Advocates for Trans Equality (A4TE)
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transequality.bsky.social
Advocates for Trans Equality (A4TE)
@transequality.bsky.social
10K followers 56 following 270 posts
Fighting for legal and political rights of transgender people in America.

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/transequality
Posts Replies Media Videos
transequality.bsky.social
Coming June 11: Our Health and Wellbeing report from the 2022 U.S. Trans Survey! Based on responses from 84,000 trans adults nationwide, this report dives deep into physical and mental health, experiences with providers, and access to gender-affirming care.
June 4, 2025 at 9:58 PM
transequality.bsky.social
HAPPY PRIDE! For A4TE, this is a time for joy, remembrance, and action—and finding our strength in each other. We are grateful for your support, and excited to celebrate US this pride! (1/2)
June 3, 2025 at 9:54 PM
transequality.bsky.social
Rebranding conversion therapy as “exploratory therapy” doesn’t change what it is: A harmful, cruel practice with long-lasting consequences.

And as we point out here, “Trans people, including trans youth, know who they are.” www.rollingstone.com/culture/cult...
Some of the most concerning parts of the report have to do with mental health, including the proposal to treat gender dysphoria with “exploratory therapy” — which experts are calling out as a rebanding of conversion therapy — and false claims that mental health assessments play little or no role in current gender-affirming care. Rolling Stone spoke with a range of experts to learn about what gender-affirming care actually involves, and why “exploratory therapy” could be harmful for transgender kids.
May 6, 2025 at 10:16 PM
transequality.bsky.social
Kelly Parry-Johnson, A4TE senior staff attorney said this:

“…acceptance of gender and sexual diversity and a commitment to justice for every single person, including LGBTQI+ people, are core religious beliefs and practices.”
"Too often, trans and queer Muslims and other members of religious minorities are really left out of these discussions of religious liberty," she said. "For our clients, acceptance of gender and sexual diversity and a commitment to justice for every single person, including LGBTQI+ people, are core religious beliefs and practices.
April 22, 2025 at 4:38 PM
transequality.bsky.social
In this photo: Devon Ojeda, Senior Organizer (he/they), Phillip Alexander Downie (he/him) CEO of Montgomery County Pride Family || MoCo Pride Center Inc., and Lee Blinder (they/them) Executive Director of TransMaryland.

Phillip and Lee organized this rally.
Left to right: Devon Ojeda wearing a purple hat, clear framed glasses, curly hair and smiling in the camera, Phillip, a tall Black man wearing black framed glasses, bald and smiling, and Lee a white person wearing a purple hat, sunglasses and a black shirt that reads "trans people belong."
April 22, 2025 at 2:37 PM
transequality.bsky.social
Right now, people are rallying in front of the Supreme Court in support of inclusive education in Montgomery County.

Photo credit: Devon Ojeda
On the sign it reads "more inclusion less hate" a dark skinned brown person holds the sign, they are wearing a white shirt, with a trans flag cape and a pink shorts. To their right another person holds a small sign that reads "ban hate not books" while holding the rainbow flag. They are wearing a light green shirt and long blue pants. THey are standing on a standwalk in front of a street. Five people are standing holding signs that read Editors against book bans No Book Bans History is Watching Ban Hate Not Books Book Bans = Facism Historians Against Book Bans
April 22, 2025 at 2:37 PM
transequality.bsky.social
A few words from community leaders in appreciation of Rodrigo’s long-time commitment to protecting trans rights.

