#MergerMondays: NCTE+ TLDEF
This year marks a bold and hopeful chapter for the movement for trans rights. Two of the country’s most respected transgender advocacy organizations—the National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE) and the Transgender Legal Defense and Education Fund (TLDEF)—have joined forces to form a single, more powerful organization: Advocates for Trans Equality (A4TE).
The merger, finalized in October 2024, represents more than just operational alignment. It’s a strategic and values-driven move to combine NCTE’s policy expertise with TLDEF’s legal advocacy, ensuring that trans people across the U.S. have access to both systemic policy change and direct legal support. At a time when trans communities are facing increasing legislative and social attacks, this unified front sends a clear message: standing together isn’t symbolic—it’s revolutionary.
At the helm of A4TE are two seasoned advocates—Andrea “Andy” Hong Marra (CEO) and Rodrigo Heng-Lehtinen (Executive Director)—whose collaboration signals both continuity and transformation. Together, they bring decades of leadership rooted in lived experience, legal strategy, and a deep understanding of the challenges and triumphs that shape trans life in America. Their shared leadership is already setting a tone of focus, trust, and collaboration for what’s ahead.
A4TE now leads both policy reform efforts in Washington and direct legal services for individuals navigating discrimination, name changes, health care barriers, and more. It’s a model that bridges the courtroom and the Capitol, with a unified team standing behind those most impacted. In a landscape where the stakes keep rising, this merger shows what’s possible when organizations center community, clarity, and collective strength. This merger is a reimagining of what coordinated advocacy for trans rights can look like.
We’re cheering on this merger as one that strengthens the movement and fortifies the protections trans communities rely on to live fully and safely.
📖 Read more from https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2024/01/two-major-trans-rights-organizations-are-merging-to-fight-hate-with-double-the-power/
