Cultivating the Future: A New Generation of Trans Leaders Rises

A Leader Forged in Necessity

Lily Rood, the first transgender woman class president at Mount Holyoke College, has always had a passion for leadership and LGBTQ+ advocacy. From door-knocking for political campaigns at 13 to leading her college class, Rood's trajectory seemed destined for greater things. But a search for established programs cultivating trans leadership revealed a glaring gap. Instead of accepting the void, Rood decided to create her own solution.

The Birth of a Movement: NTLCC

Recognizing the urgent need for trans representation, especially in a hostile political climate, Rood founded the National Transgender Leadership Conference Committee (NTLCC). Joined by other driven student advocates like Jay Jones, the first transgender student body president at Howard University, and Forest Cusolito, a seasoned LGBTQ+ activist from Smith College, Rood envisions NTLCC as a catalyst for change.

Their ambitious goal? To launch a summit this fall in Western Massachusetts for 30 young and early-career trans individuals, with a larger conference planned for 2026 or 2027, depending on fundraising efforts. The entirely student-led organization is a testament to their dedication, balancing demanding schoolwork and part-time jobs with their passion for building a national network of trans leaders.

Mentorship: The Power of Seeing Yourself Succeed

“If you've seen it, you can believe in yourself that you can do it," says Jones, NTLCC's executive vice president and director of partnerships. Jones emphasizes the importance of mentorship, a cornerstone of the NTLCC’s mission. She credits her own network of mentors for guiding her to become the first trans woman president at a historically Black college and university (HBCU).

NTLCC aims to provide that same crucial support, offering online programs focused on essential leadership skills: communication, networking, feedback acceptance, meeting facilitation, and organizing. They also plan to feature prominent trans keynote speakers at their events, sharing invaluable insights and inspiration.

Beyond Skills: Building Resilience in a Hostile World

Rood highlights the unique challenges trans leaders face, often needing deeper community-building skills than their cisgender counterparts, especially when navigating crises or media interactions. These skills, and the confidence to wield them, are vital in a world often hostile to trans identities.

Defiance in the Face of Adversity

“I just feel a sense of defiance," Rood shares, acknowledging the risks inherent in public advocacy. The hate messages, the vitriol, even the encouragement of such negativity from the highest office in the land – it's all fuel for her fire. "I'm not going to step back, I'm not going to hide.”

This sentiment is echoed by Cusolito: "They want us to give up...Giving up is just giving in to what they would want.” Cusolito sees trans leadership as an act of resistance, a beacon of hope in a landscape of despair, a way to build a better future.

More Than a Conference: A Fight for the Future

NTLCC is more than just conferences and workshops. It's a fight against erasure, a commitment to visibility, and a powerful declaration that trans voices will not be silenced. From writing letters to senators opposing anti-trans legislation to providing support and resources for aspiring leaders, NTLCC embodies the strength and resilience of the trans community.

"We won’t be safe if we’re silent, or if we speak out. So I’m going to keep speaking out,” declares Rood. And with the rise of NTLCC, a chorus of trans voices is rising with her, ready to lead, to inspire, and to shape a more inclusive future.