@schestnut.bsky.social
@imanirg.bsky.social
@nclrights.bsky.social
А4ТГЕ Rodrigo's long-time work in shaping policy and advancing public understanding at both the state and federal levels has transformed the landscape of trans rights in this country. He has ensured that trans voices are not only heard but are central to the national dialogue about our lives, our dignity, and our rights. Shelby Chestnut Executive Director, Transgender Law Center Shelby is Native and trans with greying shirt hair, they are wearing clear rimmed glasses, smiling, small earrings and a button black top. А4ТГЕ Rodrigo has been an extraordinary leader at NCTE and A4TE, and I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to work alongside him for the last six years. I'm a witness to his commitment to the LGBTQ movement and to equality for all people, and I know that our community is better because of his tireless dedication. Imani Rupert-Gordon Executive Director, National Center for Lesbian Rights Imani is a Black cis woman with deep brown skin, a warm smile, black braids, wears pearl earrings and necklace and a white blazer. А4ТE Rodrigo has been a steady hand and a bright light in this work. He's someone who shows up with integrity, kindness, and a deep commitment to meeting this political moment with courage. I've always felt deeply supported and heard by him, which is something I value deeply. I fully support him as he steps into this new chapter, and I know his clarity of vision and heart-forward leadership will keep shifting this landscape back toward justice for trans people, and therefore, all people. Peyton Rose Michelle Executive Director, Louisiana Trans Advocates Peyton is a white trans woman with dark brown hair, a slight smile and wears a drop necklace and light beige shirt.
April 21, 2025 at 2:46 PM
transequality.bsky.social
A4TE leadership thanks @transrigo.bsky.social for his extraordinary leadership and service to the movement and our organization.
А4ТГЕ We thank Rodrigo for his years of dedicated leadership and service. A4TE will continue to deliver on our promise to advocate for the lives of trans people who need us now more than ever. We remain undaunted by our endeavor to ensure trans people and our families are no less than free and equal and treated with dignity and respect. Andy Marra Chief Executive Officer, Advocates for Trans Equality Andy Marra is a Korean woman with long black hair, wearing beaded green necklace and a black top. She’s smiling and wearing black frame glasses. А4ТE We cannot begin to express the admiration we have for Rodrigo's extraordinary leadership during these unprecedented times in our country's history. With Andy, Rodrigo brilliantly launched one of the largest trans-led organizations in the country, and the lives of countless members of the trans community are better because of it. He has devoted his life to fighting for equality, and we are tremendously grateful for his vision and tenacity. Jay Austin and Sissi Yado A4TE Board of Directors Co-Chairs
April 21, 2025 at 2:46 PM
transequality.bsky.social
NEWS: Executive Director @transrigo.bsky.social announces departure from Advocates for Trans Equality.
A4TE When Andy and I began envisioning the merger, I committed to seeing it through. I'm proud that now our vision has been realized. A4TE has not just launched, but is fully up and running, delivering results for trans people around the country. With A4TE gaining momentum, I'm now ready to move on to my next chapter. Rodrigo Heng-Lehtinen Executive Director, Advocates for Trans Equality Photo of Rodrigo on the bottom left hand side of the bed wearing a jacket and dotted button shirt. Rodrigo has brown skin, dark brown hair, smiling and wearing glasses.
April 21, 2025 at 2:46 PM
transequality.bsky.social
LGBTQI+ Muslims want their voices heard on the issue of including LGBQTI+-inclusive storybooks in the Montgomery County Public Schools.

To that end, A4TE filed a friend-of-the-court brief on behalf of eight orgs representing LGBTQI+ Muslims in the area.

transequality.org/news/a4te-ur...
Breaking News А4ТE Advocates for Trans Equality filed an amicus brief on behalf of eight organizations: • Atlanta Unity Mosque • Al-Wãsi' Collective • Desi Rainbow Parents & Allies • Hidaya LGBTQ US • Tarab NYC • Muslim Alliance for Sexual and Gender Diversity (MASGD) • Queer Crescent • Queer Muslims of Boston (QMOB)
April 16, 2025 at 2:45 PM
transequality.bsky.social
In a time where trans rights are under attack at historic rates, our community is committed more than ever to making our voices heard.

Take 2 minutes right now and tell your rep to vote “NO” on this discriminatory bill and protect our voting rights.

action.transequality.org/a/stop-save-...
ACT NOW Protect our right to vote! Dark pink ribbons on the top of the graphic. And a stylized pink photo in the background with a person holding up a sticker that reads "I voted today."
April 7, 2025 at 7:33 PM
transequality.bsky.social
We're talking puberty blockers, hormone therapy, or gender-affirming surgeries — none would be required.

This creates coverage and treatment barriers, and is unfair. Trans people deserve more than patchwork coverage.

Can you take 2 min to contact your rep? action.transequality.org/a/protecttra...
What do we want? We demand the protection of trans healthcare access and the preservation of Affordable Care Act (ACA) provisions that support trans individuals, including: • Gender-affirming care as an essential health benefit (EHB). • Health coverage access for DACA recipients. • No new barriers to insurance enrollment or subsidy access. • Fair and accessible enrollment rules that don't disproportionately harm trans people. How can we fight back? By law, the federal government must consider public comments before implementing new rules. Tons of comments forces the government to study the issue and explain itself-and it's the best way to show widespread public support. This administration has been acting in lawless and unpredictable ways. This is one way to make them follow the rules. Let's get loud! What should I say? • Write about what gender-affirming care has meant to you. as either a trans person or an ally. • Emphasize that healthcare is a basic human right, and that everyone deserves access to life-saving care. • Pull in some of the statistics that we provide above! • If you're concerned about security, you can always use a last initial or an alias. • For more ideas on telling your story, check out the Testifying Guide linked in our bio! Submit your comment now at the link in our bio. Let's make some noise and tell this administration to get their hands off our healthcare!
April 7, 2025 at 7:33 PM
transequality.bsky.social
First, the CMS ruling.

