Black Trans Leadership Panel
In collaboration with FORGE, Dezjorn International is facilitating a panel discussion – “Black Trans/NB Panel: How to Lead at Any Level!” This online event will highlight Black Trans & Nonbinary leaders from across the country. The panel will cover a wide range of topics focused on BlackTrans leadership, what makes a great leader, and some challenges of being a leader. Additional content will focus on why diversity, equity, and inclusion are essential in any industry and what non-BlackTrans people and systems can do to promote conversations and change about social justice.
Moderator and Host:
Dezjorn Gauthier, Dezjorn International
Dezjorn Gauthier is the CEO of Dezjorn International LLC, a small business firm compiled of several subsidiaries jointly committed to helping clients reach their goals of branding, public relations, investing and global influence. He is also the founder of The DIF Inc, a nonprofit organization with a mission to educate, empower, and inspire people of marginalized communities to advance equality and equal opportunity. As well as Community Partner with FORGE. He is featured in the award winning documentary series “America In Transition” as well as features in The New York Times, Buzzfeed, Vogue and Vanity Fair. Dezjorn has also partnered with top companies like Adobe, Dell Technologies, Forbes, Verlo Mattress and Dollar Shave Club.
Panelists:
Renae Taylor (they/them/mx)
Renae Taylor (they/them/mx) is a 46-year-old Disabled Black Non-Binary Trans Organizer located in Memphis, Tennessee. Renae Taylor is originally from Tupelo, MS. They are HIV Educator and Activist associated with many HIV prevention organizations.They are also National Advisory Board Member of Positively Trans. Renae believes in the right to be Sex Positive and Reproductive Rights. Renae is seeking an Equitable Future for all Black and Brown people with multiple identities that intersect.
Alonda Talley (Queen/Mother/She/Her)
Alonda Talley (Queen/Mother/She/Her) is a powerful black trans woman who is an outstanding leader in her community. In 2017 became the Pennsylvania Chapter-Director for The Dezjorn International Foundation, Inc. She has survived police Brutality. This woman has learned how to take her trauma and made it work for her in many ways.
Dom Giovon (he/him)
Dom Giovon (he/him) is a jack of many trades beyond being an advocate for the trans community he is also a drag show director a lead trainer for group homes throughout the Midwest and he is a musical artist as well. He has dedicated his transition to being visible for those who can’t be.
Jacobi Gray (He/Him/His)
Jacobi Gray (He/Him/His) is Licensed and Ordained Christian Minister in Fort Worth, TX. He is the Founder and Chief Executive Servant of Born To Battle Ministries; An online-based unconventional, fully inclusive Prayer and Support Ministry. Born To Battle Ministries was formed foremost, to combat any/all false barriers placed on LGBTQIA+ folk in areas of Faith, Spirit & God, with focus on Grief, Loss, Mourning and Restoring Hope.
Amir Belt (He/Him)
Amir Belt (He/Him) is an energetic, bright, and passionate sixteen year-old from The GenderCool Project he is an aspiring barber, who enjoys helping others feel good about themselves by providing them with a fresh haircut. Addition to being a transgender youth advocate, he is also actively supporting the fight against cancer in honor of his mother.
Kodi Ernewein (they/them)
Kodi Ernewein (they/them) is a Neurodivergent Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). They received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Marquette University and a Master of Arts in Behavior Analysis from Lindenwood University. They aspire to provide the highest quality of service and accommodations to consumers and are passionate about autistic autonomy, authenticity, and masking reduction. They have worked closely with at-risk, LGBTQIAA+, and homeless youth and continue to pursue equal opportunities and accessibility for all marginalized individuals they work with.