During a March 30 ceremony at Rogers Park’s Mayne Stage, activists from across the country were recognized for their advocacy of the trans community. Among the honorees at the second annual Trans 100—cofounded by WeHappyTrans.com creator and Reader People Issue subject Jen Richards—ten were locals. Trans MMA pro Fallon Fox was one of them; here are the other nine.
T.J. Jourian
At Loyola University, where the 32-year-old also works as a teaching assistant, Jourian is pursuing his PhD in higher education with a vision for improving access and experience for trans students, staff, and faculty. To that end, he organizes awareness training and educational programming at the school and conducts research to advocate for policy and curriculum changes.
Z Jae Williams
Known as “Auntie Z” to her Lakeview clients, the 60-year-old created Youth Lounge, a twice-monthly “safe space” event at Broadway United Methodist Church that draws more than 60 people (90 percent LGBTQ; 55 percent homeless, according to the organization) for a meal, games, arts and crafts, and clothing giveaways.