This is bad folks.

CMS has proposed a rule that would prohibit states from requiring coverage for gender-affirming care as part of their Essential Health Benefits (EHB) under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

Comments due this Friday! action.transequality.org/a/protecttra...
The Trump administration is trying to change insurance rules to deprive trans people of the care that we need. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) has proposed a new rule that would prohibit states from requiring gender-affirming care coverage - but we're fighting back. This rule would attack states that are trying to protect their trans residents. While state-level nondiscrimination laws requiring coverage would remain, this would prohibit states like Colorado and Vermont from enforcing trans-inclusive healthcare as part of these plan's Essential Health Benefits. What does this rule do? • Bans gender-affirming care as an essential health benefit. • Strips DACA recipients of healthcare coverage. • Adds new, unnecessary barriers to enrollment in ACA plans, disproportionately affecting trans people. • Makes it harder for low-income people to access subsidized care. This change would severely limit access to our medically necessary care, creating barriers to coverage and treatment even in states that are trying to protect their trans residents!
April 7, 2025 at 7:33 PM
transequality.bsky.social
TOMORROW at 10AM: Join us at Trans Liberation Now!, a rally to center TGNBI+ joy and mobilize for our freedom with headlining speaker @lavernecox.bsky.social.

The time for transgender liberation is NOW! 🏳️‍⚧️

RSVP now: lalgbtcenter.org/TransLiberation

@lalgbtcenter.bsky.social
04.05.25 * LOS ANGELES LGBT CENTER * 10AM-1PM TRANS LIBERATION NOW! CELEBRATE. EMPOWER. PROTECT. A POWERFUL RALLY CENTERING TGNBI+ JOY WHILE MOBILIZING AGAINST HARMFUL LEGISLATION. In Partnership with Trans Latin@ Coalition, Advocates for Trans Equality, EQCA, and more!
April 4, 2025 at 1:42 PM
transequality.bsky.social
Here's another joyful connection at today's #TDOV Rally: Congressman @maxwellfrost.bsky.social, representative for Florida's 10th congressional district, and A4TE's @transrigo.bsky.social and Josie Caballero.

@christopherstreet.bsky.social
Standing a white tent is Josie Caballero on the left in a red dress, Rodrigo Heng-Lehtinen in a A4TE white t-shirt and Congressman Maxwell Frost with a blue button shirt and checkered jacket.
March 31, 2025 at 10:32 PM
transequality.bsky.social
The Trans Day of Visibility Rally kicked off at 4pm with inspiring speeches and music. Here's to our joy, resistance, protecting our rights and building the trans future we need today!

@transrigo.bsky.social and @alicefornh.bsky.social, both speaking today, met for this fantastic photo!
Photo of Cuban American man, Rodrigo Heng-Lehtinen on the left, wearing a white t-shirt, and coral pink glasses, and short brown hair and Representative Alice Wade on the right side, white woman with reddish brown shoulder-length hair. She's wearing horn rimmed glasses, smiling and a floral strapless top.
March 31, 2025 at 10:21 PM
transequality.bsky.social
In less than one hour, we will join @christopherstreet.bsky.social and others for a #TransDayofVisibility Rally, incl @transrigo.bsky.social speaking!

Let’s celebrate trans joy together 🏳️‍⚧️

⏰: 4:00pm-6:00pm EDT
📍: National Mall between 3rd and 4th St NW Washington, DC

transdayofvisibility.com
Countdown to Trans Day of Visibimity Rally TODAY TODAY TODAY transdayofvisibility.com Washington DC March 31 - 4pm Christopher Street Project
March 31, 2025 at 7:35 PM
transequality.bsky.social
Join us virtually for Building Power and Solidarity Across Generations featuring trans leaders and allies.

We will celebrate our community, ground in our steadfast resistance to anti-trans sentiments and policies, and mobilize us to take bold action.

