a red ribbon which reads "Gender Justice League / 10 Year Anniversary!". Link to the blog is included at the top: tiny.cc/DA10.
#GenderJustice #Washington #TransRightsAreHumanRights #Seattle #Olympia
#ProtectTransYouth #ProtectTransKids
You`re invited! Join us virtually on Thursday, April 27th from 5-7 PM PST for The State of Trans Legislation: A Virtual Town Hall, where we`ll discuss our legislative progress this session more in depth, and explore implications for gender-affirming & reproductive care in WA and beyond.
Register at tiny.cc/042723
Help us keep Trans Pride Seattle community-centered, grassroots, and radical! Every contribution, no matter the size, helps make one of the world`s largest Trans Pride events happen 🏳️⚧️
Give to support TPS: tiny.cc/TPSGIVE
For more info on Trans Pride Seattle, visit transprideseattle.org