New national trans network formed; local on steering committee

A national network of state and local transgender advocacy groups -- dubbed the Trans Advocacy Network -- has been formed in order to build a stronger nationwide movement. Gunner Scott, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition (MTPC), will sit on the steering committee.

"The Trans Advocacy Network is an alliance of transgender organizations that work at the state and local level, coming together to build a stronger trans movement by facilitating the sharing of resources, best practices, and organizing strategies," the group's mission statement reads.

The Trans Advocacy Network will work with both well-established and newly formed advocacy groups, as well as support groups and college-based organizations. Goals for the network's flagship year include connecting state and local transgender advocacy groups across the country; including in the steering committee those who are not yet well-represented; starting a list-serve for transgender advocacy organizations; creating a more cohesive communication network; and creating guiding principles.

In addition to Scott, the steering committee consists of Masen Davis of the Transgender Law Center; Marisa Richmond of the Tennessee Transgender Political Coalition; Lisa Scheps of the Transgender Education Network of Texas; Sadie-Ryanne Baker of the DC Trans Coalition; and Shane Morgan of TransOhio.

The Trans Advocacy Network held its first meeting on July 10 in Nashville, Tenn.