Register here: act.glaad.org/page/80936/e...
This Trans Day of Visibility we are... BUILDING POWER AND SOLIDARITY ACROSS GENERATIONS because it is through community, solidarity and love that we get free. Mon. March 31 4рm PT / 6pm CT / 7pm ET Community and Allies Call Hosted by a nationwide coalition of LGBTQ movement organizations including Advocates for Trans Equality, Equality Federation, Family Equality, GLAAD, Human Rights Campaign, Lambda Legal, The National LGBTQ Task Force, and Transgender Law Center.
March 29, 2025 at 8:12 PM
transequality.bsky.social
In DC, @transrigo.bsky.social joins other movement leaders for a TDOV Rally hosted by @christopherstreet.bsky.social.

DATE: Monday, March 31
TIME: 4:00pm-6:00pm EDT
📍: National Mall between 3rd and 4th St NW Washington, DC 20004

RSVP here: transdayofvisibility.com
CHRISTOPHER STREET PROJECT TRANS DAY OF VISIBILITY RALLY SPEAKER: RODRIGO HENG-LEHTINEN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF ADVOCATES FOR TRANS EQUALITY WASHINGTON DC TRANSDAYOFVISIBILITY.COM MARCH 31 - 4PM CHRISTOPHER STREET PROJECT COUNTDOWN TO TRANS DAY OF VISIBILITY RALLY TWO DAYS WASHINGTON DC MARCH 31 - 4PM TRANSDAYOFVISIBILITY.COM
March 29, 2025 at 8:12 PM
transequality.bsky.social
NYC — there's still time to join us for tomorrow's event at @hivemindbookstore.bsky.social, at 7pm EST.

Discussion features Nico Lang, Author of American Teenager;
@transrigo.bsky.social, Exec Dir of A4TE; Adam Eli, Activist and Author.

Grab your spot now: action.transequality.org/a/american-t...
Photo of the book American Teenager on the left hand side American Teenager and the Movement for Trans Lives Friday, March 28th | 7PM Hive Mind Books | Brooklyn, NY RSVP required Nico Lang, Author of American Teenager Rodrigo Heng-Lehtinen, Executive Director A4TE Adam Eli, Activist and Author
March 27, 2025 at 8:59 PM
transequality.bsky.social
Join us Saturday, April 5th at 10AM at the @lalgbtcenter.bsky.social as we meet for trans visibility, rights, and joy! The event is a large-scale rally to celebrate, empower, and advocate for transgender visibility and liberation.

RSVP here lalgbtcenter.org/TransLiberation
04.05.25 * Los Angeles LGBT Center * 10AM - 1PM Trans Liberation Now! Celebrate. * Empower. * Protect. A powerful Rally centering TGNBI+ joy while mobilizing against harmful legislation. In Partnership with Trans Latina Coalition, Advocates for Trans Equality, EQCA, and more!
March 27, 2025 at 1:15 PM
transequality.bsky.social
The conversation will:
- highlight the importance of the fight for the freedom
- offer insights into the challenges being faced by the trans community
- delve into key court cases, state-level legislation, and federal policies

streamyard.com/watch/TthfSN...
Holding Court: From Visibility to Victory — Defending Trans Rights ____ Shayna Medley (they/she), Senior Litigation Staff Attorney at Advocates for Trans Equality, and Meghann Burke (she/her), Executive Direcotr of the National WOmen's Soccer League Players Association, will join us to discuss the fight for authentic identity and the current state of trans rights in the U.S., including recent federal courts developements and updates on United States v. Skremetti. Wednesday, March 26 1PM ET Virtual
March 26, 2025 at 4:12 PM
transequality.bsky.social
Ahead of Trans Day of Visibility, join Alliance for Justice tomorrow for an important conversation on the state of trans rights and discussion on strategies for advocacy, legal intervention, and grassroots organizing to fight back against regressive policies.

RSVP: streamyard.com/watch/TthfSN...
March 25, 2025 at 2:28 PM
transequality.bsky.social
NYC: Join us this Friday, March 28th at 7PM for an important discussion on the state of the trans rights movement.

Hosted at @hivemindbookstore.bsky.social, the event features Nico Lang, @transrigo.bsky.social and Adam Eli in conversation.

RSVP now: action.transequality.org/a/american-t...
Photo of American Teenager book on the left hand side. American Teenager and the Movement for Trans Lives Friday, March 28 | 7 PM Hive Mind Books | Brooklyn, NY rsvp required Nico Lang Author of American Teenager Rodrigo Heng-Lehtinen Executive Director, A4TE Adam Eli, Activist and Author
March 24, 2025 at 7:31 PM
transequality.bsky.social
BREAKING: Trump signed an executive order that unlawfully attempts to dismantle the US Department of Education and pressure agency officials to violate the civil rights laws the agency is tasked with upholding.
March 20, 2025 at 10:35 PM